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Revisiting Evergreen International's Temujin Crossfire Series of Rods : The TXFC-68MH Stallion
| Date: |
1/17/06 |
| Tackle type: |
Rod |
| Manufacturer: |
Evergreen International |
| Reviewer: |
Cal |
Total Score: 8.38
Introduction: In our 2006 SuperCast Shootout, a showdown between 4 exotic import rods, we introduced you to Evergreen International, arguably, Japan's #1 rod manufacturer in terms of popularity and volume of business. Evergreen's Temujin
Crossfire TXFC-66MR,
Steed, did not fare too well in the shootout, but only because the rod's action did not quite match our expectations, based on the manufacturer specifications. Today, we look at the Steed's big brother, the TXFC-68MH Stallion, a heavier action stick with a bit more versatility.
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Evergreen TXFC-68MH Stallion Specifications
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| Material |
Graphite |
| Length |
6'-8" |
| Length from Back of Reel Seat to Base |
9 inches |
| Line Wt. |
10 - 30lb Test |
| Lure Wt. |
5/16 - 1 oz |
| Pieces |
One |
| Guides |
9 + Tip (Fuji Ti framed SiC Guides) |
| Power Rating |
Medium Heavy |
| Taper |
Fast |
| Rod Weight |
4.9 oz |
| Manufacturing Country |
Japan |
| MSRP |
61,950 JPY (approximately $540 US) |
Impressions: There were no real surprises with the Stallion's cosmetics. All of the Evergreen Temujin Crossfire series rods feature the same look and components. While the feeling of the Steed, in hand, was light and crisp, the Stallion is obviously a much more stout rod and on initial impressions, the manufacturer specifications for this stick seem right in line with US rods sharing similar ratings.
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Introducing the Evergreen Temujin Crossfire TXFC-68MH, The Stallion.
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Lab Tests: To verify my initial impressions of the Stallion's stout nature, I set it up on our RoD WRACK for our typical barrage of tests. As it turns out, the Stallion shares characteristics of two different G.Loomis sticks, the MBR783C GLX and MBR844C GLX.
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Lab Results for Evergreen TXFC-68MH Stallion
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Model
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Avg RoD (2-32 oz)
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Rated Action
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Spine
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Measured Weight
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Balance Point
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| Evergreen TXFC-68MH |
1.61
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Fast
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Top
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4.9 oz
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8"
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| G.Loomis MBR783C GLX |
1.76
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Fast
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Bottom
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4.2 oz
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7 3/4"
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| G.Loomis MBR844C GLX |
1.47
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Fast
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Bottom
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4.7 oz
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10"
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Rate of Deflection (RoD): What we found was that, between the load rantes of 2 to 12 ounces, the Stallion behaved somewhat similar to our previously tested G.Loomis MBR844C GLX. Above that range, from about 12 to 32 ounces, the Stallion shared deflection characteristics with the MBR783C GLX. So, while initial impressions of the Stallion's somewhat stout nature were valid, when really under a serious load, the rod has a bit more
forgiveness than one might anticipate. The Stallion's tip progression was very similar
to that of our MBR844C GLX, so it is probably best described as a fast action rod with a medium heavy, to heavy power curve.
Spine, Weight, and Balance Point:
I found the spine of the Stallion to be on top, and it weighed in at 4.9 ounces with its balance point measuring about eight inches above the centerline of the reel seat. All very respectable numbers. The Stallion has a very good feel in hand.
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The Stallion's tip under load
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Though rated from 5/16 to 1 ounce, the Stallion can handle baits up to 2 ounces with little difficulty |
Real World Test: I fished the Stallion from late Spring through Summer and into Fall with a variety of reels and baits. It turns out, this is quite a versatile stick.
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Rigged and ready to go, our Evergreen Stallion matched with a modified Shimano Antares AR
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Complete Field Test Set-Up for Evergreen TXFC-68MH Stallion
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| Reel(s) |
Shimano Antares AR
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Daiwa Ringa 103HL
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Daiwa Alphas F
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| Line |
12lb Yozuri Hybrid
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20lb Sunline Shooter
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12lb Sugoi FC
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Pitching and Casting: From three-eighths ounce jigs, to half ounce spinnerbaits, to three-quarter ounce lipless cranks, to two ounce swimbaits, the Stallion can handle them all and handle them all very well. The variety of baits this rod can handle is quite astonishing. The tip of the Stallion, though seemingly very stout, loads very well and took little to no time for me to grow accustomed when casting - unlike the Steed reviewed earlier this year.
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Another look at our test combo
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Like other JDM sticks we've fished, Evergreen does not miss an opportunity for branding
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