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Rod Review

 

Enigma Fishing's Search For One Candidate, the EAM73MB-M (continued)

Sensitivity: Unfortunately, as with our experience fishing the EAM610-DS-ML-S last year, the EAM73MB-M left me wanting for more in the sensitivity department. I didn't necessarily feel like I really missed any bites while testing the rod, but the stick did not inspire a lot of confidence in me to where I wasn't left wanting to reach for another stick in my arsenal to get more feel at the end of the line.


There's an open ended hook keeper located down past the rear grip.

Power: As a stick rated at medium power, the EAM73MB-M charts out very similarly to our baseline MBR843C GLX. The EAM73MB-M is just a hair lighter in power. This surprised me a bit as out on the water, the EAM73MB-M felt every bit what I'd expect from a "medium" powered rod both in casting and hook setting backbone.


Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Enigma Aaron's Edge EAM73MB-M against
our 2010 Search for One baseline sticks.

What I really enjoyed about this rod's power curve is it's soft enough to fish a wide variety of baits including jerkbaits, shallow and medium diving crankbaits, top water poppers and more. It's a true, all purpose type of medium powered rod.


American Tackle's Microwave guide system is a small but tangible advantage.

Design/Ergonomics: Another nice thing about this stick is it's relatively light at only four point four (4.4) ounces and well balanced with a balancing torque number of 0.19 - right in line with our TSFO average across twenty six (26) different sticks. The EVA grips are comfortable to fish with all day long though I still don't have any use for a foregrip on a rod like this. That eleven inch (11") rear handle length is very comfortable during two handed casts and while working baits back to the boat (the handle is short enough to where it doesn't jab into your side).

Lab Results for Enigma Aaron's Edge EAM73MB-M

Model
Avg RoD (2-32 oz)
Taper
Measured Weight (oz)
Balance Point (inches)
Balancing Torque (ftlbs)
Enigma Aaron's Edge EAM73MB-M
2.21
Fast
4.4
7.5
0.19
MBR783C GLX2000
1.72
Fast
4.8
5
0.11
TSFO 26 Rod Avg
1.69
--
4.92
7.65
0.19

The EAM73MB-M also features the controversial Fuji ACS reel seat that I personally enjoy fishing. The guide system is American Tackle's MicroWave guide system of which we are slowly becoming fans. That first stripper guide is where all the action happens and is also the source of disdain from many anglers because it looks funky.


Not a fan of the foregrip on a rod of this application, but at least this one is not very intrusive.

But remember that smooth casting action I talked about earlier? I've no doubt a lot of that has to do with this guide system and how that stripper guide serves to funnel the line as it comes off your reel through the remaining guides down the length of the rod. Sure that first guide looks funky, but I'll take function over form on a fishing rod if it really pans out in better performance. Then again, I'm a proponent of spiral wrapped casting rods while Zander still can't wrap his mind around the aesthetic - pun intended.


The split rear grip made of EVA foam is comfortable to fish.

Price & Applications: Like the previously reviewed spinning rod in Enigma's same lineup, the EAM73MB-M is not built and priced to break anyone's bank - quite the contrary. At only $199.99 retail, the Aaron's Edge rods remain an excellent value in a stick that's really fun and easy to cast The EAM73MB-M specifically is a really good stick for light duty cranking and medium to light duty fishing with soft plastics and jigs. Targeting fish on a rocky outcrop or submerged island in about fifteen (15) feet of water? This stick will suit you well.


Enigma's mantra - cast, catch, repeat.

Ratings:

Enigma Aaron's Edge EAM73MB-M Ratings (?/10)

Construction/Quality This stick is well appointed given its price point 8.5
Performance Could use a bit more sensitivity but if you use braided line or fluorocarbon, that will help 7.5
Price A really good price point on a stick with modest features 7.5
Features It's all about those American Tackle MicroWave guides - and they really do work 7.5
Design (Ergonomics) Not a fan of the rod's aesthetic, but I am a fan of how comfortable it is to fish 7
Application A very good, all purpose type medium powered rod 7.5

Total Score

7.58
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable!
For More Details of the updated rating system visit our explanation here

 

Pluses and Minuses:

Plus

Minus
+ Fun rod with which to cast - Aesthetic is not for everyone
+ Relatively light and well balanced - Could be at touch more sensitive
+ Comfortable to use  

 

Conclusion: An area I failed to touch upon in the body of this rod's review is the fact the blank is made with the advent of a nano-resin that helps to increase the rod's overall durability. We've seen this demonstrated with other brands where they will torque a rod well beyond its ratings to demonstrate how the high-tech resin helps to hold the blank together. This is one of the major design goals for Enigma - to build rods that not only perform but are durable because when tournament money is on the line, the last thing you want is a rod that's going to fail you as you're trying to catch your limit.

 


The EAM73MB-M is a fun rod with which to cast and pitch your baits.

 

I can understand and appreciate this perspective. It's not one I've ever concerned myself with because I usually take extra care to ensure my gear is either stored properly or sitting on deck securely for minimal banging around during transport, but if this is a concern of yours, then a rod featuring a blank rolled with a durability enhancing nano-resin is the way to go. For us, Enigma's Aaron's Edge EAM73MB-M is a fun rod with which to cast and pitch and is definitely worth checking out.

 

Looking for an Enigma Aaron's Edge EAM73MB-M? Try TackleWarehouse


 

   

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