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Event Article:
2006 ICAST Rod Coverage |
ICAST Coverage Day 2 (Rods) - Perfectly matching reels in application,
balance, and style (continued)
Powell:
It seems like it was just yesterday that Powell jumped into the bass rod game,
actually it was one year ago at ICAST that they first introduced their new
series of rods. In the short span of a single year the company has successfully
introduced a complete lineup off bass rods to complement their already
exhaustive fly rod lineup. While Powell is new to many bassmen, the company has
actually been building fly rods since 1910!
Keith, Owner of Powell, showcases
his latest prototype
We met up with Keith Bryan,
owner and President of Powell rods. He was excited to reveal a number of new fly
rods, including combos for beginners that would retail for less than 150
dollars! This is for a rod that looks like a 200 dollar rod and a metal reel
with a real drag. Bringing quality and affordability together seems to be a
specialty of the brand and one of the reasons why the company's Max bass rods
have become so popular so quickly.
Powell has been building fly rods
for nearly a century, but in a single year their bass rods have exploded in
popularity
At $169-$199 a piece the Max
rods are an attractive product in the custom rod space, but as our own tests
show, they have what it takes to compete performance wise with rods costing
30-40% more. This year the lineup only grows with more casting versions that
make use of glass for that inimitable action that is perfect for working deeper
diving jerkbaits. In addition to the glass rods get ready for two swimbait
specific rods from Powell. These swimbait rods are specifically designed to
chuck the largest baits without having to worry about stressing your rod.....or
your arm for that matter. Stay tuned for more info on these rods soon.
New glass rods are on the way
But the big story at Powell is the company is
about half a year away from introducing a brand new series of rods positioned
above the Max series! While it is still early we were able to get some spy shots
to give you an indication that the best is indeed yet to come from this
manufacturer.
Spy shots of the prototype display
a more obvious graphite weave
We don't have a name, or even
a price point yet. What we do know is that these rods will use a even more
advanced version of Powell's "Maxumfiber" material. They will feature a more
complex graphic weave pattern for increased sensitivity and strength throughout
the rod. To combat uneven weight the rod will be integrated with a very
attractive Powell counter balance weight at the butt of the rod.
A counterbalance weight is marked
with the Powell brand
At the show we played with the prototypes and
found them to offer a very attractive action. When whipped back and forth the
rods recover extremely fast, and they appear very sensitive. What I like about
the rods in particular is that they do like the existing Powell rods, but souped
up. Imagine taking your Powell Max rod to a custom rod builder and asking them
to supercharge it...the result would look something quite like these prototypes.
The rods feel very light and
sensitive
The yet to be named series of rods
sport a custom rod look and feel...and that's a very good thing in this business
Half a year seems like a long
time away but leave it to Powell to try and bring that schedule in. No other rod
manufacturer has gained popularity in a new segment so quickly.
Next
Section: Lipper, Tools and Rods go hand in hand
