Power: Up to this point in our tests the solid “Neo-Carbon” construction had yielded interesting results, but the benefits hadn’t yet translated into real world performance. That was all about to change when we conducted our power tests. To test the rod’s power we fished heavy metal in pursuit of big lingcod. The blank diameter on the C701M is only 10mm, and yet the rod felt strong and muscular as we dunked our 4oz test jigs. Once we had a fish on the rod arched aggressively but unlike many other rods we tested the rod bent in a smooth consistent arch spreading the load further down the spine of the rod. The backbone of this rod is amazingly robust, and landing 15lb+ Lingcod was easy, not once was the rod outmatched. But the real test came in the middle of our flounder tests.

While dragging swimbaits over sand bars we could catch Sandabs and varying sized Flounders. These fish were no match for the C701M as I could manhandle them up to the surface and into the boat. About two hours into the test I hooked into something I knew at once was no ordinary Flounder. Once I started lifting the rod bent to an extent I hadn’t witnessed before, and yet it never once felt like it would snap under the pressure. I wasn’t sure exactly what I had on but with the C701M’s help whatever was at the end of my line was coming up fighting. When we finally got sight of the fish we saw a huge flat shadow, a Halibut had taken my swimbait!

I positioned the fish and JIP tried to net it only to yell “hold on, its too big for the net!” Our rockfish net’s hoop was too small for the Halibut, and unfortunately at this point I had lifted the head of the fish out of the water while trying to get it into the net….big mistake! The fish freaked, and shook violently bouncing across the surface skittering over 10feet of water before it took the drag and dove back down. I should have lost that fish, but the combination of the Evolution C701M’s powerful backbone and the Daiwa Coastal’s smooth drag kept the Halibut hooked. I worked the fish back to the surface and this time JIP gaffed the 28lb Halibut. It was then and there that I was sold on the Evolution’s very capable loading power.

Durability: The power tests proved that the Evolution’s solid carbon design offered advantages to anglers in more rigorous fishing applications and this was echoed when it came to the durability. In the past solid design was once used in rod design, but was replaced with hollow blanks in an effort to reduce weight. While extremely sensitive the downside of today’s high modulus hollow rod blanks are that the tightly interwoven graphite can explode under acute pressure, especially if the surface is nicked. This isn’t a problem with the C701M which can shoulder shock and weight equally well throughout the solid blank.

Price & Applications: After all our tests we were pleased with the wide range of capabilities the C701M exhibited. While we feel like this rod is better suited for inshore fishing than bass fishing where a lighter rod helps reduce casting fatigue it is impressive that this rod can be used for both freshwater and saltwater species. It is when fishing heavier lures for bigger species that the Lipper Evolution C701M really shines. This is a fantastic rod for East Coast anglers to fish the magroves with, or West Coast anglers to use for targeting inshore species. I’d feel confident landing salmon or sturgeon on this slender rod, knowing the Evolution’s solid backbone can really step it up when push comes to shove. Anglers looking for a reliable rod with some unique characteristics will be more likely to consider the Lipper when they see the aggressive price tag on these rods. At only 119.95 this rod is a great value, especially if you enjoy fishing both fresh and saltwater species.

Ratings:

Pluses and Minuses:

Conclusion: This rod isn’t quite like any rod I have tested before, and the solid carbon construction does offer some noticeable benefits when it comes to power and durability. While the rod does weigh a bit more than a normal bass stick, the emphasis on the design is on power. The Evolution C701M is all muscle, and with the solid backbone this rod moves even big fish without fear of ever overstressing the blank. The Evolution’s design really shines when used in inshore saltwater applications, where the angler can really appreciate the smooth consistent performance the blank delivers. Lipper is bucking the trend with the release of the Evolution series of rods, but then sometimes change is a good thing. In the case of the C701M we praise Lipper for taking a chance, and jumping into the rod market with a solution that isn’t just a me too product. It looks like landing tools isn’t the only thing that Lipper is about anymore. If you are looking for an aggressively priced rod that can be used for anything from pulling snook and redfish out of the mangroves to hauling in a 30lb Halibut, the Evolution represents a great value for the multi-species angler.