Molix Fioretto Essence MFE-C-73SB Product Review #molixfiorettorod #molixrod

Rod Review

The Surprising Fioretto Essence MFE-C-73SB from Molix

Date:	3/14/25
Tackle Type:	Rod
Manufacturer:	Molix
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 7.75 - GOOD

Introduction: With the number of brands competing for a spot on your rod rack, it can be difficult for a manufacturer to garner any attention. Case in point? It's been over ten years since we last saw a stick from Molix grace the pile of products to be reviewed here at TT HQ. The lone stick to receive that distinction (at least that I could locate in our archives) was their FSC-66M from the Fioretto product line back in 2014. Shortly after that review, Molix exited the USDM rod market.

It's been a bit since we've fished a rod from Molix

The Fioretto, however, is still being made and we were fortunate enough to acquire a current vintage with an increasingly popular spec in answer to the rising popularity of baits that skirt the line between conventional and big. Let's take a look Molix's Fioretto Essence MFE-C-73SB.

Molix Fioretto Essence MFE-C-73SB Specifications
Material	HM42 Graphite
Length	7'-3"
Line Wt.	12-25lb (20-50 braid)
Lure Wt.	10-60g / 3/8-2oz
Pieces	2 (separates at handle)
Guides	8+tip (Fuji Fazlite w/ CCSS frames)
Rear Handle Length	13.5"
Power Rating	Medium
Taper	Regular Fast (mod-fast)
Rod Weight	5.3oz
Origin	Made in China
MSRP	€219 (~$239)

Impressions: The MFE-C-73SB is a seven foot, three inch stick made from what they refer to as HM42 graphite. Molix builds the blank with what they refer to as HMSHM Technology. It is their method of cross layering layers of carbon to reinforce the blank against all the different stresses we often take for granted. The blank is then sanded and finished with satin-like sheen for a super clean, simple look.

Fioretto is still in production

It's a two-piece stick separating at the handle in the same way as many sticks designed for the Japanese market (JDM). The rod is outfitted with Fuji Fazlite guides featuring a new Corrosion Control finish over stainless steel frames. The rear handle has a split rear grip made of EVA foam, and a decorative locking mechanism over an "exclusive" exposed blank reel seat. I put that in quotes because I'm unclear if they mean exclusive as in proprietary or something else.

Molix's multi-layer HMSHM technology explained in a graphic

The subject of today's article, the MFE-C-73SB

Real World Tests: I paired the MFE-C-73SB with my current go-to workhorse reel, Abu Garcia's Revo5 SX. I've long been a fan of the manufacturer's IVCB brakes, a system that used to be reserved for only their higher end reels. Since they dropped them into the sub $200 Revo5 SX, and given the reel a nice, stealthy grey finish, it's been difficult to find reasons not to use mine. In this case, I chose the 8.1:1 retrieve ratio model and spooled it with Varivas Monster Si-X in PE #4.

The simple, yet interesting handle design

Casting: Real world, on the water tests, with the MFE-C-73SB were conducted early in 2025 just as the bass were waking from their cold winter slumber. As such, the majority of time I fished this stick it was either with a jig or my current vibrating jig of choice, a three quarter ounce Donkey Slayer that, when matched with a trailer and given the size of the bait's oversized blade, is probably closer to an ounce and a half in total weight.

Labeled as a swimbait rod, so what do I do? Of course, I start fishing a jig

The MFE-C-73SB is built with a regular-fast taper meaning it is slower than fast, but faster than moderate. It is an increasingly popular, multi-purpose spec and one that takes a little getting used to during a cast. This is because that soft tip loads very easily, but releases energy a little more slowly than I'm accustomed. The result, if swinging from the right side of my body, is I'd miss my targets to the right and vice versa if swinging from the left. An adjustment to release the spool a half second later than usual is all it took to get in synch with the MFE-C-73SB's casting rhythm.

A close look at the rod's reel seat and pairing with Abu Garcia's Revo5 SX

Sensitivity: Sticks with this type of taper make for excellent pitching rods making it a little easier to keep that bait inches off the surface for quiet presentations. I bring this up because in order to test the MFE-C-73SB's sensitivity, I tied on a thee eighths ounce jig and pitched tight to cover. Here, I was able to discern when my jig was caught in the weeds, around a submerged twig, or bouncing on hard rock. Granted, this stick is not hyper sensitive, nor is it likely intended for these type of techniques, but it's good to know it can handle the assignment if needed.

Next: A look at the Fioretto Essence's Power Ratings