Power: The MFE-C-73SB carries with it a medium power rating. This is relative to big bait sticks. Otherwise, relative to rods intended for conventional use, it'd be considered a heavy powered stick. Taking it a step further, given the rod's taper, I can also see it as being used for a deep cranking rod where it would probably fall in the realm of medium heavy. Confused yet? What's important is this stick carries with it a good amount of power that translates to solid hooksets, yet it's forgiving enough through its length not to exert the kind of pressure on the fish that's going to rip the hook out - if played properly.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Molix Fioretto Essence MFE-C-73SB (red) against the historical averages of similarly powered rods we've tested over the past twenty plus years

Testing out that tip

This is why we're seeing a rise in popularity of this reg-fast or mod-fast taper. Rods with this rating still have good hooksetting power for jig style hooks, yet are also forgiving enough to absorb those last minute lunges at the boat and increase your landing ratios.

The MFE-C-73SB makes for an excellent Donkey Slayer stick

Design & Ergonomics: With regards to ergonomics, for the MFE-C-73SB, it's all about that rear handle. The fact it separates from the main part of the rod makes it easy to break down and transport in your car or smaller boat. The complimentary storage sleeve is made to store the rod in two pieces making it easier to tuck away in your tackle vault and less expensive to ship it. The only downside here is it does not break down small enough to make it convenient for travel.

Metal accents are a nice way to liven up a fishing rod

Molix adorns the MFE-C-73SB with just enough flare to keep things interesting

The rear handle is not a straight taper. There's a subtle flute at the back end. Nice little touches like this illustrate thoughtful design

Beyond those benefits, the measurement from the butt end of the handle to the back end of the reel seat, the true, useful data point for rear handle length, is thirteen and a half inches. This length is still short enough not to interfere with pitching presentations, yet just long enough for comfortable two handed casting with reasonably sized baits. The fact the rod is rated for baits only up to two ounces is right in line with the handle length. Molix has done a very good job exacting the proportions of this stick to make it flexible in the techniques and presentations you choose to employ.

The Fuji FazLite guides feature a new, Corrosion Control finish Fuji claims to be 7x more resistant to corrosion

The only thing missing on this stick is a decorative badge

Price & Applications: Now the difficult news. You might find it difficult to locate this stick at your favorite tackle outlet. Priced at 219 Euros (roughly $227), it can be found directly on Molix's website, but that means shipping from Italy which may or may not be a bad thing considering, again, the rod separates at the handle.

Conclusion: As more and more companies emerge in the crowded marketplace trying to garner your attention and cash for a spot in your arsenal, sometimes it pays to look towards trusted and established entities. Molix has a way of infusing their product with a certain carefree spirit, and they back up that playful "gioia di vivere" (joy of living) with product that performs.

If you're looking to infuse a little fun and passion into your time on the water, the MFE-C-73SB is a good place to begin

Their Fioretto Essence MFE-C-73SB isn't the fanciest, highly spec'd, or technically wondrous rod around, but it also is not a quickly thrown together, run of the mill, also ran. If you're looking to infuse a little fun and passion into your time on the water, the MFE-C-73SB is a good place to begin.

Looking for a Molix Fioretto Essence MFE-C-73SB?

Try Molix's Website