Phenix Rods M1 MX72H Product Review

Rod Review

Phenix Adds to their Heavy Powered Arsenal : The M1 MX72H (continued)

Power: Another area of improvement from nano-technology is in the blank's strength and durability. While our MX72H really feels more like a medium heavy powered rod out on the water - and even tests to this in the lab - the lifting power of the M1 blank is something beyond ordinary. In our introduction video from last year, Vince Borges of Phenix Rods, dead lifted a five pound sack of weights with the very stick we're reviewing here, until the rod was vertical - the very definition of a high stick. The rod showed no ill effects and has fished just fine since the demonstration.

Fig 1: Phenix rates the MX72H as "Heavy" powered stick yet on our RoD Wrack, the rod behaved more like a traditional medium heavy.

Out on the water I'm not really one to swing fish into the boat, but you can just sense while fishing this stick that it has more "oomph" than other rods of similar weight and power. This is one area where this rod really shines.

Performance Ratings for Phenix M1 MX72H
Pitch (1-5)	Cast (1-5)	Sensitivity (1-5)	Hook Set (1-5)	Control (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	4	3	5	5	21	25	8.4

More proprietary components on this Phenix rod - how about their very own guides with SiC inserts and stainless steel frames?

Features: Aside from the afore mentioned nano-resin within the blank material, the MX72H features a split rear grip made mostly of EVA foam, proprietary SiC guides with stainless steel frames, Phenix's own split reel seat featuring a soft touch finish and an offset design which makes the task of palming your reel even easier, and an open ended hook keeper located on the blank between the split grips. There is no rod sleeve for the M1 series of rods.

Features Ratings for Phenix M1 MX72H
Grip (1-5)	Guides (1-5)	Reel Seat (1-5)	Hook Keeper (1-5)	Rod Sleeve (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	4	5	4	1	18	25	7.2

Design/Ergonomics: The rear handle of our MX72H is a nice, comfortable length. The contoured EVA grip is comfortable to hold and flows right into the off-set reel seat. Colors and graphics are a bit overdone for our taste but that seems to be the trend these days with a lot of manufacturers.

The graphics on this stick were a bit much for us.

Otherwise, the weight of this rod is really light for something of this power but of course, a light rod with a split rear grip is likely going to be a little tip heavy and unfortunately, the MX72H cannot escape this malady. On the plus side, it isn't anything excessive.

Design & Ergonomics Ratings for Phenix M1 MX72H
Grip (1-5)	Colors / Graphics (1-5)	Balance (1-5)	Weight (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	3	3	5	15	20	7.5

The trigger on these sticks feature a drilled hole most commonly used as a hook keeper on custom rods.

Application: Thanks to the unique feel of this rod, the MX72H actually makes an excellent Search For One candidate and can be used for a wide variety of applications from rip/jerkbaits to spinnerbaits to buzzbaits to jigs and soft plastics to walk the dog topwater baits and even some big baits. The only area I'd hesitate to use this stick is with crankbaits.

Bass Rod Application Ratings for Phenix M1 MX72H
Rip/Jerk (1-5)	Steady (1-5)	Lift & Drop (1-5)	Drag (1-5)	Twitch (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	4	5	5	4	22	25	8.8

The MX72H wracks out as a medium heavy, but it can handle heavy powered applications like punching this bass on the California Delta!

Ratings:

Phenix M1 MX72H Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	Relatively clean built but could use a little tightening up around the grip	7.89
Performance	A very good performing rod	8.4
Price	Nano Tech and SiC guides for under $200?!?	7.75
Features	Pretty standard array of features when all is said and done	7.2
Design (Ergonomics)	Comfortable rod to fish, but the graphics could be more subdued	7.5
Application	As versatile as a heavy powered stick can be	8.8
Total Score		7.92
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
+ You can just sense the strength and durability of this rod	- Just a bit more sensitivity would be nice
+ Nano tech blank, SiC guides, and custom reel seat for under $200	- QC could be stepped up around the handle assembly

The MX72H makes a wonderful spinnerbait and buzzbait stick.

Conclusion: Critical as we are of this rod's quality control, graphics and sensitivity, overall, the MX72H is a truly fun rod to fish with undeniable utility. If you fish a lot of tournaments from the back seat, or hike the banks in search of fish, this is a stick to consider. The strength and durability of MX72H together with its utility make this an excellent choice for situations where total care and respect for a rod's well being cannot be guaranteed.

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