Phenix Maxim MAX-73MH Casting Rod Product Review

Rod Review

The Search For One : Phenix's Maxim Series 7'3" MH (continued)

Features: The MAX-73MH is an interesting stick. Its rear grip is made of EVA foam and features a split design, but the forward portion of the grip is actually the reel seat locking mechanism, and turns to push the rear portion of the reel seat forward to lock your reel in place. The reel seat itself is Phenix's own design and appears to be a split design, but on closer inspection, you can see Phenix installed an aluminum sleeve so you're not really touching the blank.

Phenix makes their own guides with SiC inserts too!

Guides on this stick are also proprietary to Phenix but instead of aluminum oxide, hardloy, titanium nitride or other similar inserts found on most budget rods, the MAX-73MH's inserts are SiC! The rod comes with an open ended hook keeper installed on the underside of the blank just above the reel seat and it does not come with a rod sleeve.

Features Ratings for Phenix Maxim MAX-73MH
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	5	4	4	1	18	25	7.2

The blank for the MAX-73MH is unsanded and finished with a very light gloss coat.

Design/Ergonomics: From the perspective of comfort, the MAX-73MH's grip is comfortable to hold although the reel seat trigger is at an odd angle - almost too straight down. Graphics are reserved and the colors are very retro in style with the whole white and black motif. The style of this stick is well executed.

Lab Results for Phenix Maxim MAX-73MH
Model	Avg RoD (2-32 oz)	Taper	Measured Weight (oz)	Balance Point (inches)	Balancing Torque (ftlbs)
Phenix Maxim MAX-73MH	2.38	Fast	4.2	7.5	0.2
MBR783C GLX2000	1.72	Fast	4.8	5	0.11
TSFO 26 Rod Avg	1.69	--	4.92	7.65	0.19

This open ended hook keeper is on the underside of the rod just above the reel seat.

Thanks to a minimalist design, the rod's weight is very respectable especially given the rod's length but of course, to achieve that light weight with a rod of this length, you sacrifice balance. The MAX-73MH is tip heavy.

Design & Ergonomics Ratings for Phenix Maxim MAX-73MH
Grip (1-5)	Colors / Graphics (1-5)	Balance (1-5)	Weight (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	5	3	4	16	20	8.0

Phenix drills a hole in the trigger. Why? Originally this design was done on custom rods as a hook keeper, but since one is already installed on the rod all we can do is scratch our heads.

Application: Perhaps medium is the new medium heavy and mod-fast is the new fast, but regardless of these semantics, the MAX-73MH scores high points in versatility. This rod is wonderful with rip baits, cranks, spinnerbaits, jigs, soft plastics and even topwaters. Searching for that one stick to do it all on a budget? You need to consider this rod.

Bass Rod Application Ratings for Phenix Maxim MAX-73MH
Rip/Jerk (1-5)	Steady (1-5)	Lift & Drop (1-5)	Drag (1-5)	Twitch (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5	4	4	5	5	23	25	9.2

With MAXIM, Phenix continues to shred the envelope.

Ratings:

Phenix Maxim MAX-73MH Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	Clean build but the blank is a bit off	8.95
Performance	Solid performer but more of a medium than medium heavy	8.0
Price	Great price especially considering the rod's components	9
Features	SiC guides ... enough said	7.2
Design (Ergonomics)	Light and comfortable if not a bit tip heavy	8.0
Application	Legitimate Search For One contender	9.2
Total Score		8.39
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
+ SiC Guides on a budget rod?	- Blank is not as crisp as it appears
+ Light overall weight	- Could be balanced better
+ Great entry level price

The MAX-73MH wins our Best Value Award!!!

Conclusion: The market is always hungry for budget level rods and while in today's world $119 might really be pushing it budget wise for some, this price point remains on the low end of the bass rod spectrum. Phenix has always been good at delivering value to the customer, but a rod at this price point featuring SiC is more than good value, it's shredding the envelope GREAT value! In fact, the MAX-73MH wins our BEST Value Award!

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