Phenix Rods 2020 Maxim Spinning Rod MAXS-610L Product Review

Rod Review

Phenix Once Again Delivers on Maxim-um Value

Date:	4/14/20
Tackle Type:	Rod
Manufacturer:	Phenix Rods
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 7.92 + BEST VALUE AWARD

Introduction: One of Phenix's big introductions for 2019 was their new look and feel Maxim series rods. This is their ~$100 series bass rods built for exceptional value. Our first and only look at a Maxim stick was back in 2015 with their Search for One candidate, the MAX-73MH. Somehow, we never took a look at the spinning rod options in this series, but we're correcting that today with our look at the totally revamped MAXS-610L.

Phenix Rods Maxim MAXS-610L Specifications
Material	30-ton graphite w/ multi axis carbon fiber scrim & K-woven outer scrim
Length	6'-10"
Line Wt.	3-9lb
Lure Wt.	1/16-3/16oz
Pieces	One
Guides	8+tip SS/SiC Essex
Rear Handle Length	8.25
Power Rating	Light
Taper	Fast
Rod Weight	3.7oz
Origin	Made in China
MSRP	$109.00

Introducing the new look Phenix Maxim series

Impressions: Phenix's Maxim MAXS-610L is a six foot, ten inch (6'10") spinning rod built on a blank made from 30-ton graphite held together with a multi-axis carbon fiber inner scrim and a K-woven outer scrim. The rod's guide train features stainless steel frames with SiC inserts by Essex. Yes, that's SiC guides on a one hundred dollar rod!

The K-Woven outer scrim refers to this pattern on the blank

The series's new look is a stark departure from the black and white motif to a more new age camo design with an emerald green highlighted carbon weave at the base and camo patterned EVA foam grips (split rear, minimal foregrip). That K-woven outer scrim is revealed in the cross woven pattern on top two thirds of the blank that more resembles an "X" than a "K."

Paired with my Abu Garcia Revo-X spinning reel

Real World Tests: I paired this colorful rod with a more reserved, but equally value driven Abu Garcia RevoX spinning reel spooled with 20lb Berkley X9 braid and a leader of 6lb Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon.

The new look Maxim feature camo patterned grips

Casting: There's something about 6'-10" spinning rods and I that get along well. I have a habit of making a snap cast with my wrist when using a spinning rod. I point the rod tip at my target, then pull the rod back by flexing my wrist. When the rod is a little past vertical, I then snap it forward to launch my bait. I probably use my forearm too, but my point is, it's a very quick casting motion.

For a spinning rod to get on my good side, it has to load in this abbreviated, anti-flyrod casting motion, and fire on the forward snap. The MAXS-610L does so perfectly. I love casting this rod.

The rear grip is still split

Sensitivity: It's difficult to really expect much in terms of sensitivity with rods in this price range. Though this character of a rod is arguably the most important, there's little to distinguish one budget rod from another because there's little room to change the materials recipe in the rod's blank while delivering a budget friendly proposition. That being said, the MAXS-610L has the benefit of being a super light powered spinning rod. Most light powered spinning rods have good sensitivity simply because their tips are so responsive.

The foregrip doubles as the reel seat's locking mechanism

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