Phenix K2 JX 713S Spinning Rod Product Review

Rod Review

Taking Another Spin with Phenix's K2

Date:	8/12/18
Tackle Type:	Rod
Manufacturer:	Phenix Rods
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 7.67 - GOOD

Introduction: Back in January of 2017, we took a look at a rare piece of equipment from Phenix Rods out of Southern California. Rare because this rod manufacturer is known for building sticks with an excellent value to performance ratio. Their K2 series of sticks, however, are all about high end. They feature a high end blank built with high end guides all with some high end styling. Well, once wasn't enough so earlier this year, we acquired another rod from this same series. Here's a look at the TX-713S spinning rod from Phenix's K2 series.

Phenix Rods K2 TX-713S Specifications
Material	Toray T46 Carbon
Length	7'-1"
Line Wt.	4-12lb
Lure Wt.	1/16-1/2oz
Pieces	One
Guides	9+tip (Fuji Ti/Torzite)
Rear Handle Length	8
Power Rating	Medium Light
Taper	Fast
Rod Weight	3.2oz
Origin	Made in China
MSRP	$550

Introducing Phenix's K2 TX-713S.

Impressions: Phenix's K2 TX-713S is a seven foot, one inch (7'-1") spinning rod made from Toray's T46 carbon material. It features a split rear grip made of EVA foam, a Fuji DNPS reel seat, Fuji titanium framed, Torzite guides, and decorative wood accent pieces throughout the grip. It is a minimal, but refined build worthy of a flagship product.

The TX0713S features a split rear grip.

Real World Tests: My original intent with this stick was to match it up with my Shimano Stella C3000MHG FJ, but when it finally arrived at my door, the rod was screaming for something all black, but high end. I chose my Evergreen International Opus-1 Nero. Supplied with a fresh spool of four pound (4lb) Seaguar Tatsu FC, it was a perfect pairing.

Phenix uses a name brand, Fuji DNPS reel seat for this stick.

Casting: I fished the TX-713S primarily as a drop shot rod but also with some small-ish swimbait bodies. The rod is specified as a fast action stick, but it feels more moderate to me than that, perhaps more of a medium fast. I say this because it's somewhat slow to load and unload during a cast and seems to perform best for me on sweeping casting motions rather than short and quick flicks of the wrist.

The top portion of the grip where it meets the blank is tapered for a more natural transition.

Sensitivity: This is the area where Phenix's K2 always shines. They are among the more sensitive blanks available and the TX-713S another build where this characteristic is allowed to shine.

I liked it more as a drop shot rod than a stick with the small-ish swimbait bodies, because it was fun just letting the bait soak and waiting for any tell tale sign that a fish has inhaled the bait. Sometimes, it's that distinctive "tick" you feel through the rod, but a lot of times, it's that ever so subtle change in tension in the line only discernible with the right rod. The TX-713S gets it right.

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