Phenix K2 JX 713S Spinning Rod Product Review

Rod Review

Taking Another Spin with Phenix's K2 (continued)

Power: Officially labeled as a medium-light stick from Phenix, the TX-713S felt a whole lot more like a light powered rod in my hands. It exhibits a good power curve that's actually very well suited for both drop shot and small swimbaits because of that more moderate taper.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Phenix Rods K2 TX-713S against our new baseline WTF rod, G.Loomis's 820DSR GLX.

In both applications, provided you're using a good sharp hook, all you really have to do is apply good pressure through the rod instead of snapping back for a hookset to hook the fish.

Checking out that taper.

Design & Ergonomics: Thanks to its minimal build and the use of Fuji titanium framed, Torzite guides, the TX-713S comes it at only three point two ounces (3.2oz). It almost floats in your hand it's so light which is part of the stick's attraction. The EVA grip is made with a small overall diameter and is tapered towards the blank at the top of the grip. This makes for a natural feeling and comfortable handle.

The TX-713S makes a wonderful stick for finesse applications but it can also handle more.

The only thing really missing on this stick is a hook keeper to help you stow your drop shot weight otherwise it even comes with a rod sock that's convenient for keeping your TX-713S dust free when not in use.

Lab Results for Phenix Rods K2 TX-713S
Model	Avg RoD (2-32 oz)	Taper	Measured Weight (oz)	Balance Point (inches)	Balancing Torque (ftlbs)
Phenix Rods K2 TX-713S	3.58	Fast	3.2	7.5	0.12
DSR820S GLX	3.02	Fast	3.9	8	0.15
SMR822-SP GLX	2.75	Fast	3.7	7.5	0.15

The reel seat locking mechanism is located below the reel.

Price & Applications: Now the bad news, Phenix has re-built their business offering very good performing sticks and reasonable prices. This changes with their flagship K2 series. Of course the flagship TX-713S is a very good performing stick, but the bad news is with its retail price of $550. It's almost as if the flag that's waving is its price tag.

We were a little surprised at the lack of a hook keeper on this stick.

The TX-713S is a very good choice in stick for finesse applications and smaller cranks or swimbaits. The rod's in-between taper makes it very versatile and opens it up for more than just a finesse baits. It'd probably be very well suited casting small spinners and spoons for trout as well. This is a multi-talented rod that is capable of crossing over applications and species.

Phenix uses name brand, Fuji, titanium framed guides with Torzite inserts.

Ratings:

Phenix Rods K2 TX-713S Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	Very nicely crafted stick	9
Performance	Very good sensitivity	8
Price	Flagship status for certain	6
Features	High end blank and guides	8
Design (Ergonomics)	Very light and well balanced too	8
Application	Versatile light powered stick	7
Total Score		7.67
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
+ Nice, sensitive stick.	- Lack of a hook keeper makes stowing drop shot weights awkward when moving from spot to spot
+ Top end components to compliment the top end blank.
+ Refined aesthetic

Thank you Phenix for building another quality stick.

Conclusion: It's fun to see a company normally associated with more value driven product, spread their wings and show off their full potential. That's what I feel Phenix is doing with their K2 series rods. While I think I enjoyed the TX-713C just a tad more and probably because it's a casting rod versus spinning, the TX-713S is a very nice stick in its own right. I just wish it came with a hook keeper so I had some way of securing my drop shot rig when Zander decided it was time to move to a different spot. Otherwise, the use of a top end blank, together with top end components, in a stealthy yet sophisticated build is a sure fire way to catch my attention. Thank you Phenix for building another quality stick.

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