Powell's new Diesel series were created with a great deal of input from their pro-staff to create a rod that delivers tournament caliber performance at a very aggressive price. These new rods are constructed on Powell's brand new D-Cell Multi-Matrix Matte material, which is designed to provide not only excellent sensitivity and light weight, but exceptional durability as well. 

All Diesel rods feature Powell’s exclusive new C-guide and reel seat, as well as a split EVA foam handle with no foregrip design. We are still learning more about the C-Guide's but can confirm that the material is intended to be on par with Alconite guides. The Diesel Rods feature a straightforward design with each model sporting a stealth matte charcoal blank, with black wraps, and contrasting red trim bands. It takes a second to get used to Powell's use of EVA grips, as the company typically employs cork, but the overall layout does look very clean.  

There will be four Diesel rods in the series and as you might expect they are general purpose rods that can address a wide range of applications.

So how much will the new rods retail for? Only seventy dollars each, but there is a catch... these rods will not carry any warranty. Yes you read that right, no warranty whatsoever.

Keith Bryan, president of Powell rods explains, “many rods on the market today will easily cost the consumer $80 or more to be replaced under warranty when the warranty fee, shipping costs, and packaging materials are factored in,” said Bryan.  “If breakage should occur, replacing a Diesel Rod will be faster and cost about the same, or even less money than going through a lengthy warranty process. Not offering a warranty also allowed us to really turn up the performance of this rod series to far exceed competitors' offerings in the same price category. If folks desire a warranty, the popular Max and Endurance rod lines are still covered.”

The new Diesel rods are designed to fuel the mainstream but will anglers be willing to forgo a warranty altogether to purchase a rod at such an aggressive price point? We haven't seen the actual rods in person yet but the initial product images look intriguing. Now it just remains to be seen how anglers will respond, and in the coming weeks they will get to vote with their pocketbooks.