Under normal loads the tip of this
rod is able to react more nimbly than most swimbait rods
Price & Applications:
There are two new swimbait rods in the Powell Max series, and both are identical
in length, but differ in power and action. The 711MH is rated for baits 2-5oz
while the 711H we tested is designed to handle baits 5-8oz in weight.
The 711H features subtle
transitions from grip to blank
While the 711H has a
Mod-Fast rating we found it fast enough to fish baits under 5oz in weight, so if
you believe that you will toss any baits larger than 5oz in weight then you will
want to opt for the 711H rod we tested. This heavy model can even be used in a
number of inshore saltwater applications as well.
The rods are
outfitted with Fuji hardware
Both rods retail for 199.00
which is a reasonable price for a powerfully built rod of this quality and
custom feel. As with all Powell rods you can fish with confidence, as each rod
comes with an “Unconditional Original Owner Lifetime Warranty.”
Smaller
swimbaits like the Rago Raptor stay on the guide feet much better
This
warranty is limited to repair and replacement of the rod and does not cover
direct, indirect, consequential, incidental or any other type of damage
resulting from the use of the product. If you are worried about breaking your
rod with those big baits your not going to focus on fishing. Under normal use
this warranty should inspire confidence in anglers to whip those big baits
without fear.
The 711H under heavy load testing
|
Powell
SB711H
Swimbait
Rod
Ratings (?/10) |
| Construction/Quality |
Every Powell rod we have tested thus far has been built with quality
construction and materials, the 711H is no different |
9 |
| Performance |
The
711H performed well in all our tests other than extreme sensitivity...but
that makes absolute sense for a rod that is built for power. The tip on this
rod is fantastic for fishing a wide range of swimbaits, even those rated
under its spec |
9 |
| Price |
At
199 dollars the Powell falls right in the middle of the swimbait rod prices.
There are cheaper rods, but few that offer the same features and custom rod
feel |
9 |
| Features |
The
711H has a number of nice features including the split grip, quality guides,
and premium grade cork. The one thing it is missing that some anglers may
want is a oversized hook hanger...not every angler is willing to hang those
big baits on their guide feet or expensive reels |
8.5 |
| Design
(Ergonomics) |
Ergonomics on this rod are also very good. The rod is surprisingly balanced
for such a long rod, and the cork grips are great for single and double
handed casts |
9 |
| Application |
We
scored the 711H high in application because of the rod's amazing range. It
can be used to toss small and large swimbaits and even pull double duty as a
inshore saltwater stick |
9.5 |
|
Total Score |
9.00 |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus
Minus |
| J
Fantastic lively tip for a swimbait rod |
L
Some anglers will still want a hookhanger |
| J
Good weight, Well balanced |
|
| J
Can fish a wide range of bait sizes and
weights |
|
| J
Multiple applications...can even be used
for saltwater |
|
| J
Reasonable price |
|
Fishing swimbaits may not always
catch you numbers, but it can catch you quality fish... and the Powell 711H
makes it easy to toss even the biggest baits
Conclusion: Powell may
have joined the bass party just recently, but judging from sticks like the 711H
you would never know it. The 711H is a finely crafted rod, one that comes with a
reasonable price tag, yet manages to maintain a custom rod look and feel. The
split grip on this rod is well executed and the rod is surprisingly balanced for
such a long rod once a round reel is bolted on. Keith Bryan, the President of
Powell is all about bringing more application specific rods to market now that
the MAX series has rods that cover all the main applications, and judging from
what has been done on the swimbait side, the company is doing right by
it's respectable brand. If slinging big swimbaits is a preferred technique of yours
then the Powell 711H is certainly a quality rod that is more than up to the
challenge. So flexible are the capabilities of this particular rod that you will
definitely see it again in upcoming tests of
upcoming new supersized swimbaits!
