Quantum ExoTour EXTC726XF Casting Rod Product Review

Rod Review

The Surprising EXTC726XF EXO Tour from Quantum! (continued)

Power: The EXTC726XF charts our smack dab in the middle of our two baseline The Search For One rods and feels every bit the traditional "medium heavy" powered rod when out on the water. The rod's extra-fast taper sets up very quickly giving you good hook setting performance and excellent control over your catch as long as you're not trying to horse the fish in.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Quantum ExoTour EXTC726XF against our Search For One Baseline sticks.

Fishing down 20 - 25 feet dragging a football style Bass Patrol jig in search of smallies, sometimes all I had to do was simply keep pressure on the fish and that was enough to get a good enough set and land the fish. The extra-fast taper of the EXTC726XF together with its length can help make up for mistakes.

Performance Ratings for Quantum ExoTour EXTC726XF
Pitch (1-5)	Cast (1-5)	Sensitivity (1-5)	Hook Set (1-5)	Control (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	4	4	4	4	20	25	8.0

We like the open ended hook keeper, but not in this location.

Features: For the most part, it seems as though the micro-guide craze has died down. Most manufacturers have moved to a compromise with the minima sized guides (in between standard and micro). The EXTC726XF has true Fuji stainless steel framed, SiC micros. The rod's split rear grip is made of EVA foam and the reel seat is Fuji's split seat installed with no insert between the to halves exposing the rod's blank entirely. There is a hook keeper on the rear of the rod and no stock rod sleeve.

It's not an issue with single hooked baits, but imagine if this were a Vision 110? I'd invariably grab the rod - and bait - right at the handle and have a handful of hooks. I speak from experience with other rods.

Features Ratings for Quantum ExoTour EXTC726XF
Grip (1-5)	Guides (1-5)	Reel Seat (1-5)	Hook Keeper (1-5)	Rod Sleeve (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	4	4	4	1	17	25	6.8

Quantum is also using Fuji's new-ish split reel seat.

Design/Ergonomics: The EXTC726XF features the now common place split rear grip and no foregrip design. The EVA foam is comfortable but the hook keeper is in a precarious position if you decide to stow a treble hook bait. It's a position that can lead to accidents when grasping for your rod without thinking or looking at where you stowed your bait first - I speak from experience not on this rod, but other similarly configured sticks.

Lab Results for Quantum ExoTour EXTC726XF
Model	Avg RoD (2-32 oz)	Taper	Measured Weight (oz)	Balance Point (inches)	Balancing Torque (ftlbs)
Quantum ExoTour EXTC726XF	1.79	X-Fast	3.5	9	0.20
MBR783C GLX2000	1.72	Fast	4.8	5	0.11
TSFO 26 Rod Avg	1.69	--	4.92	7.65	0.19

The EXTC726XF has very tastefully executed red highlights throughout.

The rod is black overall with very tasteful red highlights and graphics that are not loud and obnoxious. The rod's weight is excellent for a stick of this length and power, but of course, excellent weight usually comes at a price, and the EXTC726XF is, as one would expect, a bit tip heavy

Design & Ergonomics Ratings for Quantum ExoTour EXTC726XF
Grip (1-5)	Colors / Graphics (1-5)	Balance (1-5)	Weight (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	4	3	5	16	20	8.0

The EXTC726XF matches up well with the Quantum TourMg too!

Application: The EXTC726XF's taper and balance all speak to a stick that is good for vertical presentations like jigs and soft plastics. Its sensitivity matches these applications as well. In a pinch, it'll serve as a decent rip bait rod and something for spinnerbaits, but crankbaits aren't a strong suit. This stick is best suited for single hook applications.

Bass Rod Application Ratings for Quantum ExoTour EXTC726XF
Rip/Jerk (1-5)	Steady (1-5)	Lift & Drop (1-5)	Drag (1-5)	Twitch (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	3	5	5	4	21	25	8.4

Ratings:

Quantum ExoTour EXTC726XF Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	A very well made stick	8.0
Performance	Surprisingly crisp and sensitive	8.0
Price	Good price for the level of components	7.5
Features	Hard to fault the use of Fuji SS/SiC guides!	6.8
Design (Ergonomics)	A comfy rod to fish	8.0
Application	Very good stick for single hook, vertical presentation techniques	8.4
Total Score		7.78
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
+ Really light stick for its power	- Just a little tip heavy
+ Crisp, sensitive blank
+ Top end components

Quantum has done a really nice job with their EXO lineup of reels, and after fishing the EXTC726XF, I'd add that their EXO rods are also a lot of fun to fish.

Conclusion: Quantum has done a really nice job with their EXO lineup of reels, and after fishing the EXTC726XF, I'd add that their EXO rods are also a lot of fun to fish. The combination of an EXO PT low profile baitcaster together with an EXO TOUR rod like the EXTC726XF is a really fun combo to fish. The rod is light with a crisp, sensitive blank and when paired with an EXO PT reel, just so very comfortable to cast and fish with all day. Top it off with the fact, Quantum didn't mess around with proprietary components, or off-brand guides. Nope, they went straight up Fuji for proven, reliable performance. If you get the chance to check one of these sticks out, do so. Better, yet, take the leap of faith and fish one. You might be as surprised as I was. Great job Quantum!

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