Fenwick Aetos Lure Rating- Incorrect?

[jhc1]

I've purchased two Aetos rods lately, both having the same listed weight rating. My 6"6 (2 piece), Medium Fast rod is listed on their site as 1/4-3/8, but the rod actually says "1/8-3/4"

Conversely, my 6'8", Medium Heavy, extra fast action rod also is listed as 1/4-3/8 on their site, and actually has that rating printed on it. This cannot be right, right? It's substantially beefier than the Medium rod, so I feel it has to be in error. 

[new2BC4bass]

I feel as you do.  The printed rating on the rod has to be wrong.  I have two 6'10" HF Quantum rods...a Superlite and Tour Edition.  Both have the same rating.  Would have to look, but I know the rating printed on the rod is way too light.  A fellow member verified what it should be.  Mistakes happen.  I stated in a recent post that I felt it should read 3/4, not 3/8 oz.

[jhc1]

I think your post was what prompted me to actually start this topic. Even 3/4 seems low to me- the Medium Aetos is 3/4, and I have a 7' HMG, also Medium Fast, that's 1/4-3/4. I'd hope a MH would be rated up to a higher amount than those two. 

[S. Sass]

Yesterday I was considering the Heavy 7'6" Aetos but the low 1 oz max lure rating had me asking the similar question. So I asked them if it was a error since their HMG heavy rod was more and other similar rods as well. Here is exactly the response I got today from them. 

Thank you for contacting Fenwick and your continued interest and loyalty to our brand.  That is the correct lure rating for that rod and yes it is lighter than some other heavy rods.  The power for one design of rod does not always reflect the same sensitivity, feel, and strength of another design of rod.  If you have any further questions feel free to contact us again.

 

Thank you,

 

Fenwick Customer Service

Jr  

[jhc1]

Interesting. 1oz is at least somewhat understandable, but 3/8oz for a MH rod is totally unreasonable, wouldn't you say? 

[OkobojiEagle]

How about fishing the rod with lure weights that "feel right" with it...

 

oe

[S. Sass]

1 hour ago, jhc1 said:

Interesting. 1oz is at least somewhat understandable, but 3/8oz for a MH rod is totally unreasonable, wouldn't you say? 

I don't think it's totally unreasonable but yes I believe it is on the light side as well.

38 minutes ago, OkobojiEagle said:

How about fishing the rod with lure weights that "feel right" with it...

 

oe

Well that is fine until you snap a tip off your rod. I have never done this but I have read of this happening enough to believe using the recommended specs from the manufacturer would be wise.

Also when looking to purchase that is when you typically buy the correct tool for the job. 

Shopping online doesn't always allow for a hands on casting practice session at the lake so it is important that the specs be correct in the ad.

[new2BC4bass]

As I said, if the rod's true rating is 1/4-38 oz. then it is not a candidate for an all around rod.  Weight is too limited.  My Medium Falcons are all rated 1/4-1/2 oz.  I consider this a bit narrow, but feel the rating on these rods to very close afaic.  I have used a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait on them, but much prefer a MH rod for that weight.

[timsford]

I have that rod and I use weights from 1/4-1 oz comfortably. All the other Fenwick rods I have that are mh have a 3/8-1 oz rating

[jhc1]

55 minutes ago, timsford said:

I have that rod and I use weights from 1/4-1 oz comfortably. All the other Fenwick rods I have that are mh have a 3/8-1 oz rating

This is what I was hoping for. Thank you!

[timsford]

I feel the weight ranges are off on a lot of their rods, but other than that, I love them and have no issues. As stated all the mh rods handle 3/8-1 oz fine and most handle 1/4 oz fine, especially in cover. The medium rods feel best with 1/4-5/8, but I've use as low as 1/8 and as high as 3/4 comfortably.  The medium on the old smallmouth models and most of their spinning rods handle 1/8-1/2 great but the 3/4 oz high end is too high on the medium spinning rods. I have a 7'6" heavy rod as well and it feels best with 1/2-1 oz but I've thrown 1 1/2 with no issues. The newest elite tech bass are a little stiffer than the aetos or smallmouth series and a ml feels like the old smallmouth medium. Hope this helps anyone interested in these rods. I own several and they are awesome rods with a very nice clean build

[MassYak85]

On 8/23/2016 at 0:53 PM, jhc1 said:

Interesting. 1oz is at least somewhat understandable, but 3/8oz for a MH rod is totally unreasonable, wouldn't you say? 

Some MH's START at 3/8, so yea. That being the max is totally off. 

[WIGuide]

Definitely a mistake of some sort. They do happen though. Just look at the Quantum line of rods developed for the Linders before they switched to St. Croix. They were marketed as "technique specific" rods....none of them listed a technique though so figure that one out.

[S. Sass]

8 minutes ago, WIGuide said:

none of them listed a technique though

Guess they assumed professionals would just know exactly what was best for what. 

[new2BC4bass]

6 hours ago, timsford said:

I feel the weight ranges are off on a lot of their rods, but other than that, I love them and have no issues. As stated all the mh rods handle 3/8-1 oz fine and most handle 1/4 oz fine, especially in cover. The medium rods feel best with 1/4-5/8, but I've use as low as 1/8 and as high as 3/4 comfortably.  The medium on the old smallmouth models and most of their spinning rods handle 1/8-1/2 great but the 3/4 oz high end is too high on the medium spinning rods. I have a 7'6" heavy rod as well and it feels best with 1/2-1 oz but I've thrown 1 1/2 with no issues. The newest elite tech bass are a little stiffer than the aetos or smallmouth series and a ml feels like the old smallmouth medium. Hope this helps anyone interested in these rods. I own several and they are awesome rods with a very nice clean build

Good to know.  Thanks.  My 6'10" HF Quantums are rated 1/4-5/8 oz. (a Medium power rod rating).  Smalljaw67 let me know the correct rating was 3/8 to either 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 oz.  I think it was the latter.  Anyway I have a 1/2 oz. jig and trailer on it...so around 5/8 -11/16 oz.?  Casts like a champ.