Fenwick

[MT523]

So I'm looking to get a 6'6" medium/fast spinning rod for walleye. Fenwick has 3 choices that I'm interested in: Eagle $60, HMX $80, HMG $100. I'm surprised to see the Eagle has a lure rating of 1/8-3/4 which makes it more versatile, and for the cheapest price. Anyone own or have an opinion on these rods?

[smalljaw67]

The Elite Tech Walleye is the rod you would want but if that is out of your price range I'd go with the HMG. I know a couple guys that use only high end rods that swear by the Elite Tech Walleye rods for fishing hair jigs and grubs, I was told the action is perfect for light wire hook but it has the backbone to deal with large fish. That said, I am a fan of Fenwick rods and the lowest model I like is the HMG, the handle is thinner than the previous model but it is also a touch lighter, if you are going with Fenwick and don't want to go past the $100 mark, the HMG is the way to go.

[MT523]

6 hours ago, smalljaw67 said:

The Elite Tech Walleye is the rod you would want but if that is out of your price range I'd go with the HMG. I know a couple guys that use only high end rods that swear by the Elite Tech Walleye rods for fishing hair jigs and grubs, I was told the action is perfect for light wire hook but it has the backbone to deal with large fish. That said, I am a fan of Fenwick rods and the lowest model I like is the HMG, the handle is thinner than the previous model but it is also a touch lighter, if you are going with Fenwick and don't want to go past the $100 mark, the HMG is the way to go.

Thanks for the help. You have definitely given me something to think about. I'd love to go with the HMG or Elite Tech Walleye, but the price of the Eagle and HMX are little more enticing right now. Decisions decisions...

[ww2farmer]

I have owned multiple rods, from all three series, spanning several generations of each series.

 

IMHO..........go straight to the HMG. My favorite HMX's were several versions ago, and each "newer" generation of them goes backwards. They just re-did them again, and I have yet to try one, but the last version of the HMX was terrible. Heavy un-balanced and generally awkward feeling.  If you want a rod that cost less than the $99 HMG, especially from a pure fishing brand, go with an Abu or Berkley.

 

You didn't ask, but here is how I rank the pure fishing rods at various price points:

 

$40-$60 .....Abu Vengeance > Berkley Lightning Rod Shock >Berkley Heritage > Fenwick Eagle > "regular" Berkley Lightning Rod

 

$60-$80.....Abu Vendetta > Berkley E-motion > Fenwick HMX

 

$80 -$100....Fenwick HMG > Abu Veritas

 

Over $100.............I skip pure fishing products and go to St Croix, or custom built.

 

 

[lmbfisherman]

The Eagle I own is a 2pc rod I use as a trunk or take on plane rod.  Sensitivity wasn't great, but it was good enough.  Of course I've only tested it on smaller salt water game fish.   I'd say if you are using it for moving baits you prob can get away with it.  It balanced well with my Curado 70 XG.  The rod is the 6'6" medium fast.

[fluna]

Fenwick HMG is an outstanding rod for the $100 range, I exchanged a St. Croix for and HMG rod. Felt better in my hands. Best thing to do is go to the tackle store place a reel on each rod. You will be able to choose easier that way. If you have a Bass Pro Shop near by they will be having their annual fishing classic soon and you can trade in any old rod and get a coupon towards new rod. $15.00 off that HMG.

 

[MT523]

Well I guess I'll go with the HMG. I was hoping the $40-$70 rods wouldn't be a big step down from the HMG, because I wanted to get the Pflueger President at the same time. I'll be patient

[MT523]

The only thing I keep thinking about is the 6'6" Eagle lure rating is 1/8-3/4, and that's the same for a 6' HMX, which is exactly what I need. Both medium/fast.

[LCG]

I have owned the eagle, hmx, and hmg models. I absolutely love the 6'9" ml fast hmg. I find the ml rating is closer to medium and the comfort of the tac cork is fantastic. I use it for mainly drop shotting but also very versatile for other presentations. The tip is soft and sensitive but plenty of backbone. 

 

I recently purchased the hmx 7ft medium fast for more stout applications like shakey head, wacky rig, Texas rigged, etc. I haven't fished with it yet,  it feels good but the hmg ml has raised the bar for me personally. 

 

The hmx is nicer than the eagle, had an eagle and returned it. Not for me personally. 

 

I am really debating getting an elite tech bass 6'10" ml xf. Best handle I have felt on any spinning reel hands down. Absolute grip, comfort, and lightweight. 

[RoLo]

In general, you'll find that the weight range of less expensive rods has greater latitude.

Among the brands you mentioned, I'd go with Fenwick HMG.

I'm a long-time fan of Fenwick, going back to my saltwater days when popular rod brands

were Browning, Harnell, Eagle Claw & St Croix (Today, St. Croix has become a household name)

 

Roger 

[Raul]

The HMG is a better rod, period.

[Angry John]

20 minutes ago, Lukeg said:

I have owned the eagle, hmx, and hmg models. I absolutely love the 6'9" ml fast hmg. I find the ml rating is closer to medium and the comfort of the tac cork is fantastic. I use it for mainly drop shotting but also very versatile for other presentations. The tip is soft and sensitive but plenty of backbone. 

 

I recently purchased the hmx 7ft medium fast for more stout applications like shakey head, wacky rig, Texas rigged, etc. I haven't fished with it yet,  it feels good but the hmg ml has raised the bar for me personally. 

 

The hmx is nicer than the eagle, had an eagle and returned it. Not for me personally. 

 

I am really debating getting an elite tech bass 6'10" ml xf. Best handle I have felt on any spinning reel hands down. Absolute grip, comfort, and lightweight. 

I have that ETB rod that your looking at and its a great rod.  Your right the handle and rod overall is wonderful.  I have had mine for quite some time and i had an issue where the epoxy holding the top reel seat screw to the blank failed.  I cleaned off the old stuff and re-epoxied the handle and i am back in business.  I own more than a few high end rods and this is my favorite spinning setup with my daiwa advantage 2000 spinning reel.

[MT523]

Alright HMG it is. By the way I'm really glad I asked, you all have so much info, I really appreciate the help. One more question, 1 piece vs. 2 piece... Is it just the fact you can break the rod down to fit in smaller spots with the 2 piece? At least on amazon the 1 piece is cheaper.

[Angry John]

One piece will be a better rod if you can move it without breakage.  There is no connection in the middle which causes a dead spot in the action.  Two piece rods are not bad just the single piece rods are considered more sensitive with a little better action.

[LCG]

I agree that one piece is ideal if you can do it. Between my son and accident prone wife, I prefer a two piece in a case for transportation and protection of equipment. 

 

Either way I think you will enjoy your new Hmg. Enjoy and good luck. 

[Robert Riley]

i like the hmg, weve had some hmgs on clearance for $70. At f&s.