Strange Rod Lure Ratings 3/8-1/2 ?

[mreservices]

I had a question for everyone. I am interested in purchasing a Phenix Redeye Spinning (BR3-S-720M) to use for business travels. I am looking for something that is more of a finesse rod. I called Phenix and spoke to them about the rod and they said it would be a great finesse rod and had a soft tip. However when I read the specs, it says the line rating is 6-12 and the lure rating is 3/8-1/2. I asked them about that as you are telling me that there is only a 1/8 difference in the rating which makes no sense to me. I know it doesn't matter if I throw something lighter, but it just doesn't make sense to me (or the guy at Phenix). He thought it was a typo on the website and went back and checked one of the rods and that's whats printed on it. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Or any experience with this rod?  I also placed this question on Tackle Tour with no response so I thought I would try here as well. I appreciate any input.

 

[lmbfisherman]

I would contact Phenix again to confirm.  That does seems odd.  Unfortunately I don't own this rod or any Phenix rods, but from the few reviews I've seen they are usually lighter than their power ratings.  However, the lure ratings were at least proper.

[CTBassin860]

Sounds like it is pretty specific to wacky and light T-Rigged plastics.I've never seen a lure rating that tight.

What is it considered? A Medium Fast?

ML F?

[bigturtle]

Fenwick has that kind of rating on certain rods as well, its probably an error, I dont know how you can make a rod with that kind of tolerance. 

[fishwizzard]

 I want to say one of the G Loomis rods from their spinnerbait lime has a similarly tight rating.  

[webertime]

I recall some Shimano rods with the same sort of range.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You can write anything you want on a rod. Many if not most rods are happiest in a small range like that in actual use. Likewise thevtidcin question will surely cast weights on either or both sides of the posted numbers. 

[KP Duty]

6 hours ago, Bunnielab said:

 I want to say one of the G Loomis rods from their spinnerbait lime has a similarly tight rating.  

I thought for sure he was talking about a loomis spinnerbait rod as well whrn I read the thread title.

[mreservices]

I checked again with Phenix and they can't give me an answer but tell me again that it is a "finesse" rod. It is a 7'2" Medium/Fast rod with a line weight of 6-12lb and lure rating is 3/8-1/2.  Regardless of the lure rating, if the tip is on the softer side as Phenix has indicated, should I be able to throw lighter weights without much issue?  I presume worst case I won't be able to have the same distance as a lighter rod.  Want a higher end/senstive travel rod that I can use Ned Rig, Neko Rig, Wacky Rig, Shakey Head, etc.  Will this rod suffice or should I look elsewhere.  I can get this one for $250 shipped.  The other option would be the GLoomis Escape, but now I am up to $350.  I just don't think I can justify an additional $100 for a travel rod.  I appreciate everyone's input.  Thank you.

[fishwizzard]

A "traditional" Ned rig weigh since right around 3/16oz.  So about half of the lower end of the rod's rating.  The other rigs you mention should all fall much closer to 3/8. It's bizarre and kinda troubling that no one at Phenix can give you a straight awnser about the rating, I would pass on it just for that.  I do have a Phenix finesse casting rod that I do like a lot, but it is marked 1/16 - 3/8.  

[RipHair]

Not sure if I should be replying to such an old there, but this particular blank came on my radar and also curious about this. @mreservices did you end up buying it and can comment? Or anyone else for that matter?

[Deleted account]

On 4/4/2017 at 10:41 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

You can write anything you want on a rod. 

Bravo! Author! Author!.... 

How much do Zombies weigh?...

[WRB]

2 or 3 piece rod? When you get into general use travel rods the lure rating only comes into play at the higher weight. Phenix CS told you it has a soft tip, I would be more concerned hook setting bass lures then the weight range.

Tom

[new2BC4bass]

On 1/1/2022 at 10:45 PM, RipHair said:

Not sure if I should be replying to such an old there, but this particular blank came on my radar and also curious about this. @mreservices did you end up buying it and can comment? Or anyone else for that matter?

Old threads get resurrected all the time.  Especially at this time of year.  I'd be interested in what the OP finally did...or found out.  I had a similar question with an Irod 703C MHF 6-12 lb. 3/16-3/8 oz.  This rating (both line and lure weight) seemed more like a ML than a MH so I contacted iRod via email.  I was assured it was in fact a MH able to handle lures a normal MH would handle.  I didn't ask, but assumed the weight range listed was for something like a jig, spinnerbait, etc. where the weight pertains only to the weight of the lead.  Can't recall what weight I used on the rod when I took it out for a test drive.  Probably a spinnerbait in the 3/8-1/2 oz. range.  (Listed, not actual weight).  And with 12# co-polymer line...my standard line weight for the majority of my MH rods.  Handled it fine.

 

As pointed out, Phenix rods have a reputation for fishing light.  I need no more rods, but may break down and get a Phenix Feather or possibly the new M1.