Phenix or Loomis?

[ib_of_the_damned]

I'm looking into getting a finesse casting setup or maybe get into the whole BFS thing. I have been looking at both Phenix and G. Loomis for rods. The two rods that I am interested in are:

 

Phenix Bass Recon Elite 7'1" Light - 1/16 - 3/8

G. Loomis E6X 7'1" 852JWR Medium - 1/8 - 3/8

 

Which of these two rods do you think would serve the finesse purposes better? Anyone have experience with either? 

[Deeare]

I like g loomis but I haven't heard great things about the e6 line of rods.  Basically they are over priced.  

[dsqui]

If the e6x is ur price range u should take a long look at dobyns Sierra line lot of good rods to be had there and I have not heard one bad thing about them

[ib_of_the_damned]

 

7 minutes ago, dsqui said:

If the e6x is ur price range u should take a long look at dobyns Sierra line lot of good rods to be had there and I have not heard one bad thing about them

I'm willing to spend around $200 or less for a good finesse rod. I also prefer split grips.

[drew4779]

I had it narrowed down to Phoenix and the e6x myself a few months back.  I went with the e6x and am not overly impressed. Its not necessarily a bad rod, but fishes heavier than expected.  Having only fished the e6x, I wish I would've tried the Phenix instead...or took a look at major craft, which offer many bfs options.

[bigfruits]

i have fished the NRX 852 and old GLX 852 and i would not consider them BFS rods.

[dsqui]

7 hours ago, ib_of_the_damned said:

 

I'm willing to spend around $200 or less for a good finesse rod. I also prefer split grips.

What exactly r u trying to throw. Finesse cranks.and jigs or more weightless plastics.or do you want more of a do all rod.  Sorry I misread ur post u said finesse casting or bfs which is the same thing so you woyld be better suited jumping up to the champion series for a split grip which retail for 249 but can be found on flee bay right at ur budget.  Take a look at this rod  http://dobynsrods.com/rod/702c/

Another rod right around 149 on TW which can be found cheaper else where is the daiwa tatula line I've heard great things about these rods as well the model Ild look into would be the TAT701MLRB they call it a regular bend but after speaking with guys on this rod its more of a fast action then moderate.  Sorry to burst your bubble and give you more to choose from since you already had two picked out but seeing that e6x on there just left a bad taste in my mouth I have heard more bad then good about those rods

[PatrickKnight]

Phenix rods are VERY underrated imo. I just had the pleasure of fishing the light power Phenix Recon Elite 7'6" spinning rod (PHX-S762L) and it completely puts my Dobyns Sierra (SA 703SF) and my buddys E6X (802S JWR) to shame in every single way. I only use spinning rods so keep that in mind but from my fishing Recon > Sierra > E6X.

 

After having fished this rod to me it is the top of the $200 price point.

[kickerfish1]

I would look at something else besides those two but if I had to pick between them the Phenix Recon series is a touch slower in a action and will cast lighter baits a bit easier.

 

As noted above the 2 pieces JDM Majorcraft rods provide many options. Occasionally they come on various buy and sell forums and Ebay for well under $200. The attention to detail, styling, and coponents are 2nd to none at the price point.

[clh121787]

E6x rods are good rods. Good for the price with great accessories and that Loomis cork. But they are heavy. Literally. I wouldn't even consider one for bfs. 

[fishwizzard]

I have a Phenix Recon 2 BFS rod and I really like everything about it, other then the reel seat.  It cramps my hand after an hour or three.  But the rod fishes well, though the 1/16oz lower limit is a little optimistic, though 1/8oz casts just fine.  The sweep spot seems to be around 1/4oz total lure weight.  I think I like it enough that I am going to have a custom rod built on the same blank, but with a different reel seat.  I have also thought about having a spinning rod build on one as well.  

[WRB]

Just an observation, everyone of the responses regarding finesse spinning rods by comparing different length, power and action rods is an interesting read. What does the poster mean by heavy with the actual rod weight? Does heavy mean more power, faster action or weight? The $200 price point puts the rod into the higher end with high quality components and light weight as in under 3.5 oz for 7' Ml or L or 1 or 2 power spinning rod.

? For the OP; What type of line, # test, lure weights, rod lengths  (7'1") are used on BFS spinning rods? 

Tom

PS; Dobyns #530/671.1989, ask Gary!

 

[kickerfish1]

He is looking for finesse casting rods as noted in his first post...

[WRB]

5 hours ago, kickerfish1 said:

He is looking for finesse casting rods as noted in his first post...

 

Phenix PHX C712 would match the op's description, 2 power fast action, 7'1".

G. Loomis or Dobyns offer a 2 power bait casting rod, the Loomis being being closer to 2 1/2.  A custom rod builder like DVT could make a 2 power from a spinning rod blank that tend to be about 1/2 power less. Dobyns may have a DC702C in the shop at the op's price point.

Tom

BFS= baitcast finesse system, knew that just got carried away with a few of the spinning rod suggestions.

[buzzed bait]

you should buy this rod off of me:  https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/191944-major-craft-go-emotion-bfs-casting-rod-for-sale/

 

 

but seriously, the loomis 852 is not a BFS rod.  I have an 852NRX and it's a medium light rod, but not a light by any means.  You'd struggle to cast anything lighter than 1/8 on it.  

i had a phenix recon 2 either a 682 or 683, can't remember.  It was decent, but had nowhere near enough backbone to fish a lot of lures i intended to fish on it.

[Hulkster]

On Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 4:58 PM, clh121787 said:

E6x rods are good rods. Good for the price with great accessories and that Loomis cork. But they are heavy. Literally. I wouldn't even consider one for bfs.

 

I own the JWR852S E6X (1/8 oz to 3/8 oz)  and I find it to be a light and fantastic rod, feels great with a size 3000 stradic on it.

 

but I picked up the same rod in the heavier power (med heavy 3/16oz to 5/8 oz) and it feels way heavier and clunky. its like the med heavy E6X's feel more like a heavy power rod and are physically much heavier than their lighter cousins. I would imagine they are strong as hell though.

 

The same is probably true of the baitcasting versions. 852C is probably light and very nice, 853C is probably like a broomstick??

[ib_of_the_damned]

On 6/10/2017 at 2:03 AM, dsqui said:

What exactly r u trying to throw. Finesse cranks.and jigs or more weightless plastics.or do you want more of a do all rod.  Sorry I misread ur post u said finesse casting or bfs which is the same thing so you woyld be better suited jumping up to the champion series for a split grip which retail for 249 but can be found on flee bay right at ur budget.  Take a look at this rod  http://dobynsrods.com/rod/702c/

I'm not exactly sure yet what I would be throwing. But more than likely weightless plastics or small jigs. 

 

@WRB I would probably be using 6-10 lb flourocarbon, and tossing 1/2 oz or less.  

[WRB]

I am not trying to dodge your question, lure weight is a difficult yardstick to judge a rods ability to perform well with using weight alone. 1/2 oz jig cast differently than a 1/2 oz buzzbait for example do to the shape and wind resistance. The rods recommended lure weight range is another misleading rating along with power and action because of no standards exists and the mentioned lure shape affecting how a rod actually performs.

Example my jig-worm rods are 6'10" custom 5 and 6 power fast action baitcasting with lure rating of 3/8- 1 1/4 oz and I often use worms with 3/16 oz weight and 7/16 jigs, 10 lb FC line, making very long casts and the rods perform perfectly for me.

When the total lure weight in 1/8 oz or less then I use a spinning rod/reel the majority of the time. The BFS concept is interesting using size 50 reels and 2 power rods, but it is a niche application for bass anglers.

Tom

[ib_of_the_damned]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

I am not trying to dodge your question, lure weight is a difficult yardstick to judge a rods ability to perform well with using weight alone. 1/2 oz jig cast differently than a 1/2 oz buzzbait for example do to the shape and wind resistance. The rods recommended lure weight range is another misleading rating along with power and action because of no standards exists and the mentioned lure shape affecting how a rod actually performs.

Example my jig-worm rods are 6'10" custom 5 and 6 power fast action baitcasting with lure rating of 3/8- 1 1/4 oz and I often use worms with 3/16 oz weight and 7/16 jigs, 10 lb FC line, making very long casts and the rods perform perfectly for me.

When the total lure weight in 1/8 oz or less then I use a spinning rod/reel the majority of the time. The BFS concept is interesting using size 50 reels and 2 power rods, but it is a niche application for bass anglers.

Tom

You are not dodging at all. I was just toying with the idea of the BFS, as I think that system with smaller/lighter lures or soft plastics may be fun to fish at the local city park lakes. I feel that they need to be coerced to bite sometimes and I catch the most off a drop shot with Roboworms or Yum Warning Shots. 

 

Of the rods that are easily available, I thought the Phenix or E6X may fit the bill if I were to pull the trigger. But with some of the replies about the E6X, I'm leaning towards the Phenix.

[WRB]

Take a look at Major Craft Don Iovino finesse casting rod, it maybe what you are looking for.

Tom

Don's # 818/848.6180, he is located in Burbank.

[Hogsticker]

Those are 2 totally different blanks all together. The Phenix you listed is more like a true light. The Loomis is more of a medium imo. I would have gone with a Recon 683. It can cast down to 3/32 oz total weight with the right reel, yet still has some power to land good size fish. I'd take the Recon ahead of a MC Corzza, but behind an MS-X. 

[ib_of_the_damned]

29 minutes ago, Hogsticker said:

Those are 2 totally different blanks all together. The Phenix you listed is more like a true light. The Loomis is more of a medium imo. I would have gone with a Recon 683. It can cast down to 3/32 oz total weight with the right reel, yet still has some power to land good size fish. I'd take the Recon ahead of a MC Corzza, but behind an MS-X. 

I was going to pair the rod with a Tatula SV. I have heard that those reels can toss some pretty light weights. I doubt that I would be throwing anything less that 1/8 oz. I did stumble upon a *** OMN BLK 6'10" ML 1/8-3/8 that may fit the bill and is also $70 less than the Phenix. I do have 2 OMN BLK's and an NV that I like a lot.