Fenwick Rods

[Pikeman12]

Hey guys,

 

So I am going to be purchasing some new rods. I am looking to get at least 3 more, setting them up for specific baits(cranks,topwater,ect.) but I am looking to find and stick with a company. I remember my father's older 90s fenwick hmx, and how much I liked it. I was wondering how Fenwick rods are now. I see models such as the hmg,hmx, and silverhawk 2 which are in my price range currently, what is everyone's opinion on these models? My cousin was also suggesting Okuma rods. 

[Turkey sandwich]

Almost every manufacturer has something pretty good to offer in the $100 and up range now.  I've handled the HMX and HMG lines and they felt ok - basically what I would expect at their price point.  There are plenty of folks on here that really like them.  The Elite Tech lines are very popular with a lot of guys here, especially the now discontinued smallmouth series.  The Elite Tech is a good feeling $140 rod.  If I were to start a collection with Fenwick, and on a budget, this is likely where I would start.  

 

Where Fenwick really shines is with the Aetos line.  The blanks are excellent, the handles are quality cork (in the model I own, the new ones are EVA foam and cork, I believe) and feel comfortable (in my hands at least) and are easily my favorite sub $200 rod.  They retail around $180 or so, so a bit above what you're budgeting, but they can be had for significantly less when Fenwick updates the series every year or so.  I paid less than $100 for mine and absolutely love it.  If you're into fly fishing, the Aetos series fly rods can also be found pretty inexpensive and fish better than a lot of $400+ rods.  

[smalljaw67]

I'm a Fenwick fan!!! The thing with it is that I don't care for the HMX and they changed the SilverHawk which is exclusive to Cabela's so I can't comment on it. What I can tell you is the HMG line is really good for $99 but the handles and blanks are thinner than the old model HMG and not everyone cares for it. Turkey sandwich gave you a really good assessment, the discontinued Elite Tech Smallmouth rods were very good, I got a few of them and after fishing the spinning rod I actually gave my Grandson my old Loomis IMX rod as the Fenwick was superior in every aspect. The new Elite Tech bass line is very good when it comes to sensitivity and comfort but I don't like that they added weight to them to add power, but if you never used the smallmouth series the bass line is fine. I also agree with Turkey sandwich in that the Aetos line is really good, they are over your budget but if you keep your eyes open you may get lucky and find some discounted models on FFO (Fishermen's Factory Outlet). They have a ton of sensitivity and the actions, to me, are perfect along with the weight, I honestly believe if they had a Shimano or Daiwa logo on them they would retail well over $200 but that is just my take. If I had to get a rod below the HMG line I'd wait for Cabela's to have a sale on the Silver Hawk 2 rods and grab one, it looks as if the new version uses the HMG blank with Fuji Alconite guides and a Sea Guide reel seat, I'm not familiar with Sea Guide but I'm noticing other manufactures beginning to use their components so I wouldn't worry.

[new2BC4bass]

I am also a Fenwick fan.  Still have my first one...about 50 years old.  Will use it again if I need a rod for live nightwalkers.  Head over to TT and read their review of the HMG.  They tested the 7'2" M-MF, gave it a "Best Value Award" and found it more sensitive for bottom contact than expected.  I have not handled the new models so can't comment on the fit of the handle for my hands.

 

Smalljaw67 raved about the 6'6" MLM Aetos so I bought one even though I have gotten so I don't like a casting rod that short.  (Do like short spinning rods, tho.)  Absolutely love that rod.  $75 from FFO.  Right now FFO's rod selection is pretty thin.  Also the Aetos look super in sunlight. 

 

If you get a chance to buy a used Smallmouth 6'10" MF, 6'9" M-XF or 6'10" M-MF in good condition hop on it with alacrity.  You won't be disappointed.

[Puggz]

I have 4 and have no reason to replace any of them.

 

6'6" Med. Goldwing Spinning - Circa 1985 and still going strong. paired with an original Daiwa Whisker SS1300.  I don't really use it any longer but I'll never get rid of it.  I think the rod was $120 back in the day.  My first expensive combo.

 

6'3" elite tech smallmouth spinning. Great for shaky head, wacky, around docks, etc.

 

7'6" Aetos spinning ML, XF - my go to drop shot, neko rig, finesse setup.

 

8' elite tech muskie trolling.  Big a$$ glass trolling rod

 

 

[Pikeman12]

So I should be prettt happy using these for all my setups? Gonna be starting tournaments so gonna have a few on the boat all setup differently. I know it's weird I just want to stick with 1 brand and kind of stay loyal to it. The HmGs and elite tech look really nice though, same with the silver hawk2 but if the silver hawk isn't worth it and I should just save a little more I will. This is all spinning setups I need. 

[Mike L]

The only Fenwick rod I have and the only rod I use every outing is their Techna AV.

It's discontinued but when new it was their top of the line, and in my opinion the best rod Fenwick ever made. That opinion is shared by many.

You can find them on e bay if you look. Do yourself a favor and do some research on them. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[Turkey sandwich]

You would certainly do well with a number of Elite Techs and Aetos rods on your deck.  Seriously, spend the time looking and be patient if you aren't fishing a tournament next week.  The Aetos is really, really good, and while it's a great value at it's price point, when they update their lines, they sell for 50% off pretty regularly.  Worth noting, their actions tend to be a bit faster than they're rated, which is a big part of why they're such sensitive rods.  

[NYWayfarer]

I have lived and died by Fenwick Eagle's. Both spinning and casting rods. Dependable, strong, sensitive and price conscious. It's hard to ask anything more from a rod than the Eagle.

[LCG]

I have owned the eagle, hmx, and hmg. Sold the eagle and hmx, decent rods but not what I wanted ultimately. 

 

The hmg is a good rod. I have the 6'9" ml-f and use it for drop shot, neko, in line spinners, small crank baits, and jerkbaits. It's light, sensitive, and very comfortable. The only thing I would like more is an xf tip, but it still works well for my use. 

 

They fish a bit heavier than their power rating suggest. The ml feels like a weak medium power if that makes sense. 

 

I saw that they just updated the hmg with availability in September. But according to their website the 6'9" ml gained half an ounce in weight compared to the previous version. 

[Jar11591]

Don't have any experience with those models specifically, but I do primarily fish Fenwick rods. I use Elite Techs, Aetos, Eagles and the Methods travel rods. All are great rods at their price point. You can buy Fenwicks with confidence, they make great sticks. 

[craww]

Love my HMGs. Really nice actions and exceptionally tough blanks. No experience fishing them, but the new silverhawk 2's definetely feel like a step up after looking at them today. Never was impressed by them, mainly because of all the mod fast actions- but the new rods are crisper and very nice.

[Pikeman12]

How would you guys compare these against the Gloomis GL2? 

[Fishes in trees]

I'm a Fenwick fan.   My only experiences are with the HMG, Aetos and the discontinued Technica AV lines.  I like their warranties and customer service.

[Pikeman12]

I went to bass pro yesterday and they barely had any in stock. One of the employees told me they are discontinuing the HMG line. 1 more thing, anybody have any experience with Okuma rods? I have been trying to find some in the 100$ range and it seems like they aren't out there. I currently have a 30$ okuma celios MF and it is a great rod. 

[Raul]

17 hours ago, Pikeman12 said:

How would you guys compare these against the Gloomis GL2? 

 

I have several old style GL2s, a friend of mine has several HMGs, I would pick the old GL2 over the HMG everytime, not that the HMG is a bad rod, I like the old GL2; now a Techna AV vs old GL2 is not a fair comparison.

[LCG]

The HMG line is being updated so you can probably find a good sale on remaining stock. 

 

I like the HMG but I don't think it's fair to compare it to a rod of double the price. As with most things in life, you do get what you pay for. 

 

Just went fishing today with it in fact, felt everything from sunfish to small catfish to bass. HMG is a solid choice, but there are many other good rods in that price point. Just be careful in selecting the power and action as there is so much variation between brands. I usually judge it based on lure rating. Fenwick ml is about the same as most other brands m. 

[NorthernBasser]

My local Gander has a handful of the Elite Tech Bass rods on sale (closing). Regular $150 but marked down to 40% off.

 

I loved how it felt in my hands but wasn't sure on Fenwick's reputation nowadays. I know years ago they were rather popular. After reading this thread I'm mad I didn't pick one up. 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

4 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

My local Gander has a handful of the Elite Tech Bass rods on sale (closing). Regular $150 but marked down to 40% off.

 

I loved how it felt in my hands but wasn't sure on Fenwick's reputation nowadays. I know years ago they were rather popular. After reading this thread I'm mad I didn't pick one up. 

I owned the ETB 7'6" MH/F didnt think much of it. Even at 40% off wouldnt purchase it again. 

[QED]

Big fan of their older HMG Tennessee handled ultralight rods, but they stopped making those years ago.  For modern split grip rods, there are a bunch of better choices...