Daiwa Aird-X 7' M/F Bait Cast Rod Users ?

[ChrisD46]

*Anyone have the above bait cast rod ? If so how would you describe the feel (i.e. true power and action rating , etc. ?) . Also , what techniques / set up are your favorites to use for this bait cast rod ?  ... This low cost Daiwa bait cast rod looks like it would be serviceable for techniques where absolute best sensitivity is not required  - your thoughts on the Aird-X 7' M/F ? 

[PhishLI]

I can't comment on that specific model. I have the 7' MH and my brother has two 7'3" MH and one 7'H. All 3 models run a tad lighter than their lure rating. Otherwise they're fantastic once you get a handle on which lures they'll load with. I've caught a ton of fish on mine in heavy cover without issue. Still as good as new.

 

At this moment I'm using my 7' mh with a Chronarch loaded with 30lb braid to throw weightless flukes into cover. It loads well with a Houdini Shad which is light for a 5" fluke. No problem chucking it for nice distance. Before the slime re-emerged I had a Fuego Ct mounted on it and threw 3/8-1/2oz Dark Sleepers.

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

I can't comment on that specific model. I have the 7' MH and my brother has two 7'3" MH and one 7'H. All 3 models run a tad lighter than their lure rating. Otherwise they're fantastic once you get a handle on which lures they'll load with. I've caught a ton of fish on mine in heavy cover without issue. Still as good as new.

Same here, but I DO have the 6'6" M/F in addition to the 7' MH/F and the 7' H/F as well as the 6'6" M/F Spinning.

 

I've been fairly impressed with my Aird-X rods...they handle and balance well. Two of my other rods would have been Aird-X if they came in a Moderate action and a third was because I wanted a longer UL rod than is available in that line.

 

I think they perform above their price-point and would seriously consider purchasing more if the need happened.

[PhishLI]

1 minute ago, MN Fisher said:

I've been fairly impressed with my Aird-X rods.

I agree. I could happily live with the entire lineup and wouldn't suffer in the least. One thing in particular that I like about mine is when I have the Fuego CT mounted on it the combination of that reel and the trigger/reel seat is super comfortable for my hand. Like a perfect pair of slippers. It jumps out at me when I haven't used it for a while.

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, PhishLI said:

I agree. I could happily live with the entire lineup and wouldn't suffer in the least. One thing in particular that I like about mine is when I have the Fuego CT mounted on it the combination of that reel and the trigger/reel seat is super comfortable for my hand. Like a perfect pair of slippers. It jumps out at me when I haven't used it for a while.

(snicker) My flip/pitch/bubba-shot rig is a Fuego CT on the 7' H/F Aird-X. I agree, it's like the two were made for each other.

[ChrisD46]

Good replies ! - It just so happens I have two Fuego CT's new in the box ready to be matched up to new rods  ... How would you rate the rod guides on the Air - X rods - do they have inserts ? Any reel seat complaints being weak or inadequate  ? ... Lastly ,  would you rate the power slightly less than rated and the action more like a moderate fast than a true fast ?  ... Thanks !

 

[MN Fisher]

4 minutes ago, ChrisD46 said:

How would you rate the rod guides on the Air - X rods - do they have inserts?

Not up to the standards of a Fuji Alconite, but yes - aluminum oxide inserts, and I haven't had issues with them even with 4-carrier braid (original Power Pro)

 

5 minutes ago, ChrisD46 said:

Any reel seat complaints being weak or inadequate?

I tighten mine down a fair bit, and the seat seems sturdy and strong.

 

6 minutes ago, ChrisD46 said:

Lastly,  would you rate the power slightly less than rated and the action more like a moderate fast than a true fast?

I think the power is pretty close - the action I'd rate as maybe a bit tighter than MF but not quite F, so FMF (Fast-Moderate-Fast) maybe...dunno.

[ChrisD46]

3 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Not up to the standards of a Fuji Alconite, but yes - aluminum oxide inserts, and I haven't had issues with them even with 4-carrier braid (original Power Pro)

 

I tighten mine down a fair bit, and the seat seems sturdy and strong.

 

I think the power is pretty close - the action I'd rate as maybe a bit tighter than MF but not quite F, so FMF (Fast-Moderate-Fast) maybe...dunno.

Thanks - very helpful !

[Born 2 fish]

I just ordered the 7’3 mh