What can I expect from an xfast rod?

[Bass Rutten]

Basically I’m torn between getting the St croix victory marshall (fast) or the full contact finesse (xfast), both 7’3”. This rod will be used primarily for rigging various plastics with the most used rigs being the mojo and jika 90% of the time, likely using 30-40lb braid to leader. Of the many rods I’ve owned none have had an xfast taper and from the bit of reading I’ve done it seems the xfast rod is going to be overall less powerful with more tip but I’m not sure how, if that is even correct, it will translate to fishing these rigs. Are the two actions drastically different or am I overthinking this?

[T-Billy]

Personal preference. Gotta try em and decide for yourself. I prefer F over XF for everything but skipping. 

[Catt]

12 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

the xfast rod is going to be overall less powerful with more tip

 

All I use is X-Fast, to me I get into the "rod" faster. 

 

But it's personal preference!

[TNBankFishing]

13 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

Basically I’m torn between getting the St croix victory marshall (fast) or the full contact finesse (xfast), both 7’3”. This rod will be used primarily for rigging various plastics with the most used rigs being the mojo and jika 90% of the time, likely using 30-40lb braid to leader. Of the many rods I’ve owned none have had an xfast taper and from the bit of reading I’ve done it seems the xfast rod is going to be overall less powerful with more tip but I’m not sure how, if that is even correct, it will translate to fishing these rigs. Are the two actions drastically different or am I overthinking this?

I’ve owned a number of St. Croixs and from my experience the XF has always had a slightly softer tip that hits backbone sooner. Think GLoomis XF but a much softer tip. The Legend line (X, Elite, Xtreme) the 7’1 MHXF is my go to skipping and swim jig rod.  
 

Considering the rigs you’re running on this I think both will work great. If you want an overall stiffer rod go MHF, if you’d like the tip to pitch or skip go XF. 
 

Whichever you choose keep us posted. I’m always interested in new rods and I don’t have a St. a roux dealer near me. 

[WRB]

14 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

Basically I’m torn between getting the St croix victory marshall (fast) or the full contact finesse (xfast), both 7’3”. This rod will be used primarily for rigging various plastics with the most used rigs being the mojo and jika 90% of the time, likely using 30-40lb braid to leader. Of the many rods I’ve owned none have had an xfast taper and from the bit of reading I’ve done it seems the xfast rod is going to be overall less powerful with more tip but I’m not sure how, if that is even correct, it will translate to fishing these rigs. Are the two actions drastically different or am I overthinking this?

I looked at the Victory 7’3” specs and see a 1/4oz weight difference for MXF, everything being equal. The Victory 610 MLXF  has a noddle tip section the reason I exchanged it for 7’1” spinning MF that turns out to M+ power fast action. My guess is the 7’3” MXF has a softer tip with M+ power and the MF being closer to M power. I would call St Croix and discuss your preferences using braid before buying.

Tom

[Bass Rutten]

2 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

Considering the rigs you’re running on this I think both will work great. If you want an overall stiffer rod go MHF, if you’d like the tip to pitch or skip go XF. 

Very helpful info, thanks. The funny thing about these two rods is that the “finesse” rod is rated heavy and has a lower max lure weight rating than the mh/fast, talk about confusing. I did handle the marshall (mh/fast) in store a while back and it felt like your classic mh st croix taper. I think I’m actually going to try the full contact finesse w/xfast tip out of curiosity, perhaps that bit of tip may be better considering I’ll be using braid to medium wire hooks and smaller plastics. Thanks to everyone for commenting.

[Bass Rutten]

Picked up the 7'3" xfast full contact finesse and fished it over the last week. The blank itself I liked very much but the handle was one of the most uncomfortable I've ever used and was a deal breaker. The overall handle profile is very thin and the trigger is too short and straight, I just wasn't able to get a good purchase even with a super low profile reel which made it feel more tip heavy than it probably actually is and resulted in my hand cramping after a short while, wound up returning it. May try the new tournament series which looks to have a beefier handle.

[TNBankFishing]

Reel seats are the same between the two models, so I wouldn’t expect much change in that area. The materials and weight will be better, but the jury is out on the new rods. I’d give it a few months before people you trust put in the time. 
 

Just my 2 cents, wait a minute and skip over the tourney bass line. St. Croix often goes on sale from a number of retailers in the 10-20% range. I’ve picked up all of my (4) legends at 20% or better. 
 

I swear by the legend elite and x models and for $350 they are nearly impossible to beat. 15 year warranty and they are super light and responsive. I have a legend elite 7’ medium paired with an shimano alde and it fishes incredible. 
 

 

[Bass Rutten]

Actually my main workhorse is a 70mh legend elite, wished they made some of their 7'3" models in that line, the search continues...

[MickD]

On 4/1/2022 at 11:14 AM, TNBankFishing said:

XF has always had a slightly softer tip that hits backbone sooner

At the same power level this is definitely true, has to be.   Very good description of Xfast, IMHO.  At the lower power levels the tip can feel a little sloppy.  I really like longer rods in Xfast action.  They are very versatile, casting well a larger range of lure weights.