Victory VTS73MXF

[Spankey]

When I retired at the end of May two of my coworkers bought me this rod as an out the door present. Nice rod I will say that. Have a 3000 series reel on it. Somewhat sealed Shimano. 
 

I have been using it as a Senko, shaky head and craw rod on the river for Smallies. Catching some fish but I have not used it exclusively to this point. Not sure what my opinion was. 
 

This rod is labeled as an XF, I feel it is a bit slower than that maybe fast at best but I’m fine with that. Flex being in the upper 1/3 if the rod. 
 

This weekend I had used it exclusively on the Lower Chesapeake Bay. I stayed within the specs of the rod. Fishing 8# SunLine Super Natural Mono, 5/16 & 3/8 jigs and 1/2 oz. Slip rigging blood worms.  No trolling with rod just drift fishing and Anchored fishing. Caught a mixed bag of fish, Speck Trout, White Perch, Flounder and Croakers. Could not get on any Rockfish. This set up would not have handled large Rockfish but thought we might have gotten on some smaller ones. 
 

Can’t kick too bad about the rod. 100+ fish caught on it. Love the sensitivity of it. Equal to maybe slightly better than my Avids. In that class for sure. I had a good time with it. But it is not the perfect fit for me. 
 

In my opinion the front forearm cork length is longer than I’d like it to be. Had to have a different hold point. Was easy enough to adjust to but was my biggest gripe with the rod. This could be a major factory concern with others.  It truly is too long because most guys using a standard grip at the reel seat and wanting to lay a finger on the rod blank will not be able to do this. Something to think about before blindly buying a Victory Rod. Not sure what the factory was thinking about with a longer than necessary fore end  cork grip. The EVA foam and back of reel seat is ok, all cork would be more to my liking, butt length and butt cork I do like. 

[Mobasser]

I don't own one, but have looked at them at a shop near home. Seem to be a great rod.

[WRB]

I own the Victory VTS73MXF rod and the victory spinning rod handles are what attracted me to buy them. 

The handle is the late Aaron Martens Megabass design allows you move your hand forward to perfectly balance the rod-reel combo and helps in landing bass in lieu of holding the rod blank.

73XMF is a finesse fast tip rod, if the OP wants a more power at the tip then 71MF may be a better choice.

Tom

Ps, weighs 3.5 oz!

[Spankey]

15 hours ago, Mobasser said:

I don't own one, but have looked at them at a shop near home. Seem to be a great rod.

 

12 hours ago, WRB said:

I own the Victory VTS73MXF rod and the victory spinning rod handles are what attracted me to buy them. 

The handle is the late Aaron Martens Megabass design allows you move your hand forward to perfectly balance the rod-reel combo and helps in landing bass in lieu of holding the rod blank.

73XMF is a finesse fast tip rod, if the OP wants a more power at the tip then 71MF may be a better choice.

Tom

Ps, weighs 3.5 oz!

Great rod it is. I love the length. Rod handle is easy enough to adjust to but if you are accustomed to finger on the blank and hand at the reel seat (many are) this post is just a heads up. It’s not gonna happen. The balance with the 3000 series Shimano on it is fine. No intentions of ditching the rod. Two long time coworkers gave it to me. For tidal brackish on the Big D & CB this will work out fine. Enjoyed jig fishing with it. 
 

I’m really trying to stress the reel seat grip and fore end cork length being as long as it is and using an index finger on the blank. If this means anything to anyone I’d go look at the rod first before buying it sight unseen or taking an opinion that it’s a St. Croix and being put up on some pedestal. I am a SC fanboy, this front cork fore end grip is not like that of Avids, Premiers, Mojo’s or even the Bass X rods. For what it’s worth go feel it before you but it. Bring your reel with you also. 

[WRB]

Just put your finger in the line, better feedback.

Tom

[Bluebasser86]

I have the 7' 3" H/XF casting Victory and really like it. Caught one of my biggest bass of the year on it last year which also happened to be the biggest bass I've ever caught on one of my homemade jigs.