Question for Daiwa Aird-X users-

[BrianMDTX]

I have two Daiwa Aird-X rods. One is a AIRX661MFB and the other is a AIRX701MHFB. I know power/action ratings are subjective and vary between manufacturers. I own two MHF and a MHMF rods from other manufacturers. Both of the MHF’s (Kistler and Falcon) are pretty similar. I’d say the Aird-X MHF is more akin to my MHMF (Dobyns). The MF Aird-X is not much different than the MHF. 
 

Do you find the power/action on Aird-X rods to normally be less than expected compared to other rods? 
 

Trust me, I’m not complaining. It’s a hard rod to beat for $49.99! 

[LCG]

I have two of the aird x 7' MH-F Casting rods and a Daiwa Rebellion 6'10 MH Regular action (moderate fast) casting rod. Side by side test shows the action is very similar. Power wise, compared to some others I have used, I would called it a light MH. 

 

Now all that being said, I absolutely love the Aird-X rods. They fit my hand very well and I really like the extended trigger. Mine are also two piece rods, and I find them to be plenty sensitive. Both are paired with Lew's Speed Spool LFS reels, one in 6.8 and the other in 8.3 gear ratios. The slower reel has 12lb YZH on it and the faster reel has Suffix 832 in 50lb. Makes for a great combination and covers everything I throw and everywhere I fish. 

 

Unfortunately, I think they are discontinued. I can't find them anywhere here in Ontario, Canada. Think the Tatula Xt may be its replacement, which looks nice as well. 

[MN Fisher]

The two Aird-X rods I still have in my rotation are a 701HFB and a 701MHFB.

 

Compared to my St Croix and Dobyns, I think the line/lure ratings on the Airds are a bit higher. a Dobyns 704C is listed as a 'Heavy', but it's stats are the same as the Aird-X Medium Heavy. The St Croixs are closer, but still a little off of the Airds.

 

Far as action - I rate my Aird MH/F as more of a MF-F - not quite as slow as a Mod-Fast, but a bit slower than a true Fast....reason I use it for spinners/chatters. The H/F does respond like a true F...it's my frog rod.

[BrianMDTX]

Yeah, I find that the MHF actually does well with squarebills (like my Fury 703CB). 
 

Like I mentioned, for a $49.99 rod, it hard to beat. Both of mine are paired with Black Max reels and were the first two baitcasters I bought after I got back into fishing. They don’t get used as much but I still use and like them. 
 

And they still catch bass! 

@LCG I just looked at Daiwa’s website and they still list Aird-X casting and spinning rods. 
 

I looked at some Canadian sites. Thorne Bros. has them in stock. Not sure if they are local to you. 

[MN Fisher]

14 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

I looked at some Canadian sites. Thorne Bros. has them in stock. Not sure if they are local to you. 

(snicker) Thorne Bros is local to me - they've been a Minneapolis institution for decades.

[BrianMDTX]

lol. I did look on proadvantage.ca and all the listed Aird-X rods show as “Coming Soon”.  

[MN Fisher]

5 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

lol. I did look on proadvantage.ca and all the listed Aird-X rods show as “Coming Soon”.  

A glance at their website and they have the following Aird-X in stock at $49.95

661MFB

661MHFB

701MHFB

701HFB

 

[BrianMDTX]

I gots two of the four! 😂

[LCG]

26 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

lol. I did look on proadvantage.ca and all the listed Aird-X rods show as “Coming Soon”.  

Yeah, it's odd. Everywhere I shop, cabelas, bass pro, sail, local shops, etc none of them have stock. Not sure why, just assumed with the Tatula lineup, maybe Daiwa was.phasing out the aird x. I sure hope not, but I've been looking at grabbing a backup rod just in case as I do like them and it's hard to find good two piece rods. 

[MN Fisher]

I don't think they'll phase it out in the near future, it's their only rod in that price range. The Tat-XT is twice the price and in a different class anyway, and the lower priced rods haven't had stellar reviews. The Aird-X is an anomaly, a budget rod that fishes way above it's price-point.

[BrianMDTX]

I like a good anomaly. It’s like Big Game. Cheap line that’s good. 
 

I think my next trip I may just bring both my Aird-X’s and Black Max’s and give ‘em both a good workout. The reel on the MFB is 10 lb. Big Game and the other is 12 lb. Yo Zuri Hybrid. Should be a hoot! 

[MediumMouthBass]

Ive heard this alot, and always wondered what people were talking about.

I have over 14 of these rods, spinning/casting, 2 piece, 1 piece, ML, M, MH, H.

All but the ML rods feel as stiff as a board.

 

Compared to my other Fast action rods they are either slightly less, feel the same, or stiffer.

 

Although what is very odd is my favorite and most used one, 7'3" MH has been my lipless crank rod mainly (but used for just about everything). Been ripping baits through grass, hauling in bass and weeds constantly. It changed its action after a few years.

I use 1 specific brand lipless more than anything, and when i lift the rod up it always had a certain feel. And the rod would only bend so much when doing so.

One day i thought maybe the hooks got stuck in too much grass so i brought it back in, well they were clean. It no longer felt the vibrations of the bait moving like it once did, and when looking at the rod tip while working the lure, it was more flimsy and much more of a bend to it. Compared to my other identical rods i was able to confirm it. It bends farther down the blank now, and when wiggling the rod it moves alot, and lost quite a bit of sensitivity.

 

You guys with the ones that feel like a moderate fast, where did you buy yours at? Maybe the date they were made or where they were sold have something to do with it.... I always here people saying theres feel like it but sadly none of mine do, except the one i maybe "broke in" after years of use. I would love to get an actual new moderate fast feeling Aird X for my other crankbaits.

 

 

3 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

I don't think they'll phase it out in the near future, it's their only rod in that price range. The Tat-XT is twice the price and in a different class anyway, and the lower priced rods haven't had stellar reviews. The Aird-X is an anomaly, a budget rod that fishes way above it's price-point.

 @LCG has a point, they are not stocking them as much anymore, DSG has 1 7'3" rod left in the whole country to ship online, only 1.... Midway is sold out with no back orders on casting rods, some companies that used to carry them i cant find them listed when i just searched. Seems like TW has them in stock though.

[MN Fisher]

30 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

You guys with the ones that feel like a moderate fast, where did you buy yours at? Maybe the date they were made or where they were sold have something to do with it.... I always here people saying theres feel like it but sadly none of mine do, except the one i maybe "broke in" after years of use. I would love to get an actual new moderate fast feeling Aird X for my other crankbaits.

My MH/F Aird-X was purchased at Fleet Farm about 6 years ago...

[BrianMDTX]

I bought mine local at Academy in 2020.