Cabelas XML Rods

[tallen316]

Are these rods a good choice? I was looking at getting a spinning rod for fishing plastics. They have a great sale on the Cabelas site right now so I was thinking about picking one up. Any thoughts??

[rubba bubba]

Yes.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1245863950

[tritz18]

I have the casting version of these rods and its very good. Have had it for 2 years and have fished everything from plastics to crankbaits on it. Very good rod for the price

[OIFBasser]

Buy it! Buy it now! Great rod for dirt cheap = good deal.

[DINK WHISPERER]

Not my cup of tea personally but for the $ they are great!

Muddy should be here any minute now...................................

[Muddy]

I only use the Fish Eagle II's I dont have experience with these. Fished em a couple of times, never owned one so I can't say

[Jeff H]

I like the one I have.  I have fished it and caught enough fish on it now that I think I can review it.

likes:

black with gold always looks good

Alconite guides are what I like on my rods

plenty sensitive

good craftsmanship/build quality

dislikes:

slightly heavy

balance could be better

not a fan of add-a-weight balance systems

I think mine is worth the $70 I paid for it.  I would not pay the $140 retail price for this rod, not when I can get a Crucial for near the same price. The ultra cheap sale prices make it a real good buy though and the 25 yr warranty is nice!

[ChiCityBasser]

I like the one I have. I have fished it and caught enough fish on it now that I think I can review it.

likes:

black with gold always looks good

Alconite guides are what I like on my rods

plenty sensitive

good craftsmanship/build quality

dislikes:

slightly heavy

balance could be better

not a fan of add-a-weight balance systems

I think mine is worth the $70 I paid for it. I would not pay the $140 retail price for this rod, not when I can get a Crucial for near the same price. The ultra cheap sale prices make it a real good buy though and the 25 yr warranty is nice!

I have 6 of the XML's 5 spinning and 1 casting and they are great rods and even better at the sale price. I haven't paid full price for any of my XML rods either but think they are worth it for the quality and sensitivity. As far as the weight issues since they are really the only rods I use I can't say they are heavy to me but I agree with the rest of the review.

[tallen316]

Do either of you have a preference of 1 pc or the 2 pc XML's?

[ChiCityBasser]

Do either of you have a preference of 1 pc or the 2 pc XML's?

I have both the 1pc and 2 pc XML rods in both casting and spinning.

[Lucky Craft Man]

Here is a list of the XML Rods I own and use:

C704-2 - I used for Small Swimbaits, Frogs, and Heavy Jigs

C704-1 - I use for Carolina Rigs and Pitching in Heavy Cover

C702-1 - I use for Tubes, Plastics, and Soft Jerkbaits

C702-2 - I use for Weightless Worms and Plastics

C703-2 - I use for Crankbaits and Rattle Traps

C663X-2 - I use for Jerkbaits and Shallow Crankbaits

C663X-2 - I use for Spinnerbaits and Topwater

C562-1 - I use for Casting Lures in Tight Areas

XCLS704-2A - I use for Shakyheads and Small Jerkbaits

XCLS704-2A - I use for Dropshots

XCLS705-2A - I use for Lighter Plastics in Heavy Cover

XCLS904-2A - I use for Steelhead

As you can see, I have a lot of these rods in 2-pieces. I mainly use these rods as my "travel" set (My G Loomis rods are my starting line-up), which is why I mostly have two piece rods. Though, I don't notice a big different in sensitivity between the one piece and the two piece. So, whatever is more convenient for you, I would get. As mentioned above by Jeff H, the only downside could be that they are a little bit tip heavy. I solved this problem with the balance kit (which I highly recommend). If you balance the rod properly, it would actually feel lighter to you even though you added a few ounces to balance it out. Overall, I have been extremely pleased with my XML's.

PS Like all the others, I have never paid full price for one, but I have paid more than what they were on sale for recently and I still feel I got a great deal (those who bought them at $39.99 or less got an unbelievable deal)

[Jeff H]

You guys, please keep in mind I was only reviewing the 1 XML rod I have.  I do not know how the balance is on the others and my comments shouldn't be taken as "general" regarding them all.  Honestly, it is not that bad, but it could be better.  Also, the weight may actually lend itself to durability which is a good thing.  I am very impressed with the details of the build, whoever built this rod did a great job.

My XML is the XCLS63PJ (6'3" spinning split grip) and I use it as my "heavy" finesse rod.  I have a Cabela's Tourney ZX 2500 spooled with 8lb XT mounted on it.  It does the job I ask of it VERY well and I am happy with it.  I haven't caught anything over 3 1/2lbs on it yet but it has hauled good fish from under docks and out of rice patches.  It is claimed as a Medium power rod but it has the beef of most MH powers.