1st Flippin Stick, 1st Impressions.

[Red]

Due to some overtime at work, I treated myself to my first proper flippin stick.  I got the Lamiglas Excel XL 7116C.  Let me say I have never owned a rod of this size nor have I bought a built rod ( I have customs made by me) outside of Walmart or $50 Academy rod.  So this is my first "good" rod.  This rod is 7'11" and is recommended for swimbaits, frogs, flippin and pitchin.  Rated for 1/2-2oz baits.  I paid $119.99 with free shipping from TW.  All the other models are $109.99 and $99.99 for the glass crankin stick.

Right out of the tube I first noticed that it was very very light compared to what I expected for a 7'11" rod.  Seems to be very well built, nice cork, nice transitions to the blank.  Straight as an arrow.  I slapped on a Revo

S-L and I took it to the lake to flip some boat slips however as soon as I put the boat in the water, the glass like water turned to white caps, quickly.  I did manage to flip and pitch to some timber for a few minutes before I was forced to leave.  I didn't catch anything but a few things I did notice were that my pitches got more distance with less effort than what I was used to with my 6'6" rod.  Flippin I am not very good at but it did seem a bit easier with this long stick.  Sensitivity, as far as draggin my jig through the cover was very very good.  With 50# PP I could feel everything it seemed, I am sure dectecting bites will be pretty good as well.  These rods also come with a limited lifetime warranty as well as a new fasttrack warranty.  No questions, send in chunk of broken rod and $50 get a new rod.  Overall, I like it and can see purchasing more in this line for other techniques.  I will report back more once I have had some time on the water with this rod, and catch some fish!!

Oh I almost forgot the best part.  100% Made in the USA!!!

Thanks

Cliff

[Senkoman12]

i have the XL 704C, i love it, it too was my first $60+ rod and could not be happier, will be buying more

[Fat-G]

Congrats dude. Flippin' is in my top three favorite ways to fish. LOVE it. I've had a hard time putting mine down this summer.

[islandbass]

You did good. I was told by a Lamiglas rep that the Excel line is built on their Certified pro blank. The cert pro rods normally go for about $180 so your getting a most excellent blank at a great price.

My only problem with the Excels is that I can't decide what niche I need to fill in my arsenal.  ;D Congrats! I don't think Lamiglas is known outside the West Coast, and if so, it seems they are known for their crankbait rods. That's too bad because they offer good band for the buck at affordable price points.

[Quillback]

I have been thinking about a longer flippin stick myself.   Currently use the ol 6'6", seems like 7'11" would be tougher to flip with, but maybe not.

[WanaBe_Like_IKE]

Cool im gonna buy a Flippin Stick this year, right now ill just use my 7ft MH Vendetta, WOuld love to have a Excel

[flippin and pitchin]

Red,

I'm glad to hear your report and you are pleased with your new rod. I've toured the factory and have seen first hand what goes into design and building the Excels and the other models.  I have been pleading with Lamiglas to build a 764 pitching stick in the Excel line.  Looks like it may be out later this fall with some other new models.  Let me/us know how things go.

Go whack em' !

[Red]

I have a crazy work schedule for the next week at least.  Starting tomorrow I am working 12 hour night shift plus 12 on Sat and Sun until this job is done.  After that I will have some time on the water to put this stick through the ringer. 

Cliff

[Red]

Couldn't help myself, just had to go out again tonight.  The wind was down so I headed out.  I flipped some boat slips for a while with a jig, no bites.  So I moved into some timber and planned to tie on a t-rig, but it seems my hook and weight box fell out of my bag at home!!  So I was forced to stick to the jig, no bites, a big fat skunk.  However I really liked using this rod.  This thing is super sensitive!!  I could feel the jig hit the log/bottom when it dropped.  Was a totally new experience for me.  Maybe someday I will get to actually feel a fish bite and maybe even catch it!

[Big Tom]

I am glad you are liking your new rod.  I have been a little interested in this series as well.  Of all the rods I have handled, I think the Excel is the best feeling rod in its category.

[Red]

Well I finally got to have some time on the water with this stick this morning.  I flipped a t-rigged Rage Craw and only caught one fish, but it was a 5lber(see outing section for pics).  She hit hard and I layed into the fish with everything I had.  Let me say, that fish didn't stand a chance.  I buried the hook in deep and even when she surged under the boat she didn't make it far before I had her up and lipped by my buddy.  I am getting much better at flippin, it is way easier with this rod than my old 6'6" Hvy.  It pitches very nice too.  My accuracy has improved as well as getting a soft entry.  I really enjoyed fishing with this rod.  I have also purchased the 734C which I haven't used too much yet and I have the 704C on the way from TW.  I will buy one more rod for cranks and my line up will be complete. 

Thanks

Cliff