I have the 6’8” medium extra fast spinning version of this rod. I love it for all my finesse fishing. Also does well as an all around travel rod for me. Caught my P.B. with this rod and drop shot rig. Size 30 Pfluger supreme for those who care to know.
I have one in a ML 6'10" with a pflueger president xt in size 30! I agree with the tip heavy but it is very sensitive and perfect for the ned rigs, 3/16 spinners, small paddle tails, and small crankbaits i throw wade fishing. I do think ive missed some to it being a ML but i have brought in some 3lbers and some aggressive shovel heads in the 3 to 4lb range.
The reason the rod reels tip heavy is due to the reel you have paired with it. It’s not balancing the rod for you and you should try a different paired reel. I would suggest pairing with a Shimano SLX HG or SLX XT HG reel.
Yeah I was saying that using a heavy reel will make it balance better! I just like light casting reels but I will probably try to swap something onto this rod that is a bit heavier. Thanks Vinnie!
I nearly picked up a Bass X last time I was rod shopping. But I'm not a huge fan of spinning rods that don't really have any grip material in front of the reel seat. I wound up with a Triumph instead for that reason. It's my second St Croix rod, and I would say both of them are a bit tip heavy. I have to choke up about an inch more than I'd like to get them to balance tip up. Both are listed as fast action, but I consider them more moderate fast. Seems to be a St Croix thing in general. Not that it's a bad thing. Provided you know that going in it isn't a disadvantage, you just need to keep it in mind to maybe get something one step faster than normal. I do find my ML/F rod ideal for Ned rigs specifically because it's slightly more moderate. Comparing them side by side, the Bass X I looked at was slightly lighter, a bit less tip heavy and a smidge faster than the Triumph, but it was a couple of inches shorter and had much smaller guides, so that may have accounted for most of the difference. I actually like the larger guides for short casting and pitching because I tend to use a fairly long leader and a connection knot doesn't always want to go through tiny guides cleanly if I'm not whipping it out there.
Great insight Tim! Thanks for sharing this well articulated statement on your St Croix experiences. It’s nice to hear that they are at least consistent with their action - maybe I should give some of their other models a try and see what happens. Probably don’t need any more gear but ya know, I’m a bass fisherman so I’m kind of addicted to buying new stuff 🤣🤣
Just got my first bass X tonight but I love my Mojo bass series and my legend tournament bass series. Before I use my bass x I’ll confidently state the mojo bass is the greatest less expensive rod available.
I think that rod selection is very personalized. Some folks love the feel of this one, others don't. Just gotta find a few you like and stick to those!
The mojo is a higher quality blank and honestly, I think it's priced too low. The mojo is nicer than my last IMX. I've had 2 Loomis rods I wasn't happy with and had serious buyers remorse. I've been happy with every st Croix product I've tried. Dobyns is another company that hasn't disappointed me yet but I haven't tried any of the low end Colt series stuff yet. I hear good things though. The swimbait rods are 👌👌👌 perfect. Champion XP SB rods are almost unbeatable until you go custom.
Get into fishing saltwater. Fish the marsh or something down in Galveston during the summer or something. I use the 6’8” medium casting rod with a Shimano slx. I have 12 pound mono and I keep the drag kinda loose so I don’t brake off on a giant. Use artificial just like bass, but when you fish for bull reds in the marsh by San Luis pass or the trout in there, you really don’t have to set the hook. The bend would be perfect for inshore. You don’t really set the hook on saltwater fish. Go down during summer or something. I catch 50 inch bull reds on it just fine, and 20+ specks just fine. I love the rod man.
Awesome info. I’m in south Louisiana and we have a massive marsh for fishing trout, bass and reds. Do you think the Bass X 7’1” med fast tip would be a good choice for marsh fishing? Never used St. Croix before. I know someone wanting to sell their Bass X 7’1” rod and thought if it would be a good fit.
I totally agree with your "feel it before you buy it" point but being in a somewhat remote region (NW NJ), it's hard to find specific rods in-stores that aren't hours & hours away. That's one of the downfalls i experience because the 2 Dick's Sporting Goods that are close don't even carry this rod. They only carry a handful of brands to begin with. My point is a person that's in my situation, buying online is really the only way we can get certain rods we desire.
Absolutely understand! I’ve been in a similar situation before and you’re doing the right thing by researching first. Ultimately, the BassX is a good rod and you can’t go wrong. Just a little bit of a balance issue when using light reels in my opinion. Thanks for adding this comment Cody!
Your 100% right tackle shops around me use to stock tons of rods now they only carry a few, and as of the last 4 months order on line isn’t even do able doesn’t matter if it’s fedex, UPS or USPS every package gets lost or comes absolutely destroyed no way am I ordering a rod thru the mail it would be in a hundred pieces and that’s if it even makes it to the door and like you stated you still have to hope it is what your looking for cause you can’t get your hands on anything In store these days.
Really? Is it a spinning or casting? I never have issues but I’m not throwing braid and that’s about the only line that gives me tip wrap issues on the water.
@@FishAnything Casting and yeah braid is all I use on that rod. It's a consistent issue for me with that rod - especially when I reel in fast for a follow up cast. It will also happen upon a hard hook set but missed fish. Too much slack I reckon.
Okay, I’ll definitely look into this! Overall, solid blank. Not a huge fan of the guides but it’s a very light and sensitive setup with pretty good balance. Both my spinning and casting
I loved the video, but i have the same rod and paired it up with my Shimano SLX and it works great,also it gets rid of the top heavy because i think its a heavier reel
I totally agree with you that it is tip heavy I have three 7’1” st.croix bass x rods and I love them other then the top heavy feel. I also have three 7’ Duckett Silverado rods and they are so light and perfectly balanced and both come in at a hundred dollars. As of now I like the Duckett rods better there lighter balance better and just feel really good in the hand.
It has been ages since I used the Veritas but I liked the balance of that rod more than this for sure. Never used the TP1 though so I can't say for sure.
Great video! So I am also a kayak angler and I'm looking for a MH-F for throwing swim jigs, spinner baits, etc. and an all around rod. In my experience many split-grips are too long in a kayak. This rod appears to be a little shorter than most but what are your thoughts?
Yeah I have the newer model in the same specs and it is very tip heavy. That’s also what I use it for lighter jig and Texas rigs. Also it’s a awesome rat l trap rods.
At 7:10 you said we should feel the rod before purchasing it online, then added if you would’ve felt this rod before you purchased it online you wouldn’t have bought it. On the video you provided to us in the link talking about the first time you purchased it, and stated that you felt the rod at Cabela’s and you liked how it feels so that’s why you got the rod. Just wondering if you’re opinion still stands about the rod feeling nice or not??
You know what, I completely missed that! You’re right, I felt it at a Cabelas once and it felt nice. I believe I didn’t feel this exact model however! My apologies for the confusion, I must be losing my mind... Regardless, I believe this is a good rod however I wish it had a bit better balance. Because most of my reels are light, they don’t work well with this particular setup as well as I’d like. If possible, I think feeling the rod in person is always a good idea. Even better if you can pair it up with a reel first to feel the balance.
Good honest review Ethan. I totally agree that you should, when you can, try a rod out first hand because there can be a variance between companies occasionally on their versions of tip actions and power. But you cant always find a rod your interested in at a local store, so what can you do? Oh well. But since you're not 100 percent satisfied with your rod, I'll give ya $5 for it 😜🤣😂
Great video man! I just did a quick review on the rod myself. Mine was a 7'4" heavy fast. My first point was the fact it's not a traditional fast. I think that is a st. Croix thing across all their lines.
I've checked these rods out a few times, I also found them a bit tip heavy. Great entry level rod, I have fishing buddies who have the Premier and its pretty sweet but I love my dobyns and Abus
@Tim The Avid X is on another level compared to the Bass X or Fury. But I think it's in line with the Sierra. I've also read that the Avid X is a bit tip heavy
Appreciate the honest review :) What would you recommend for a under 7 ft Med Power fast action Spinning rod for bank fishing that’s in the $100-$150 range? Thanks for the great vids bud
Lol I just need a quick pick from Amazon since my rod carrier won't be in by the time I fly... Dobyns is my preferred rods. Best rods I have ever used and didn't kill the bank.
you'd be right about the action. St. Crorix definitely has a little slower action on average. I believe it has to do with the way they like the tip to load and for sensitivity. I loved my Triumph series 6'6" med Fast. had it for 6 years and snapped it on a 1lber last night. I immedietly went to the store and got a 7'1 med fast bass x. so far it feels like a very nice upgrade from their entry rod. Which was already insanely sensitive and had great action to keep fish pinned on almost any lure. Nice review man. I feel like this rod is gonna smash for me now. PS i have a shimano zodias pre ordered. so i am intersted to see what thats like soon.
@@andrewwhite8029 so far I really love the zodias paired w stradic ci4+ I use it for my heavy S waver and it has been outstanding so far. I have also caught a 12lb carp on it and it fought that very well. The sensitivity is outstanding, I feel like i can feel slaps on baits well. And the carbon monocoque is surprisingly comfy. The st croix is very good too. I like it for lighter application but it seems to work really really great for almost everything. Jerkbait, crank, topwater, jigs, Dropshot It seems to do it all well. For 120 the st croix bass x or triumph both are outstanding! I personally love my zodias and think it is going to stand the test of time really well.
I honestly love my Mojo Bass and Avid X rods from St. Croix. I bought the Mojo bass from Dick's and I fell in love with it. The Avid X is a little more pricey, but you can't beat the sensitivity. I also have a Dobyn's Fury MH 7'4" that's great for texas rigs and jigs.
@Tim i have a MH Moderate for my Shimano Chronarch MGL. I use it for crank baits and chatterbaits. I also have a Medium Fast spinning rod for my Shimano Stradic CI4+ 3000. Most sensitive rods I own.
@Tim man, that happens to me all the time. It's still a good time, though. Any time spent fishing is always better than time at the office. But isn't the Avid X on a different level? I love mine.
Hey Ethan: In both of your videos about this 7'1" casting rod, you called it a medium heavy fast. I checked the specs online: it's a medium fast. Could explain why you were somewhat disappointed with how it felt. It is NOT a medium heavy. (BTW you're gonna have even more fun I see on the latest kayak you have on your channel - well earned)
Hey there Larry! If you look at their website, you will see that they have a 7'1 MH Fast (take a look at the @0:25 section of the video where I overlay it). That was in fact the model I owned. I have since sold this and replaced it with a rod I like more. And yes my new kayak is an epic upgrade :)
Do you think if you threw 30-40lb braid to a leader that the action would be more what you want it to be? I’m a braid to leader guy, so just wanted to see your thoughts
@@FishAnything apparently dicksporting goods is now stopping all sales of anything that's not lew's, abu garcia, daiwa and penn and googan so i'm guessing they're liquidating everything under some sort of contract either way i'm glad i got there when i did.
Could you do a video on skipping with a bait caster,especially that close to the water. I've been fishing for years but that's that I've never been able to get down.
Nah, I mean that it is balanced too much towards the tip of the rod. It wants to point down naturally. Could correct it with a heavier reel. Just need to get a better balance.
Yeah I would think the "moderate fast" tip would be great for moving baits like the chatterbait. For the reason it lets the fish be able to fully get the bait in its mouth before you set the hook.
I was thinking about getting the 6”8 extra fast bass x. mainly fishing Texas rigged soft plastics and other light lures your thoughts? Or other rod suggestions in the low to mid $100 range
It is a good rod so I don't think you can go wrong. TBH though I think I liked my Fenwick HMG better for the price. Either way you go, you should be happy :)
Does anyone use the Bass X 7’4” H-F for A-rigs? I use lighter jig heads so my rigs only usually weigh less than 1/2 oz. That rod lure max is 1.5oz. I picked it up today and really like it, just wondering if anyone has used it for that specific technique.
I've never kayaked fished but I wonder if the angle of the hookset is a lot flatter than from a boat. In my boat, I'm pulling almost 90°s up against the mouth. I also think I have way more leverage using my lower body. But I'm just guessing.
Dang! That would definitely aggravate me. Mine is still performing okay, but I honestly don't use it a ton so I probably haven't put a ton of wear and tear on it.
You should check out the shimano slx rods. A local sporting goods store in my area had them on sale for $50(50% off!) . Really nice for that price. Too bad I broke mine right above the handle on a saltwater bass. That sucker did not want to come up.
@@FishAnything I found it at Big 5 Sporting goods. Which is a chain of stores in California. Not sure if they ship online to other states but it's worth looking at.
Thank you for sharing this video! Looking into one of these rods myself! Strictly for Texas Rigs! I have two 7'0 Medium Heavy Fast action baitcast Combos by Fenwick! And a 6'9 Medium Fast Spinning Combo as well also Fenwick. What make of Reel do you have on the Bass X Rod and what Gear Ratio. I was actually thinking about this at work Today! Lol!
Hey Tim thanks for sharing your thoughts 🤠 and Andrew, I have a shimano curado I on this particular rod - it’s a 7:1. Pretty good reel! As far as opinions on Pflueger reels go, I recommend their spinning but would probably not pay full price for their casting. They are okay reels but I think you get a better all around reel if you go shimano.
You mentioned these aren't your favorite for moving baits. I almost exclusively fish jerkbaits for peacock bass, any thoughts on this or the mojo and in what size/action to use for those?
Hmmm, I suppose that the jerkbaits you use for peacocks are pretty big? For normal bass, I would usually prefer a 6'10 M for jerkbaits. For peacocks, you may go larger due to their size!
@@FishAnything Thanks. I most commonly throw xrap8 which are 3/16oz. I was thinking of the 7'1" medium. Which I suppose is pretty close to your recommendation as well. Thanks.
@@FishAnything I just edit out my snags but honestly they are kinda funny and entertaining to watch back I think I’ll show more of my faults in my future videos. Keep up the channel brotha one of my favorites to watch and learn from. Cheers
Honestly they appear to be the exact same with simple aesthetic differences (so it is probably marketing driven). The Bass X has the split grip and is clearly trying to attract the bass market whereas the Triumph is more traditional and probably attracts Walleye anglers. Don’t think you can go wrong with either, just pick what feels best for you!
@@FishAnything ive gone fishing with the 7' triumph and like you said with the bass X its tip heavy even though i got a old fin-nor ahab s400 on it atm. thanks for the review and speedy reply
It’s weird that yours is so parabolic, mines a medium heavy fast action and I think it’s a power heavy and mine doesn’t bend near that far into the blank
It sounds like you don't like the rod at all. Lol all your cons have specific points. All your pros are just generalizing. Now I'm worried because I have it in the mail.
Thanks for the feedback Ricardo! Although I definitely don't feel like I made it sound like I don't like it. I simply stated the few things I wasn't keen on personally. For $100, you can't necessarily expect a 10/10 piece of equipment. If I was you, I would expect a solid rod for the price and wouldn't have any major concerns.
The Premier line from St Croix is made in USA and has a 5 yr warranty. Your rod is made in mexico, and carries a 1 yr warranty i believe. Just sayin' @ #morebangforyourbuck
I've got 2 bass X rods in different actions. One of the rod tip inserts fell out on one yesterday. So I looked at the other one and the other one is chipping too. I've had these rods for less than 6 months. I'm bummed to say the least. St Croix is good. Mojo bass is good.... Bass X rod tips are TRASH
Did... You just buy St Croixs like cheapest rod and then make an assumption about all their other rods based on that rod? Lol Try some of their premium options if you haven't already. Like the legend tournament line is pretty great. Even the victory line is excellent.
Not for anything but it's their cheapest rod they offer so you have to figure it's not gonna be that sensitive or powerful. Plus you are using a medium heavy to catch dinks ur losing the fish cuz the rods way too heavy to bring em in. If that was a 6-12 medium you'd have no problem sticking them