Casting:  The Omen OBC73M is deadly accurate.  Though it is rated as a fast action rod, in actuality it seems to be more of an extra fast taper.  This creates a very crisp, lively feeling when casting.  Combine that with a total lack of tip heaviness while casting, and your end result is a rod that is quite simply a joy to throw all day long.  It really exhibits one of the nicest tapers I've ever felt in an affordable rod. Rated at 1/4-5/8oz lures, it handles everything in that range easily.  The tip is very composed, with just enough give to cast unweighted plastics, yet enough stiffness to fish a jig down deep.  It really is a versatile power and taper that works well for casting and fishing many baits.  If you are looking for a cheap 3/8oz jig rod, this one is definitely it.

Sensitivity:  The Omen really surprised me with it's sensitivity.  Not only does it balance and cast superbly, but the sensitivity is above average.  I would actually venture to say that the feel is right in the vicinity of a G. Loomis IMX.  Sensitivity was very good with braid or mono, and I was never left scratching my head as to what my bait was doing or where it was.  Vibrations were even detectable while slow rolling small paddle tail swimbaits.  This is the most sensitive rod I've fished yet under $200.  It is one of those special blanks that comes alive in your hands.

Power:  The medium power rating of this stick is right on.  It is perfect for open water or sparse to modest cover applications.  The tip of the rod shuts down pretty quickly and transitions into quite a strong midsection and backbone.  The reserve power is definitely there when needed.

Application, Warranty, Price:  Application wise the OBC73M Omen is extremely versatile.  Not just a Bass rod, it would be perfect for inshore saltwater fishing for Stripers, Snook, Redfish, smaller Tarpon, and many others.  It also has a soft enough tip to make an ok stick for fishing treble hooked baits.  While I prefer a softer taper for most plug fishing, I did really like it for fishing a lipless crankbait around cover.  Jigs, Senkos, Texas rigging, light Carolina rigging, soft jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and small paddletail swimbaits are all fantastic matches.

All Omen rods come equipped with a 5 year original owner warranty.  Simply register your rod on the 13Fishing.com website after purchase, and should any breakage occur due to defects in materials or workmanship, 13 Fishing will replace the rod at no charge other than return shipping fees. Another option is their Oops! rod replacement program.  Regardless of how the rod broke, for a $75.00 charge (that includes return shipping) they will send you a brand new rod.  As in the standard warranty, you must be the original owner and have your Omen registered on their website. With a cost of $109.99, the Omen OBC73M represents an outstanding value.  It outperforms everything I've fished anywhere near that price.  They are truly doing it better for less!

The Omen can hold it's own when fishing sparse to modest cover.

Conclusion: After reading this review, it's evident 13 Fishing really has something here.  While many rods on the market these days fish pretty good, I can usually cite at least a few gripes with each in regards to performance and/or design.  Lack of sensitivity, bad balance, actions that are not true to ratings, and awkward handle lengths instantly come to mind when thinking of competitors' shortcomings.  13 Fishing obviously took a lot of care in designing this rod, with proportions, performance, and fishability that is unrivaled anywhere near the asking price of $109.99.  As a newcomer to the scene I wasn't expecting such an admirable execution from them, but the OBC73M exceeded expectation.  Those on a budget rejoice, you've found your rod!

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