Sensitivity: In terms
of sensitivity in a reaction bait rod it just doesn’t get any better than this.
The Daiwa Fle-X-Lite delivers the soft parabolic action required in a quality
crankbait rod and while you would swear that the tip is glass when it comes to
action the SVF material reminds you this rod is all graphite and proves
exceptional at transmitting even the slightest brushes with structure.
The Fle-X-Lite is finished with a
gold laser engraved butt cap
While cranking with
fluorocarbon isn’t always my first choice it is an absolute blast with the
Fle-X-Lite rod. The combination of fluorocarbon with this blank delivers the
feeling that you know exactly what the crank or reaction bait is doing on the
end of the line. The reduced stretch telegraphs every tiny tick and when fish
bite there is simply no mistaking it.
The rod transitions nicely when
loaded up
Ergonomics: If you
purchase the Fle-X-Lite be ready to fork out the extra money for a matching
Steez reel. The pairing with a Steez reel multiplies how much you will like this
rod. While it is good with a reel like the Zillion, it is absolutely phenomenal
when paired with a Steez reel when it comes to overall ergonomics.
A delta bass gets cranked up on
the Fle-X-Lite
The Steez SVF Fle-X-Lite’s
ergonomic Air-Beam reel seat that reduces rod weight fits easily in the user’s
hand and adds to the overall aesthetics. Rod weight is reduced further by the
Air Foam grips, which supply a comfortable secure hold, yet are lighter than
cork or ordinary EVA foam.
9.9oz total weight. This is one
light combo!
The Fle-X-Lite weighs in at
4.2oz. by itself and only 9.9oz. with a Steez reel bolted on, compare that to
13oz. total weight when paired with a Zillion 100SHA. That’s an incredibly low
overall weight for a cranking rig, and pretty much the polar extreme from the
heavy and dead feeling glass cranking sticks of the past. In comparison to
traditional glass cranking rods the Steez Fle-X-Lite paired with a Steez reel
feels like a precision weapon in hand…the samurai sword of cranking rods.
Sorry no hook hanger here just
like the JDM product
Price & Applications:
The Steez Fle-X-Lite blew us away in almost every category and when it comes to
ergonomics this rod is extremely comfortable to fish with all day long. Even
deep cranking lures puts little strain on your arms or wrists as the consistent
yet lightweight blank absorbs all the shock and yet is still able to deliver
exceptional sensitivity.
A bigger fish on the line and the
rod's taper protects the line and keeps the fish pinned
The Fle-X-Lite 7 foot
(STZ701MRBA-FL) casting rod is excellent for both shallow to medium crankbaits
as well as large topwaters and even the occasional spinnerbait. I found it
extremely good for fast shallow running crankbaits like Speed Traps, and the
superior sensitivity will help anglers work around both soft and hard cover.
Unfortunately like many premium products all of this comes at a cost, and that
cost is whopping $449 dollars per rod. It is actually possible to buy some of
the other rods in our Crankbait Rod Wars as well as a decent reel and still come
in under the price point of the Fle-X-Lite alone.
The Fle-X-Lite is one extremely
refined rod, and is an absolute pleasure to fish with. When paired with a Steez
reel it gets even better, and when you go back to other combos they feel
downright heavy
The Daiwa Steez series has
never been about aggressive prices or even about total cost of ownership, the
series is built for the most discriminating of anglers. This is the flagship
product in the line and is made for the tackle aficionado that not only wants to
fish with the best that the company has to offer but is also willing to pay for
it. As expected the Steez SVF Fle-X-Lite rods come with Daiwa’s Limited Lifetime
Warranty for peace of mind.
