Finally! Our Take on the Steez Eight Foot Flipping Stick
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Date: |
12/28/08 |
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Tackle type: |
Rod |
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Manufacturer: |
Daiwa |
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Reviewer: |
Cal |
Total Score: 7.67 -
GOOD
Introduction: Nearly two years ago we debuted our review on the STZ711HFBA, Daiwa's first Compile X introduction to the United States, with somewhat mixed results. Overall, we were excited for this
enthusiast level offering available domestically especially with its full blown Daiwa USA warranty, but we were left wanting for just a little more oomph in the sensitivity department. Conversations with Daiwa Pro and BASS Elite Angler, Ish Monroe, subsequent to the publishing of our review revealed more in store for the Compile X lineup at the upcoming ICAST event (ICAST 2007).
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Daiwa Steez STZ801HFBA Specifications
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| Material |
Daiwa SVF Compile X Graphite |
| Length |
8'-0" |
| Length from Back of Reel Seat to Base |
11" |
| Line Wt. |
16 - 30lbs |
| Lure Wt. |
1/4 - 1 1/2 oz |
| Pieces |
2 |
| Guides |
8 plus tip (Fuji Ti/SiC) |
| Power Rating |
Heavy |
| Taper |
Fast |
| Rod Weight |
5.2 |
| Manufacturing Country |
Japan |
| MSRP |
$629.95 |
Impressions: What was revealed at that show? Well, none other than a full length, eight foot flipping stick for the Steez Compile X line. When we first held this stick at ICAST 2007, we could not believe how light and relatively balanced it felt. After the show concluded we were left to wonder was it all an ICAST illusion or did this rod really feel that great in hand? Well, of course there was only really one way to find out. It was time to acquire this stick and put it through the paces in context with some other, similar rods we've fished before.
Introducing Daiwa's STZ802HFBA CompileX flipping stick.
Lab Tests: It took some time, but we managed to get our hands on a Steez Compile X STZ802HFBA and the first thing we did was bring it to our lab for some testing.
Lab Results for
STZ802HFBA
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Model |
Avg RoD (2-48 oz) |
Taper
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Measured Weight |
Balance Point |
Balancing Torque (ftlbs) |
| STZ802HFBA |
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|
|
0.26 |
| He2HC76T |
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|
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| F7-711X |
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Rate of Deflection (RoD): What we discovered was the STZ802HFBA behaves more like a finesse flipping stick than a true, heavy powered, broomstick of a flipping rod to which most people are accustomed. We've only recently begun taking our flipping sticks up to the 48 ounce load point in our RoD tests, but when compared to the Megabass F7-711X (the only similarly priced flipping stick in our arsenal) under the load range of 2-32 ounces, the STZ802HFBA has a RoD of 1.48 versus the F7-711X's rating of 1.03 (the lower the number, typically the more powerful the stick). The F7-711X we'd rate as average in power amongst flipping sticks.
Fig. 1 : This RoD Deflection Chart shows the deflection characteristics of the Daiwa Steez STZ801HFBA (yellow curve) against several similar sticks.
Other Stats: Power statistics not withstanding, the overall light weight and balance we felt of the STZ802HFBA at ICAST 2007 was not an illusion. This eight foot rod weights in at a more than respectable 5.2 ounces with a balance point of 9.5 inches up from the center of the rod's reelseat, but only a .26 ftlb value for balancing torque. Our previously reviewed He2HC76T has a similar .28 ftlb value for balancing torque but this rod is six inches shorter than the Steez and nearly an ounce heavier at 6.1 ounces - and the He2HC76T is considered light!
Cal wastes little time getting out on the water with the STZ802HFBA
The STZ802HFBA has a fast taper and easy loading tip for accurate
presentations
Next Section: On to the Real World Test
