ICAST 2014 Coverage - Phenix Rods goes affordable and high end

ICAST 2014 Coverage

Phenix Book-Ends Their Series of Bass Rods

Date:	7/17/14
Location:	Orlando, FL
Admission:	Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer:	Phenix Rods
Reviewer:	Cal

Introduction: Phenix looks to book end their entire bass rod lineup with a new high end series and a very much anticipated low end series. Here's what we found out during ICAST!

What are these new white rods?

Maxim: Phenix has always offered very value driven product - meaning you got a lot of performance and good components for your money. With that said, their lineup was still just a little beyond those consumers looking to just get into the sport.

Introducing the new Maxim series from Phenix

Featuring a white finish just at the base of the rod

The company answers this oversight with their new Maxim series featuring a blank made of a new, multi-axis carbon fiber scrim and a cross weave carbon tape on the outside. Components on this rod include a new custom made up-locking reel seat, high density, split rear grip, EVA handles, and SiC guides. All this for a projected retail price of $99 - $129!!

Proprietary reel seats for casting and spinning

Phenix Maxim Series Casting Rod Specifications
Model	Length	Taper	Lure	Line	MSRP
MAX-610M	6'-10"	Fast	1/8-3/4	8-14	$109
MAX-610ML	6'-10"	Mod Fast	1/8-3/8	4-12	$109
MAX-73ML	7'-3"	Mod Fast	1/8-1/2	6-12	$119
MAX-73MH	7'-3"	Fast	1/4-1	10-17	$119
MAX-73H	7'-3"	Xtra Fast	3/8-1	10-25	$129
MAX-77MH	7'-7"	Fast	1/4-1	10-17	$119
MAX-711H	7'-11"	Xtra Fast	1/2 - 1 3/4	15-30	$129

Phenix Maxim Series Spinning Rod Specifications
Model	Length	Taper	Lure	Line	MSRP
MAX-S610ML	6'-10"	Mod Fast	1/8-1/2	6-12	$99
MAX-S72M	7'-2"	Fast	1/8-3/4	8-14	$109
MAX-S77M	7'-7"	Fast	1/8-3/4	8-14	$119

SiC guides on a $99 rod?!?!

K2: While a budget series of rods may have been long anticipated from Phenix, what loyal fans have been clamoring for are stock rods built up from their very popular high end K2 blanks. Phenix is finally answering this call with their new K2 series of rods built with high density EVA, split rear grip handles, ebony burlwood accents, a newly designed split reel seat, and new, Fuji Torzite guides.

The K2s are still being finalized, but they are indeed coming!

The K2 blanks are made from Phenix's proprietary blend of composite material from Toray, the world leading manufacturer of carbon fiber material. Toray's T-46 composite is the core of this series. Then Phenix layers the material to produce blanks that are balanced and sensitive. Additional reinforcement is provided at the lower end of the blank for added backbone without adding considerable weight.

Ebony burlwood accents.

And that cross weave carbon finish we've seen so much of from high end sticks lately.

There will be a total of six rods in the initial offering of this series, 4 casting and 2 spinning. MSRP on the K2 Series of rods is set at between $500 to $550 depending on the model.

Phenix K2 Series Casting Rod Specifications
Model	Length	Taper	Lure	Line	MSRP
TX-683-C	6'-8"	Fast	1/16-5/8	4-12	$500
TX-713-C	7'-1"	Fast	1/16 - 5/8	4-12	$525
TX-714-C	7'-1"	Fast	3/16 - 3/4	6-18	$550
TX-765-C	7'-6"	Fast	3/8 - 1	8-20	$550

Phenix Maxim Series Spinning Rod Specifications
Model	Length	Taper	Lure	Line	MSRP
TX-682-S	6'-8"	Fast	1/32-1/4	3-10	$525
TX-713-S	7'-1"	Fast	1/16-1/2	4-12	$550

Phenix will soon be offering custom rod parts for builders.

Vince Borges shares with us all the new and exciting stuff from Phenix!

Conclusion: While our Enthusiast crowd will be drooling over Phenix's new K2 series of built up rods, the general consumer is likely to be all over their new Maxim series. A $99 - $129 series of rods with SiC guides? Phenix knows how to deliver value, and they've certainly out done themselves this year.