Lamiglas Excel Bass Rod XL734C
Specifications |
| Material |
Lamiglas IM Graphite |
| Length |
7'-3" |
| Length from Back of Reel Seat to Base |
11 |
| Line Wt. |
8 - 20lbs |
| Lure Wt. |
1/4 - 3/4oz |
| Pieces |
one |
| Guides |
9 + Tip (American Tackle SS/Al Oxide) |
| Power Rating |
Medium Heavy |
| Taper |
Fast |
| Rod Weight |
4.5 oz |
| Manufacturing Country |
USA |
| Retail Price |
$109 |
Introducing the Lamiglas Excel XL734C.
Impressions: In a move that belies their somewhat conservative nature,
Lamiglas’ new, Excel series of rods feature a metallic brown finish (Lamiglas describes it as a deep metallic copper), split rear cork grip, and no
fore grip design. Certainly nothing new in today’s rod market, but a small departure from the company’s usual look nonetheless (the discontinued Skeet Reese series of rods not withstanding of course). In hand and off the store rack, the XL734C feels relatively average in weight and has a slight tip heaviness to it. But for $109 retail, we’re really not expecting perfection off the rack.
Fig. 1 : This Rod Deflection Chart shows the deflection characteristics of the
Test Subject (yellow curve) against several similar sticks.
Lab Tests: Speaking of racks, the first appointment for the XL734C was with our
Rod WRACK and comparison of data points with our 2010 Search for One baseline, the GLX2000. As we can see from the chart above, the XL734C compares rather favorably in deflection characteristics to the MBR783C
GEL. If anything, the XL734C might be a tad softer in power, but the extra bit of deflection may also be attributed to it being nine inches longer than our baseline rod.
Lab Results for
Lamiglas Excel Bass Rod XL743C
|
Model |
Avgas Rod (2-32 oz) |
Taper
|
Measured Weight |
Balance Point |
Balancing Torque (flubs) |
| XL734C |
1.83 |
Fast |
4.5 |
9 |
0.19 |
|
GLX2000 |
1.72 |
Fast |
4.8 |
5 |
0.11 |
In the “other stats” department, as noted, the XL734C is slightly tip heavy though it does compare favorably against the GLX200 in terms of weight despite being nine inches longer than that stick.
The XL734C pairs nicely with the Shimano
Aldebaran.
Field
Tests: Before the cold set in, we took the XL734C out for a test run on the California Delta during the fall striper run. I paired it with a Shimano
Aldebaran spooled with 55lb Suffix Performance Braid in day-glow orange.
The XL734C is a medium heavy powered rod making it a good choice for all around use.
Pitching &
Casting: Casting duties for this rod were put to immediate test both with a six-inch Triton Mike
Boca Bullshad and Lucky Craft’s Pointer 128. The Pointer is obviously within the rod’s rated range, but the Bullshad is just as obviously above the rod’s recommended lure weight. Nevertheless, it handled both baits just fine. The XL734C is made from a versatile blank as taxing its upper limits did little to stress the rod’s capabilities.
And even though it's not recommended, we were able to throw this hard bodied swimbait with this rod with no issues (note the placement of the hook hangar on this stick - at the rear, out of the way).
For pitching duties, we took to the tules where I tied on a 3/8 oz Pepper Jig tipped with a first generation Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog. The XL734C’s handle is just the right length to NOT get in the way when pitching jigs and soft plastics. The tip loads and responds very well.
A closer look at the open ended hook keeper at the back of the XL734C.
Next Section: How about rod sensitivity and power?
