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The Search For One ... Exel-lence from
Lamiglas (continued)
  Sensitivity: While certainly not the most sensitive rod I’ve ever fished, the XL734C is what I’d refer to as above average in this respect and really quite surprising when considering its price point. The improvements over rods in this price point over the last several years is astounding and this new series from
Lamiglas is as illustrative of the improvements as any we’ve seen.
Lamiglas is partnered with American Tackle to source these guides made of stainless steel frames and aluminum oxide inserts.
Power: Loomis has really dominated our psyches to the point when I see “4” power rod from a different manufacturer, I immediately think of a “Heavy” powered rod. The XL734C is far from a heavy powered rod and every bit a traditional “medium heavy”. Its nice, lithe tip transitions quickly into a modest backbone that was strong enough to control striper up to seven pounds with no difficulty whatsoever
The split rear grip of the XL734C is made of decent grade cork.
Design/Features: Aside from the afore mentioned cosmetic treatments of this rod, the only remaining features to discuss are its components. The XL734C features a Fuji ECS reel seat and guides that are custom built for
Lamiglas by American Tackle. They are essentially stainless steel framed guides with a type of aluminum oxide insert.
The XL734C is a very good jig rod...
Application: Each Excel rod has printed on the blank, their recommended applications. The XL734C’s suggested uses include jigs, Senkos, and small swimbaits. We covered two of those three applications with this stick and found I suitable for jerkbaits as well. Really, given the rod’s ratings and the action of the blank, it’s a good choice for an all purpose type stick which is why we chose it for review.
... and it supports one of our favorite overall techniques very well too - jerkbaits!
Warranty: Excel rods are covered by Lamiglas’s Limited Lifetime Warranty which warrants the rods against defects in material and workmanship for the lifetime of the original purchaser. It’s a pretty standard warranty subject to inspection of the damaged product. However, new for
Lamiglas is their Fast Track Warranty – a no questions asked replacement program. The cost for this new program varies per series of rods, but for the Excel series, simply send in $50 together with a section of the rod that includes the complete logo area with model number and manufacture date (represented by a code just above the reel seat) and
Lamiglas will send you a brand new stick. As always, for any specific questions regarding your situation, please contact the manufacturer directly.
Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
|
Lamiglas Excel Bass Rod XL734C
Ratings
(?/10) |
|
Construction/Quality |
A well built stick |
8 |
|
Performance |
Excellent caster, good sensitivity, very good power |
7.5 |
|
Price |
Tough to beat |
9 |
|
Features |
Solid performing components |
7.5 |
|
Design
(Ergonomics) |
Good modern styling, just a tad tip heavy |
7.5 |
|
Application |
A really well rounded rod suitable of supporting any number of applications |
8.5 |
|
Total
Score |
8.00 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus |
Minus |
|
J
Excellent price point |
L
Just a tad tip heavy |
|
J
Lifetime warranty + new fast track option |
|
|
J
Fine overall performing stick |
|
|
J
Rare "Made in the USA" pedigree |
|
Lamiglas's Excel line may not make you forget about your high dollar JDM sticks, but if it's value you seek in an all purpose rod, then the XL734C is an excel-lent choice!
Conclusion: So am I ready to set aside my JDM sticks in favor of this new value oriented rod from
Lamiglas? Of course not. The Excel rods are not intended to replace your high dollar, enthusiast level sticks. Rather they are an answer for those who are maybe fed up with the high price of fishing rods but are discouraged that the only options out there in the roughly one hundred dollar space are rods that are made overseas. The XL734C is a very fine performing stick that, together with its price of only $109 and the fact it was built in Lamiglas’s own factory in Woodland, Washington, is a testament to what can be accomplished when a company puts its best resources forward.
Looking for a
Lamiglas Excel rod?
Try
Tackle Warehouse
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