Real World Tests: Likely due to its length, the FTX-C277MH felt softer in hand than its rated power would indicate. Not quite sure what to expect, I matched the rod with my Abu Garcia Revo EXD. This is a reel that comes out of the factory with two spools - a standard sized spool and a shallow spool for more finesse applications. I lined the standard spool with some 10lb Sufix Advance FC and lined the finesse tuned spare with 6lb. Now I was ready in case the FTX-C277MH really was lighter in power than the specifications indicated.

I paired it with Abu Garcia's Revo EXD for flexibility between finesse and general application techniques

The FTX-C722MH has the same minimal build as the one-piece Feathers

Casting: The FTX-C722MH caries with it a lure rating of one quarter to three quarters of an ounce (1/4oz - 3/4oz) and handles weights up to about half an ounce easily. Above this threshold, I felt it best to employ a lob cast rather than an aggressive overhand cast because the rod felt a bit overloaded, but where I really liked this stick was pitching soft plastics like a Neko rig.

A look at the mixed 36/40T graphite blank

Sensitivity: That's where I settled in and found a groove with this rod was fishing a Neko rig with Missile Bait's new Quiver worm. The FTX-C722MH's length and power make for a really nice, borderline finesse casting and pitching rod. This stick does a good job of giving you the feel you need when your Neko rig is settled onto the bottom. You can really sense those pressure bites when lifting the bait up slowly, and of course, the telltale "ticks" when the fish are more aggressive.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Phenix Rods Feather FTX-C277MH against the historical averages of similarly powered rods we've tested over the past twenty years

Power: When you swing to set, that length does a really good job of keeping your catch buttoned, but the rod really does feel more of a medium or medium light when under load. My suspicions on this stick's power were reinforced by its results on the RoD WRACK. It charts out much lighter than a traditional medium heavy. If I had to guess, this has a lot to do with the rod's overall length. Extra length often results in softer deflection results for similarly rated rods because there's more length to bend through. Just the same, I didn't run into any issues fighting fish to the boat.

Checking out that fast taper

One of my favorite features of all the Feather sticks continues to be this aggressively styled reel seat

Next Section: Design and handling