Phenix Rods Virtus Blue Diamond 76HMG Product Review #virtusfishingrod #phenixvirtusrod

Rod Review

The "New" Virtus Blue Diamond Series by Phenix Rods (continued)

Design & Ergonomics: With its minimalist build, I'd expect a stick like the VDB76HMG to be relatively light, but likely tip heavy. Sometimes, with a longer handle like those on most swimbait sticks, that feeling of being tip heavy can be mitigated.

Good quality cork on the handle

For the VDB76HMG, with its thirteen and a half rear handle (measured from the back end of the reel seat), that's not quite enough handle length to counteract the weight of the rod's tip. However, overall, the stick only weighs a hair over five ounces (5.1 oz), so it is far from cumbersome to use all day long.

The very simple butt end

Lab Results for Phenix Rods Virtus Blue Diamond 76HMG
Model	Avg RoD	Taper	Measured Weight (oz)	Balance Point (inches)	Balancing Torque (ftlbs)
Phenix Rods Virtus Blue Diamond 76HMG	1.61	Mod	5.1	9.5	0.27
Finesse SB Rod Avg	1.65	--	6.0	9.5	0.29
All Purpose SB Rod Avg	1.28	--	6.8	8.5	0.29
Heavy Hitters SB Rod Avg	0.95	--	7.7	10.2	0.44

Guides are conventionally sized not micro or even semi-micro and double footed all the way up

Otherwise, the build of the stick is fine. It's not the cleanest build I've seen, but it's certainly not the worst. While there are some winding check and epoxy areas that could be tightened up it's better than I can do on my own custom builds (which isn't saying much), and for those looking for a stick or series thereof with a blank rolled in the US and built here as well, this is one of the rare options.

Detailing at the end of the grip

Styling-wise this Virtus rod does look and feel different than most Phenix rods we are used to fishing. It has a more simple and straightforward look and feel, and yet some of the cork and composite cork elements do remind us of some Phenix family rods. Ultimately these rods look more like a cousin, versus a direct sibling, of the Phenix family of rods. Whether that is intended or not it makes sense given the recent integration of the brand into the portfolio. It will be interesting to see how the Virtus rods evolve within Phenix and GSM in the seasons to come.

A closer look at the decorative hood

Price & Applications: Speaking of options, if you're interested in Phenix's new line of Virtus Blue Diamond sticks, the price point for the entire series is targeted at $219 per stick no matter the model. That makes the VDB76HMG a very good value.

Application wise the VDB76HMG is really just a graphite cranking rod capable of supporting baits up to three ounces in weight. Use it for throwing glides, as the label suggests, or crankbaits of all shapes and sizes - does anyone throw traditional cranks anymore? Used in that capacity, the VDB76HMG is a very good option.

Open ended hook keeper, still one of the best implementations

Ratings:

Phenix Rods Virtus Blue Diamond 76HMG Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	Not the cleanest build I've seen, but definitely not the worst	7.5
Performance	Takes a bit of adjustment to cast with accuracy, but once there, the rod performs well	7.5
Price	Tough to beat for a stick with these origins	8.5
Features	Name brand components, domestically rolled blank	8
Design (Ergonomics)	Minimalist build with good overall weight	8
Application	A very good cranking stick for baits within its lure rating	8
Total Score		7.92
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
+ Good grade of components	- Not the cleanest build but still reasonable at this price point
+ Nice taper for treble hooked baits	- No option (yet) for a more serious swimbait stick in the series
+ Seemingly durable blank and reasonable weight
+ Virtus legacy now still available with Phenix brand (thanks to GSM)
+ Priced reasonably
+ Made in the USA

Conclusion: With all the recent merger and acquisition activity in the fishing industry, I'm reminded of pro sports where your favorite player could help your team achieve great heights one year, and end up on another team the very next season either through free agency, or a trade, or a salary purge by the controlling team. It's just difficult to keep track who is on which team.

Phenix's new Virtus Blue Diamond VDB76HMG is a good choice for any type of treble hooked moving bait up to three ounces in weight

Fortunately, in Phenix Rods's case, their new parent company, GSM, seems to be positioning the brand to be in the drivers seat, or at least they are in this specific case. With the acquisition of Mid-America Rod Company and the positioning of that company's flagship rod brand, Virtus Rods, under Phenix's wing, it's a case of so far so good with the VDB76HMG. Stay tuned as we take a look at the other series, the Virtus Red Diamond.

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