First Impressions of Vexan Pro Bass Rod
The Vexan Pro Bass Rod immediately caught my eye with its sleek grey and green color scheme and promises of high sensitivity, a critical factor for any serious bass angler. This isn’t just another rod; Vexan claims this rod is built with a 50-ton carbon/graphite blank and features a custom WINN grip, suggesting a blend of performance and comfort. I was on the hunt for a new heavy-power rod to handle larger lures and heavier cover, so this seemed like a promising candidate.
My current arsenal includes rods from St. Croix and G. Loomis, so I was curious to see how the Vexan Pro Bass Rod would measure up against these established brands. I chose the Vexan rod primarily for its combination of features and price point. The allure of a sensitive blank paired with a high-end grip at a more accessible price than some of the competitors was hard to resist.
Unboxing the rod was a pleasant experience. The rod arrived well-packaged, and the visual appeal lived up to expectations. The build quality initially felt solid, and the WINN grip was noticeably comfortable to the touch. I was excited to get it on the water, hoping it would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Vexan Pro Bass Rod to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Vexan Pro Bass Rod was on a local lake known for its heavy vegetation and aggressive largemouth bass. I paired the rod with a quality baitcasting reel and some 50-pound braided line, primarily throwing Texas-rigged worms and swimbaits into the thick cover. The Vexan Pro Bass Rod performed admirably in these challenging conditions.
The rod’s heavy power allowed me to easily pull bass out of the weeds, and the sensitivity was impressive, transmitting subtle strikes effectively. I did notice, however, that the tip felt slightly heavier than some of my other rods, requiring a bit of adjustment in my casting stroke. Despite the slight adjustment, the rod performed well.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Vexan Pro Bass Rod has proven to be a reliable performer. I have used it in varying weather conditions, from hot summer days to cooler, drizzly mornings, and its performance has remained consistent. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being used extensively in heavy cover.
Cleaning the rod is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use is usually sufficient to keep it in good condition. Compared to some of my higher-end rods, the Vexan rod might not have quite the same level of refinement in its action, but it definitely holds its own in terms of power and sensitivity for its price point. It is holding up well.
Breaking Down the Features of Vexan Pro Bass Rod
Specifications
The Vexan Pro Bass Rod boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance:
- Rod Type: Casting. This design caters specifically to baitcasting reels, offering enhanced control and power for accurate lure presentation.
- Length: 7ft. This length provides a good balance between casting distance and maneuverability, suitable for various fishing techniques.
- Power: Heavy. The heavy power rating allows for handling heavier lures and extracting fish from dense cover.
- Number of Sections: 1 Piece. A one-piece design maximizes sensitivity and eliminates potential weak points found in multi-piece rods.
- Color: Grey/Green. The aesthetic appeal of the rod, with its color combination is visually striking.
- Guides: 11. The number of guides helps distribute the line load evenly along the blank, improving casting performance and sensitivity.
- Condition: New. Ensures that the product is free from any pre-existing damage or wear.
These specifications are important because they collectively define the rod’s capabilities and target application. The heavy power, for example, is essential for fishing heavy cover, while the one-piece construction enhances sensitivity for detecting subtle strikes. These factors influence the overall user experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Vexan Pro Bass Rod performs its intended job effectively, delivering the power and sensitivity required for bass fishing in heavy cover. Its heavy power rating allows for easily pulling fish out of dense vegetation.
The rod’s strengths lie in its ability to handle larger lures and its surprisingly good sensitivity for its price. One area for potential improvement could be in refining the action to make it feel slightly more balanced. The Vexan Pro Bass Rod definitely meets expectations for a rod in its price range, providing a solid blend of power, sensitivity, and affordability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Vexan Pro Bass Rod features a comfortable and functional design. The WINN grip is a standout feature, providing a secure and comfortable hold even in wet conditions.
The rod’s weight is reasonable for a heavy-power rod, although it does feel slightly tip-heavy compared to some higher-end options. There is minimal learning curve. The rod is easy to pick up and fish.
Durability & Maintenance
The Vexan Pro Bass Rod appears to be built to last, with no signs of significant wear and tear after several weeks of regular use. The materials used seem durable and capable of withstanding the rigors of bass fishing.
Maintaining the rod is simple; a quick wipe-down after each use is usually sufficient. There is little to no maintenance required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Vexan Pro Bass Rod does not come with any additional accessories beyond the standard rod sock for protection during transport. While there are no specific customization options offered directly by Vexan, the rod is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories.
These include various baitcasting reels, lines, and lures from different brands. Anglers can also customize the rod with different grips or guides if they desire, although these modifications would need to be done through third-party services. It’s also important to match your rod to a high-quality reel.
Pros and Cons of Vexan Pro Bass Rod
Pros
- Excellent sensitivity for the price. The 50-ton carbon/graphite blank transmits subtle strikes effectively, enhancing the angler’s ability to detect and react to bites.
- Comfortable WINN grip. The custom WINN grip provides a secure and comfortable hold, even in wet conditions, reducing fatigue during long days on the water.
- Heavy power for handling big bass and heavy cover. The heavy power rating allows anglers to confidently fish larger lures and extract fish from dense vegetation.
- Durable one-piece construction. The one-piece design maximizes sensitivity and eliminates potential weak points, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Attractive grey/green color scheme. The rod’s aesthetics are visually appealing, adding to the overall fishing experience.
Cons
- Slightly tip-heavy balance: The rod’s balance point can feel slightly tip-heavy, which may require some adjustment in casting technique.
- Limited customization options: There are no factory-offered customization options beyond the standard configuration.
Who Should Buy Vexan Pro Bass Rod?
The Vexan Pro Bass Rod is perfect for anglers looking for a reliable and sensitive heavy-power rod at an affordable price. It is well-suited for bass fishermen targeting larger fish in heavy cover.
This rod might not be the best choice for anglers who prefer ultra-light tackle or those who demand the absolute highest level of refinement and balance. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality baitcasting reel that balances well with the rod’s weight and power.
Conclusion on Vexan Pro Bass Rod
Overall, the Vexan Pro Bass Rod is a solid performer that delivers a lot of value for its price. Its sensitivity, power, and comfortable grip make it a worthy addition to any bass angler’s arsenal.
The price of $108.89 is justified given the rod’s features and performance, making it an accessible option for both beginner and experienced anglers. I would definitely recommend the Vexan Pro Bass Rod to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable heavy-power bass rod. Give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.