First Impressions of Vexan StrikeBack Rods
The Vexan StrikeBack Rods immediately caught my eye with their sleek black and green aesthetic and the promise of high sensitivity thanks to the IM8 carbon graphite blanks. As someone who’s spent countless hours on the water chasing bass, I’m always looking for that “edge” – a rod that transmits even the slightest tick of a bite. Vexan, a name I’ve seen gaining traction in the fishing world, piqued my interest with the StrikeBack’s blend of quality components and an attractive price point. I was hoping this rod could become my new go-to for finesse presentations.
I was hunting for a lightweight, sensitive rod that wouldn’t break the bank. Many high-end rods boast incredible sensitivity, but their price tags often make them inaccessible to the average angler. The Vexan StrikeBack Rods, with their promise of IM8 graphite and Fuji reel seats, seemed to offer a compelling alternative.
Unboxing the rod, the first thing I noticed was its lightness. The build quality felt solid, and the black and green color scheme gave it a modern, aggressive look. The Fuji reel seat was a welcome touch, suggesting Vexan hadn’t skimped on the details where it counts.
Compared to my G. Loomis GLX and St. Croix Legend Tournament rods, the Vexan StrikeBack Rods lack that ultra-refined feel, but they also cost significantly less. I was also considering a Shimano Sellus, known for its value, but the Vexan boasted a slightly more sensitive blank on paper. The StrikeBack’s promise of braid-ready guides also swayed my decision.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The rod felt good in my hand, but the true test would be how it performed on the water. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype or if it was just another budget rod making big promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Vexan StrikeBack Rods to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Vexan StrikeBack Rods on a local lake known for its clear water and finicky bass. I targeted submerged grass lines and rocky points using a variety of finesse techniques, including drop-shotting and Texas-rigged worms. The weather was cooperative, with calm winds and sunny skies.
The rod performed admirably, transmitting subtle strikes with surprising clarity. The Vexan designed guides handled both monofilament and braided line without a hitch. Its lightweight design reduced fatigue during a full day of casting.
The first few casts felt a little different, as I was used to a faster action. However, I quickly adjusted to the rod’s moderate action. It loaded up nicely on hooksets, ensuring solid penetration, even on the lighter wire hooks I was using.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Vexan StrikeBack Rods have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of premature wear or any degradation of the finish. The guides remain firmly in place, and the reel seat is still rock solid.
I’ve used the rod in a variety of conditions, from sweltering summer heat to crisp autumn mornings. It has proven to be a reliable tool in my bass fishing arsenal. The rod cleans easily with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Compared to my more expensive rods, the Vexan StrikeBack Rods don’t quite match the same level of sensitivity and refinement, but it’s a very close comparison. For the price, it far exceeded my expectations, proving to be a dependable and enjoyable rod to fish with.
Breaking Down the Features of Vexan StrikeBack Rods
Specifications
The Vexan StrikeBack Rods features an IM8 carbon graphite blank, known for its sensitivity and lightweight properties. It is a one-piece rod with a length of 7ft. The StrikeBack series comes in two power options: Medium Light and Medium.
The rod features Vexan designed guides with 316SS ring inserts suitable for both mono and braid lines. It also includes a Fuji reel seat for enhanced comfort. These components are commonly found on higher-end rods, making their inclusion on the Vexan StrikeBack Rods especially noteworthy.
These specifications translate to a rod that is sensitive enough to detect subtle bites, yet powerful enough to handle decent-sized bass. The Fuji reel seat provides all-day comfort, while the braid-ready guides prevent line damage and ensure smooth casts. The one-piece design enhances sensitivity and overall strength.
Performance & Functionality
The Vexan StrikeBack Rods performs its job exceptionally well, particularly in finesse fishing applications. Its sensitivity allows anglers to detect even the lightest strikes. The rod’s moderate action provides enough backbone to handle larger fish, while still allowing for accurate casting and lure presentation.
A major strength is the rod’s balance, which reduces fatigue during long days on the water. A minor weakness might be the lack of a wider range of power options to suit different fishing techniques. It undoubtedly meets and even exceeds expectations for a rod in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Vexan StrikeBack Rods boasts a sleek black and green color scheme that is both modern and appealing. The build quality is solid, and the rod feels comfortable in hand. It is lightweight and well-balanced, minimizing fatigue.
The Fuji reel seat is ergonomically designed for a secure and comfortable grip. The rod is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. Its action is easy to adapt to.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Vexan StrikeBack Rods should last for many seasons of fishing. The components are durable and well-assembled. Maintenance is simple; just rinse the rod with fresh water after each use and occasionally wipe it down with a soft cloth.
The Vexan designed guides are resistant to corrosion and line wear. The Fuji reel seat is also built to withstand the rigors of fishing.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Vexan StrikeBack Rods don’t come with any specific accessories, but it’s compatible with a wide range of reels and line types. Anglers can easily customize the rod with their preferred reel size and line weight. Braid, monofilament, and fluorocarbon lines all work well with the Vexan designed guides.
Various after-market grips could be added, though the stock grip is quite comfortable. The rod’s standard reel seat accepts most standard spinning reels.
Pros and Cons of Vexan StrikeBack Rods
Pros
- High sensitivity due to the IM8 carbon graphite blank, enabling you to detect subtle strikes effectively.
- Excellent value for money, offering performance comparable to more expensive rods at a fraction of the cost.
- Braid-ready guides designed by Vexan ensure smooth casting and prevent line damage when using braided line.
- The included Fuji reel seat provides superior comfort during long fishing sessions, reducing hand fatigue.
- Lightweight design makes it easy to cast all day without strain.
Cons
- Limited power options available. Only offered in Medium Light and Medium.
- Some anglers may prefer a faster action for certain techniques.
Who Should Buy Vexan StrikeBack Rods?
The Vexan StrikeBack Rods are perfect for anglers looking for a sensitive and reliable spinning rod at an affordable price. This is a great choice for bass anglers, particularly those who enjoy finesse techniques such as drop-shotting, shaky-head fishing, and Texas-rigging. It’s also suitable for anglers targeting other species, such as walleye or trout, that require a sensitive rod for detecting subtle bites.
Those who should skip this product are anglers who exclusively fish with heavier lures or require a rod with significantly more power. Anglers who need a heavy or extra-heavy power rod will need to look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory would be a quality spinning reel matched to the rod’s power and line rating. Consider adding a rod sleeve to protect the blank during transport.
Conclusion on Vexan StrikeBack Rods
The Vexan StrikeBack Rods offer an impressive combination of sensitivity, performance, and affordability. The IM8 carbon graphite blank and Fuji reel seat are features typically found on rods costing significantly more. For just $38.49, the value proposition is undeniable.
The price is absolutely justified. You’d be hard-pressed to find a rod with similar features and performance at this price point.
I would definitely recommend the Vexan StrikeBack Rods to any angler looking for a quality spinning rod without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic tool that will help you catch more fish and enjoy your time on the water. Go ahead, give the Vexan StrikeBack Rods a try – you won’t be disappointed!