New and improved Phenix Mirage

I have a Phenix Mirage that did not get much use, especially after acquiring a few JDM rods and blanks. The issue was exceptionally slow blank recovery while casting. Also, while fishing out of a kayak the tip would immerse into the water if I made a low cast.



The guides started with a 20H and had size 5 running guides (American Tackle steel frame with Nanolite ring). I happened to purchase some SeaGuide titanium guides when they were at 40% sale. These had been lying around in a box collecting dust. It occurred to me why not swap out the guides. After stripping the old guides I measured the weight out of curiosity.



They weighted in at over 5.5 grams excluding the tip.

The new guides which start with a 16H stripping guide and end in size 3.5 running guides were exceptionally lighter.



Less than half the weight of the old guides!

The result of the swap is that now the recovery of the blank is significantly faster than before. Phenix Mirage is now getting a lot more time on the water and is a joy to fish with.



Got my best crappie of 2024 (so far) on it.

Note: I wouldn’t say Titanium guides are a must have for this blank. But if you can use the lightest guides you can get away with, then you will be able to get the most of the build. Also, other domestic UL blanks like MHX, NFC, etc. work just fine with steel guides.


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