Thought this might get more exposure here as I I know more folks on here are stepping into the JDM world. I just received a “New” Major Craft Fine Tail FAX 63 SUL Area Trout Rod. I stepped out of my comfort zone as I had said I most likely would never purchase any more JDM rods that were not high end. I really wanted to check this rod out for several reasons. Not a lot of folks will spend 300 dollars on an UL rod....for that matter not a lot of folks will spend the 173 dollars on a rod....which is what this rod costs. But my quest was to see if it is worth maybe more than the price paid....is it a bargain for what you get compared to other JDM area trout rods at same cost? On the surface....without fishing it yet it would seem so. How Major Craft has been able to hold this rod weight down to 54 grams is beyond me.....the 6 foot SUL Banshee weighs 70 grams. It has the new Fuji Sic-S guides with Fuji stainless guide frames....9 of them! The rod has burgundy thread with silver accent thread on a black blank with burgundy winding checks and an EVA butt cap. I have been comparing it to my Palms Egeria 64 XUL. The Fine Tail is somewhat softer in the top yet has a larger butt.....5mm vs 7mm. The tip is 1mm. The build is very good.....in comparing it to the Banshee....which was made in Major Craft Works Factory in Vietnam......I can see no difference. This rod is assembled in China but with all Fuji components and the blank is made in the Vietnam factory from high modulus Toray carbon fiber. The reel seat....which is down locking.....consists of Fuji SKSS and KDPS components. I did a lot of homework on this rod and got much info from a crappie.com member who purchased this rod in a glass model.....and I think he has since gotten an all carbon model also. Which brings me to another point. They have this rod in two glass models that are slower in action.....which should make for a whole lot of fun with smaller Gills. I already have mounted a reel on the rod and been casting out in the yard. It casts effortlessly. Of course the real test comes when you fish it....which I intend to do tomorrow. I do not expect to get into any good Gills but there will be some 4-5 inch fish around which will be great for testing out the sensitivity. I fully expect to tangle with some KY bass with this rod in the 14-17 inch range....which will give it a good workout. Hoping some crappie will be hanging around also as the action of this rod looks perfect for cast and retrieve crappie fishing. Major Craft company philosophy has been stated to give you more for the price paid than others. I had heard that long before I ever bought my first Major Craft. I have found that to be true with all my Major Craft Rods. The Palms.....and this new rod.....are priced virtually the same....and I feel the Palms is certainly worth what I paid. But just on sight...feel....the Major Craft is a better buy. Am excited to get on the water and try it out. Of course it hit 102 down at Nickajack today and supposed to be about same rest of the week.....but I’m going.
Regards
Attachment 354820
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