2017 BUYER’S GUIDE
7. Lew’s Custom Pro
Speed Stick Series
Each rod is technique-specific and built on
a proprietary multi-layer blank that results
in a highly sensitive rod. Lew’s adds A-grade
cork with Duracork and EVA inlays, plus tan-
gle-free stainless-steel guides with
Zirconium inserts. Nine casting; three spin-
ning $199.99 to $219.99
lews.com
8. Fitzgerald Vursa
Seven casting models with high-modulus
blanks are engineered for extreme sensitivi-
ty and durability. The guides are ringless,
meaning there’s no insert to fall out.
$129.99
fitzgeraldrods.com
10
9. St. Croix Bass X
The budget-conscious Bass X features a
proven SCII graphite blank, aluminum-oxide
guides, split cork handle with EVA trim, Fuji
reel seat and five-year warranty. 10 casting;
four spinning
$100 to $110
8
11
9
stcroixrods.com
10. 13 Fishing Muse Black
“Cool” and “sculpted” accurately describe
the Muse Black, with its ergonomic carbon
fiber reel seat blending into an EVA split
grip. The 36-ton graphite blank provides
high strength but is lightweight. 15 casting;
four spinning $175 to $215
7
13fishing.com
11. TFO Pacemaker Series
Designed by pro Cliff Pace, the Pacemaker
features a proprietary guide system, grippy
rubberized reel seat and cork grips. The
blank between parts of the split grip is
color-coded to identify each rod’s power
rating. 12 casting; two spinning $189.95 to
$199.95
tforods.com
12. DUCE Echo
DUCE touts its Spiral Wrapped Technology, whereby the guides start on top of bait-
casting rods but wrap around to the bottom. It says the result is less torque,
less line friction and more sensitivity. Eight casting; five spinning $140
66
12
ducerods.com
FLWFISHING.COM I DECEMBER 2016