Introduced in 2021 , the Envy Black III is the third generation of a series of rods built with the consummate angler in mind . Designed with top-notch components from tip to butt , the popular family includes 17 different models in various lengths , powers and actions that allow anglers to finetune their choices for technique-specific applications . First Impression
Plenty of forethought went into designing the Envy Black III family , and cutting corners clearly wasn ’ t part of the deal . The 7-foot-4 MHM fits the bill as a medium-length , mediumheavy workhorse that delivers the sensitivity , power
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and comfort that discerning tournament pros expect from a top-tier casting rod .
Super light and very well balanced , the rod is built around a Japanese 46-ton Toray Graphite blank fitted with stainless Fuji K guides with Zirconia inserts , a 15 1 / 2-inch split handle topped with premium 5A cork and a custom reel seat fashioned to limit hand slippage while making the rod a true pleasure to hold . The handsome charcoal-black finish with silver lettering gives it a sharp , professional look .
In Action
The nine casting models in the lineup are designed to be technique-specific but aren ’ t labeled as such , so I
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got the skinny on this one from a couple of guys in the know before heading to the lake . 13 Fishing marketing director Ben Alcocer says the 7-foot-4 MHM really shines in the bladed jig arena , while MLF pro Dave Lefebre called it his favorite rod in the group because there are several other things it can used for effectively .
Though it ’ s not a rod you want to take to the punchin ’ mats in Florida , I found it has plenty of backbone for fighting around scattered cover , and it loads up nicely for delivering moving baits like ChatterBaits , swim jigs , spinnerbaits and small swimbaits . The tip action is in the moderate / fast league but reacts quick enough to
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rip a lipless crank out of the grass , and to provide solid hook sets with Texas rigs , stickbaits and fine-wire casting jigs . Throwing mediumdiving cranks or Carolina rigs with it isn ’ t out of the question , either .
Another thing I really like about the Envy Black III is the feel of the reel seat . It ’ s ergonomically correct for the palm . Plus , it has sort of a “ sticky ” feel to it thanks to a soft-touch paint coating that reduces slippage if your hands get sweaty or wet .
Final Thoughts
Plenty of anglers consider the 7-foot-4 MHM the premier ChatterBait rod in the Envy Black III lineup , but it ’ ll cover more bases than
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