BELLEZZA UX - - BEST Ultralight Rod VALUE I have EVER Tested!

[@JamieSale-f4j]

Yet another great review nobody goes as deep as you do . Thank you for that .

[@ifishcatfish]

Thank u sir!

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Thanks for the review, and for pointing out the modification you can make to the reel handle to make it more comfortable! I prefer a cork handle with room in front of the reel for my fingers. But at the value of this and some other rods it’s yours and alittle modification makes it a perfect rod! Have an upcoming fun 4th of July holiday with your family!

[@SETSO-4L]

So glad I got this rod for my 21Presso 2000SS-P Currently my favorite rod I will never sell this thing. Thank you for always giving great advice!

[@ifishcatfish]

i will never sell mine either

[@MICROMAN51301]

I picked this up back in April from Asian Portal Fishing. Used it about 10 times so far and caught everything from bluegill to 2+lb bass. I paired it with a 23 Legalis LT and some Varivas Super Ester and its been an incredible combo. I was looking for a budget UL setup when I bought it and I don't think I could have nailed it any better.

[@ifishcatfish]

Well.. you bought my top 2 recommendations of the last 8 years : )

[@MatiDziekonski]

just got this rod recently, cant wait to put my 2000s vanford on it and try it out

[@shawnbowling772]

Victor, I love your videos! I just received this rod from JDM Tackle Heaven and I purchased the Vanquish 2000 size from Digitaka. Wow. What an awesome combo! I am really loving this ultralight fishing! Keep up the videos! Great content!! Take care my friend!

[@ifishcatfish]

watch my video on adding cork to the handle. Its called how to fix jdm rods or something like that..

[@kylothecollector3483]

I have been chasing down the Slow Taper special for so long now, and I finally gave up. I just caught this on a restock on JDM Tackle Heaven and went with this exact model instead. I will be pairing it with my C2000S Vanford. I'm big on matching my rod and reel, but it'll do for now! Thanks for the awesome review!

[@ifishcatfish]

those two match beatifully, and this rod is surprisingly close to slow taper special!

[@michaelyount7888]

I went with the 6’5” version, The Bellezza 652UL-T. Since acquiring, I have used it extensively in medium to small mountain streams for trout. In comparison to the St. Croix rod I use for this application it performed just well in cast distance and accuracy with lures in the 1/24oz range. Where it surpasses its predecessor is in the convenience of a two piece rod of near half the weight while achieving the same level of performance.

[@ifishcatfish]

what is 1/24 oz lure? Have u tried BG-1 jigs?

[@BobSmith-zh6it]

I have a new Japanese rod coming in, my first. The Daiwa Iprimi trout rod. 6'6" UL. Not a high end rod, but just a first one to try. Looking forward to fishing with it.

[@ifishcatfish]

Nice rod but that extra fast action… i much orefer parabolic like this one..

[@crouviere1]

I had my eyes on this rod for a while. Just ordered one from a rakuten japan vendor I used before ... I am going to pair it with my 19 BALLISTIC FW LT 1000S-P spooled with 2.3 lb varivas ester and use it for every sort of lures under 2.5 g: jigs, spoon, crankbait etc. For 2.5g above I'll keep on using my professor 73 All-Range TZ nano. Now I have to carry 3 rods on my paddleboard lol (ie daiwa presso float rig too)

[@ifishcatfish]

Good job man, its hard to find!

[@thatonebeone]

i have a evergreen 7ft rod but its a light power.. its 7ft at 56 grams tubular rod.. crazy how rods can get so light now a days but the price is not so light i really like that bellezaa ux rod for the money and its pretty thick tip good for bass and other fish .. do you think rod tips under 1mm will be too thin of a tip for bass?

[@ifishcatfish]

well... if u catch an occasional bass u will have no problem landing it... even if its 5 pounder. But i wouldn't go specifically targeting a bass with such a rod as it wont cast bass lures very well and u will lose a lot of time fighting every fish. By the way the belezza UX will totally get overpowered by a 2 lb bass, don't mind the firm tip. The whole blank is super ultralight

[@thatonebeone]

@@ifishcatfish ok thank for that info.. most my bass are under 1 pound maybe close to 2 pounds if i get lucky lol .. i love that bellezza bendo action should be perfect for my small game fish under 2 pounds , looks like it has a nice back bone too for a super ultra light .. airty 2000 SF should go well with this rod with your 1.5g jig head and a 2 inch swimbait will be amazing

[@MrRednexus]

How's it compared to soares xt

[@irhymeswithpie]

I was given a st croix panfish 7’ lite power, extra fast action. Would you say I should just enjoy this for a lightweight setup or try to sell and grab something like the rod in this review? I’m just starting so I’m also thinking of selling this get a reel and diff ultra light rod. Any thoughts? Thank you for all your videos! You got a new sub!

[@ifishcatfish]

@@irhymeswithpie selling is a loss of money. U r lucky to get 50%. Just keep ur rod and buy a rig from my recommendations and then u can compare

[@irhymeswithpie]

@ Ty! Will do.

[@thomaskong5]

Hi Victor, I know you mainly fish UL, but have you ever used weights on the rod butt to balance a rod? If you have, would you ever consider making a video on it?

[@ifishcatfish]

Once i literally glued a quarter to the butt of a rod. I just glued it with marine glue, thats it : ) I sold that rod. Now i fish pretty much only Japanese rods and i haven't found one that much out of balance that i want to glue quarters to it. A quarter will be enough to make a difference, because its all the way at the end of the rod. But manufacturers test for these things and i would refrain from doing this on rods over $100

[@davidcloyd1296]

@@thomaskong5 great suggestion,, hammer him with it. I’m sure he’d come up with a better idea than anyone else.

[@wholybatman]

You do such a great job, if only I didn’t live so far, I would send you all my tackle to review. I picked up the 24 Daiwa TD Black in 2500C.. Just as an example of tackle I would send you to have a look at. I put it on the Yamaga 85 BlueCurrent, which is probably a bit heavier than you like to fish, but it was a very enjoyable experience, throwing the little Daiwa Double clutch diver.

[@ifishcatfish]

thank you sir!

[@danspanos]

Quit trying to make me spend more money, Victor! 😅 Really, it sounds like an amazing rod. I saw it on a Japanese website about a week ago and thought of you! They should rename it. They can call it "The Victor"! 😁

[@ifishcatfish]

They should contact me and develop a rod with me. I will help them sell it. But they have goddam US dealers and can't work with me directly

[@danspanos]

@@ifishcatfish Maybe they could sponsor you?

[@SETSO-4L]

@@ifishcatfishoh I agree, I’d love a rod designed in tandem by you.

[@watchman316ly]

Lol- Victor mentioned it to me and I found it and bought the exact one. It does have a very nice parabolic curve but still enough power to land big trout up to 18" - 22." I primarily use .6 - .8 Varivas super trout braid with 2.5 fluorocarbon 36" - 40" leader. The casting ability is crisp and sharp. Recovery is pretty fast too! I'm using it for trout in NC rivers with micro spoons. It's perfect due to the UL power and parabolic action. I hardly miss any trout at all!

[@jimpeterson3806]

I highly doubt theyll ever come back in stock but if they do.. Great review!

[@ifishcatfish]

They were just released! Its a 2024 model. They should make another batch

[@natebonebusta]

I love mine. I jumped on it just as soon as I got recon on it. Only thing i added was Eva foam to the openings in the reel seat for comfort. I don’t feel it has affected the sensitivity. I paired it with 2000s-p 23 legalis.

[@ifishcatfish]

no, that's not where sensitivity comes from .. I bet u can sell it next year for a lot more than u paid for it : ) Like the eradicators..

[@jimpeterson3806]

Quick question...what reel would match this rod better between the Soare XR or Complex XR? Guessing the Complex but wanted your take. Thanks!

[@ifishcatfish]

did u find that rod? Yes, Complex XR for sure

[@jimpeterson3806]

@@ifishcatfish not yet but definitely complimenting it with the Complex XR when they finally come back in stock

[@jimpeterson3806]

One last question I promise (maybe). How's the casting distance on this rod when using a BG-1 jig? I'm using the 6'6" Presso as my twitching rod currently but looking to upgrade next spring. I'm assuming casting distance is fairly similar between both rods but thought I'd throw it by you

[@ifishcatfish]

Much betyer casting and teitching

[@emirmacic7916]

Hello bro, Do you know anything about the 652 model, which is also the most powerful one? I’m planning to get it for trout competition fishing with soft and small hard bait spinners, as well as spoons?

[@ifishcatfish]

no, bro, sorry

[@tabwx]

How does the rod compare to the 6’2” Carabus/Diplomat Extreme? Which one do you like more and which one is more parabolic?

[@ifishcatfish]

Carabus gas more expensive blank and more expensive guides and nicer handle. But has solid tip and extra fast action - the opposite of parabolic. Depends on what u like. I sold my carabus but will keep this rod forever. Much more enjoyable to me.

[@tabwx]

@@ifishcatfish thanks for the reply. If you have fished a majorcraft finetail FAX series, how does the corto compare to it?

[@Merktoads]

Victor you think the 23 VANQUISH C2000S is too big for this rod?

[@ifishcatfish]

its just perfect

[@kevinhuiras647]

Thanks for the reply.

[@Gokor30]

How do you think it'll do with a float?

[@ifishcatfish]

too short, guides too small.. blank too soft.. Get the cheap presso in 7'6 or the new Presso Air that costs 200 in 7'6... those are perfect

[@thomaskong5]

Hi Victor, sorry to bother you again. How does the tip diameter compare to Eradicator 67? Also, how do the guides towards the tip compare in size to the Eradicator? Are they larger diameter? Debating if I really need this rod 🤣

[@ifishcatfish]

they are very similar in size, but are different materials. Its very easy - if u an find it - get it. But it will be hard, as it is sold out every place that ships internationally. U would have to ask someone in Japan to buy it there and ship it to u

[@aurileus226]

Do you think the belleza ux 652 would be a good twitch rod

[@ifishcatfish]

i am not familiar with the other actions. The longer it is, the more likely to wobble

[@goransvensson5547]

which reel is better, shimano vanquish or daiwa exist?

[@ifishcatfish]

for ultralight fishing probably Vanquish. Larger sizes Exist

[@goransvensson5547]

@@ifishcatfish which roll of the 2 do you like more? I bought the vanquish 2500hg and I'm damn happy with it.

[@yura__cool]

Hi Victor, great video :) I have the opportunity to get my hands on the bigger model, the Bellezza UX 652UL 0,5-7g. What do you think, will it be a good for slightly bigger lures like 2-4g ?

[@ifishcatfish]

I think it will be a great rod, but DIFFERENT. Every model has a different action and different Taper. U can see on their website the taper is different. That doesn't mean bad, i think its still great, but don't expect the parabolic action i described

[@kaeeroyal3124]

How many guides does the 65 model have?

[@JoelTuck-t5e]

Hey Victor where can you buy these rods from?

[@ifishcatfish]

google, and whoever has them..

[@purifierphoenixthemecca]

Try mavllos plume, the rod taper makes it extremely comfortable

[@ifishcatfish]

Never heard of such rod. Maybe send it to me for a couple of weeks?

[@RonMTube]

Haven't fished either rod but it looks like the Plume has a much different taper with a thicker butt section and a solid tip.

[@ifishcatfish]

alright, then maybe don't send it.. that's not my thing..

[@jamesmjychang3440]

Between Yamaga blank blue current and this rod in video which one is better. I understand both rods are different but if i was to buy one which one should i buy first

[@ifishcatfish]

Just buy both. This one is so cheap. The yamaga blanks is a bigger rod, heavier power. It can be used for larger lures.

[@natebonebusta]

@@ifishcatfishI have both, I agree with Victor.

[@jamesmjychang3440]

Where can i buy this rod

[@AP-mo4vv]

Can you please test the UL Spinningreel Kingdom Tegmen

[@ifishcatfish]

only real fishing brands!

[@skj468]

I know you’re tired of seeing my comments but I’m looking to buy a high end trout setup and I’m confused on what to get, I mostly fish trout worms and spinners in creeks and rivers and want a rod that goes well with a size 1000 vanquish that’s durable and a big upgrade sensitivity wise compared to Dobyns trout and panfish and the TFO trout rod

[@ifishcatfish]

The belezza UX is amazing, just get it if u find it. It is much better than the rods u listed and looks amazing with vanquish. And one day if u get another rod, u can still keep the belezza for another setup. Otherwise go for Corto Prototype or Yamaga Blanks, if u insist on spending bid dough

[@skj468]

@@ifishcatfish thank you! I went back and saw your review on those 2 JDM rods, but I was looking to avoid foam and having to add cork to a new rod. I really am intrigued by the soare xr and the soare limited 2024, is there any reason why I shouldn’t get it and get the corto prototype or the yamaga blanks (blue current?) instead? For some deep seeded reason I’d feel a lot better if I had your blessing 🤣 Also if/ when I get a shimano soare limited, would you be interested in reviewing it, or do you avoid reviewing viewers rods? Thanks again for your time and feedback

[@ifishcatfish]

the soare XR has only one tubular tip model, the 7'6. I recommend it all the time, but for different type of fishing, float fishing, or drop shot or fishing from the bank, because its a big rod. Vanquish is ultra finesse and inappropriate to match with such a huge rod. The smaller models have solid tips and bad XF action. The Soare Limited is also a solid tip rod, and i hate all solid tip rods regardless of price. Have videos on that, not gona explain here. The rods i mentioned have great tip feel, and are very light if u pick them in the small models and color match with the Vanquish. Watch my corto prototype review and videos and u will see its like made for that reel. But really the cheap Belezza X is just as good a match as any of those.

[@skj468]

@@ifishcatfish thanks! Gotcha, I guess I’ll go with the Bellezza… would you recommend going up to the Bellezza prototype, since it feels more like the corto? I’m going to be throwing 1/32 to 1/8oz and even tho I love everything about the corto it says it has a max of 2g….

[@KRuslan1000]

What websites are safe to order or pre-order inport this Rod ?

[@ifishcatfish]

nothing is 100% safe, which is the reason i don't get involved

[@KRuslan1000]

@ifishcatfish how did you import yours I want one

[@PisangzChannel]

The weight of 6'2 for this rod almost same with major craft ajido 1g..both 57g correct me if i wrong..

[@ifishcatfish]

I didnt understand this. Put periods to separate sentences..

[@PisangzChannel]

@@ifishcatfish sorry for short words asking you sir 😂 already update my question

[@ifishcatfish]

@@PisangzChannel this rod weighs 58 grams, dont know the other rod...

[@PisangzChannel]

@@ifishcatfish so its same weight with major craft ajido 1g..mybe deffrent felling and action for both of this rod..thanks sir!

[@ifishcatfish]

@@PisangzChannel probably everything is different except weight

[@John..18]

When I was a boy, (60+ years ago), times were hard, and it was common to find men making their own spinning rods from army surplus tank aerials,,,!! Talk about wobbly, !! but fantastic parabolic action, (as far as I can remember,, ) ps, I think the Abu 506 mk2 reel, is fantastic value way above the pice point, imho,, Have you tried one ??,? All the best from across the pond,, 😊

[@ifishcatfish]

I tried all Abus at the fishing expos , and i will try them again at icast this year. They are nice reels, but in my opinion they are on lower level than daiwa and shimano

[@John..18]

@@ifishcatfish I love the closed face 506, it's so nice to use just one handed, without having a bail arm,, ! 😊

[@lrodecw]

What about the shamans stella ?

[@ifishcatfish]

this is a rod review. I don't understand your question

[@TheWaymont]

What's up with the electrical tape?

[@ifishcatfish]

It brings me luck on the water

[@sebaseba699]

Watching

[@ifishcatfish]

I thought u only care about reels

[@petervoitko]

Great video my Man! I ordered it right away) but you have a mistake in a video, it's called belleza) have a great day!

[@ifishcatfish]

Corrected

[@ifishcatfish]

Where did u find it?

[@petervoitko]

​@@ifishcatfish I'm ordering directly from Japan, and found it on JDM

[@Bakamojo]

You should start a subscription based private video release model where reviews come out 1 week early for subscribers. That way we can buy the rods before they sell out after you praise a rod LoL

[@ifishcatfish]

I did exactly that, and that's exactly what happened. There is a newsletter at ifishtackle.com and i already have 700 people subscribed. I sent an email before the review and it sold out 2 hours after the email.

[@Bakamojo]

@@ifishcatfish I will subscribe! Side note it just came back in stock at a obvious site last night. Discovered by refreshing the page real quick before going to bed. Purchased it for 150 + 25 shipped. Safe to say the price has gone up a bit. They should be paying you lol

[@ifishcatfish]

@@Bakamojo that is an AWESOME deal!

[@Bakamojo]

@@ifishcatfish ​ All things considered I agree! Some are trying to fleece people for 200-300 dollars for the Rod BEFORE shipping. That said this shop from my observations is increasing price 1-2 dollars a day. Its now 152. Still lower than JDM Tackle heaven who 1. Doesn't have it in stock only for pre-order and 2. Charges more for shipping. Will be my first JDM rod (gave up on finding the Soare XR-T and Yamaga Blanks NZ) so pretty excited. Thanks for the suggestions!

[@ifishcatfish]

do you know what is ABSURD? I recommend a rod and it disappears from all frikking stores in entire Japan, on the other side of the world, and people pay $100 over MSRP to buy it. But I tell them my jigs are amazing, or my floats are amazing, and all of a sudden my word is worth nothing, i am just saying that to make money.. Nobody takes my word seriously when i say something good about my own products.

[@thomaskong5]

Can’t buy this rod anywhere now

[@ifishcatfish]

I know, it sold out, but it was just released and im sure they will make more and it will show up.

[@elchacon6304]

Has anyone ordered from Asian Portal Fishing?

[@12345B]

I had the opportunity to get any model for 145$ to my door, but i passed, i am greedy, i keep hoping something better will come out, perhaps this will be my demise❤

[@ifishcatfish]

Last time u told me u could only find the short one. Your story sounds a little ‘sus’ :)

[@12345B]

@ifishcatfish the sussiest 😄 Not all at once or from same vendor, I had to do quite a bit of hunting, a sought after rod for sure!

[@davidcloyd1296]

I like the butt! It’s serving its designed purpose of harmlessly being rested on the ground and placed on my belly when fighting a fish. I prefer cork, but the butt on this rod requires nothing additional to protect it.

[@ifishcatfish]

: ) there you go!

[@leighj8885]

Excellent content with one exception. You mention these are only sold in Japan, be no specifics on how you bought yours. What's the point of reviewing gear that 95 percent of people cannot find to buy. I don't read Japanese to order from Japanese sites.

[@ifishcatfish]

People here know how to order them. I used to leave links and ran into all kinds of liability issues. People receiving broken rods, people getting charged import duty, people getting reels with scratching noise, and they always come back to me for help and i feel its my fault and have to help them with that headache now. I got sick of that long time ago and swore never again!

[@scottdeline]

Most of the sites are translated into English. I've had no issues ordering items from Japan 👌

[@elchacon6304]

I'm in the same boat. I am trying to figure out the order process, etc. 😅

[@saleen12]

So annoying that this has ever been In stock since this video

[@ifishcatfish]

Actually someone yesterday told me it came back in stock and he bought it. May have lied to me.. i have not searched.

[@saleen12]

@@ifishcatfish it's out of stock right now and I check often so I'd be sad if that's true

[@ifishcatfish]

@@saleen12 He replied in the comments of this very video 3 days ago. U can ask him, maybe he will tell u where he got it.

[@Merktoads]

Not true just got mine couple days ago.

[@saleen12]

@Merktoads my comment was months ago lol.

[@TheWaymont]

Putting line ratings has nothing to do with breaking point of the blank. Why are you even mentioning that? I guess you need to fill in your video with as much talking nonsense as you can.

[@ifishcatfish]

did i say anything about PE line? I don't use PE line at all. I think i was talking about normal line, and that diameter is important, not the breaking strength. This is not what people think, so i find its worth clearing it out.

[@TheWaymont]

@@ifishcatfish Did I say anything about PE line?

[@ifishcatfish]

i must have replied to the wrong comment. Anyway, my point was agains line ratings, but line ratings in pounds. The line recommendations should be in diameter.