Phenix Feather Rod Initial Impressions and Review

[@TheFishingExperience916]

please please do a update video on the rod cons and pros .....

[@kramerhollenbach7191]

I love the fact you give an honest review. So tired of review videos (not just fishing) just telling you every item is the next best thing.

[@CookingandFishing]

Yeah we're not looking to become "prostaff" or sponsored or part of any "team" lol...the rod isn't bad but the guide layout a bit weird and the little bump of a grip I can't get used to at all.

[@bottomlinebassin2001]

I've got an Okuma RTX30 on my Feather MXF rod and it's fantastic. I throw 5" senkos, drop shot, shakey head, and 7/16 finesse jigs on it. I also have a Recon Elite HF Casting rod that I use as my primary texas rig rod. I love Phenix Rods 🐟👊

[@spinningrodfisherman]

i had this line hitting experience with another rod st. croix legend x 6'8 and had 2500 reel on there as well. I'm not sure the reason but i also noticed that my particular rod the guides were not aligned properly. never had this happen to any of my other rods before. it was really annoying so i got rid of the rod.

[@CookingandFishing]

Haha yeah sometimes they don't lay out the guide train properly. Glad you got rid of the Croix - I'm not that big a fan!

[@MidwestBassHunter]

That reel seat is very interesting.

[@CookingandFishing]

It's surprisingly not uncomfortable :)

[@channelnamehere4065]

@ 1:52 - where do you get your dehooker? Can't seem to find it

[@CookingandFishing]

google Unhookum Tool

[@africaster]

Smooth netting action 👏

[@CookingandFishing]

haha thanks! Lots of practice that day on shorts!

[@spydercliff09]

Great review thanks. What’s the brand name of the fish dehooker you use?

[@CookingandFishing]

Thanks! That is the "unhookum tool," I'll add it to the description!

[@spydercliff09]

Thanks :)

[@josepharvizzigno4641]

So it looks like these rods are true to the rating...Have you looked/tried at the 7 ft 7"....For Shore Fluke it appears the Medium would be required as the 6" Jerk Shad Gami Jig head combo is indeed 3/4 ounce. Like you mentioned the rod really tops out at the rated max.

[@CookingandFishing]

This is an old review - Phenix isn't a brand on my radar at all these days.

[@kenglee88]

im assuming you still have the rod after 3yrs now.. how is it holding up?? any new update on what you like and dont like?

[@CookingandFishing]

I had 3 of the Phenix Feathers for about a year, then sold them - couldn't get used to the minimalist grips, they were sort of tip heavy, but overall I still consider great bang-for-buck rods if you want something extremely light.

[@sai_bfishing4547]

To me it's an awesome rod.paired with a 1000 stradic fk with 5lb braid!tight lines!!

[@CookingandFishing]

It really is, I went back and forth on the handle and I've concluded that I really prefer the Daiwa/MB foregrip...but otherwise, very cool rod. I picked up the 7'1M and I find it extremely versatile so far.

[@sai_bfishing4547]

@@CookingandFishing cool!to me it's the best for light line.can catch just about anything on it.i like that it has a sleek and thin look to it.

[@derekhenretta33]

can you use this rod for Trout??

[@drumandball]

I was expecting you to pull up a smallmouth for that first fish hahahahaha

[@CookingandFishing]

haha that must've been a trip!

[@luisseminario4790]

I have the 7’1 medium and really like it haven’t had line wrapping but then again I’m using 10lb mono with a Shimano ultegra 2500. I really wanted the Shimano stradic ci4 2500 because this reel is so light that it would pair so nice with the rod. You also got to take in mind that some rods perform a bit better with specific lines. Is that line power pro super 8 slick? I had bad experience with this braided line.

[@CookingandFishing]

It's J braid x8, any braid will do what it did in the video, not really an issue just extremely odd to see it happen. I like the rod, but imo it's a med-fast taper and pretty mushy in the tip for faster jigging techniques. Still, at that price point...under 3oz...definitely a fun little rod to fish with.

[@davidsalinas1669]

Just received mine in the mail today got 7'1 light . Thinking of putting a daiwa regal lt 1000 planning to use this as my dropshot rod 🤔 I mainly use 1/4 oz weights so I'll see how this works out for me 😅

[@trouttome4199]

Do you think the Iron feather UL is worth the $$?

[@CookingandFishing]

I haven't a clue...the only Phenix rod I've used is the Feather (not the Iron Feather).

[@davidsalinas1669]

Does the power of the rod feel less then what is rated ? In other words does it feel like an UL

[@CookingandFishing]

I mean none of these ratings are standardized, I think a "light" power is pretty spot on for this rod. If you can live with that funny little bump of a handle it's not a bad choice.

[@lusaeteurn6850]

Do you still have the rod? And how would you feel about it now.

[@CookingandFishing]

Yes, but I picked up the 7'1M and it's a much more versatile rod. Phenix rod ratings are nonsense...the series really should be UL, ML, and M. The Medium fishes like any other company's ML, but has good backbone. Still that weird grip, but you get used to it.

[@lusaeteurn6850]

Cooking and Fishing Thanks for the reply. How does it compare to the expride? Better yet make a video comparison.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@lusaeteurn6850 They are rather different rods, but both excellent "value" in their respective price points. The Phenix is more of a novel build, sort of a minimalist custom feel that weighs next to nothing. The Exprides are more conventional, but ultimately...they fish like $350+ rods. The blanks are more sensitive, the components are better, and the actions are crisper.

[@East619]

How is it holding up? Would this be able to case 1/2 oz egg weight?

[@CookingandFishing]

Got rid of it not long after this review - definitely not for 1/2oz anything

[@East619]

Thanks for reply another question would this be a great panfish slash trout rod for 3/8 oz bobber set up...like the thill wobble bobble.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@East619 If you really want the Phenix get the Medium powered rod, it's like a ML. Honestly I would get a Zodias in the appropriate power and call it a day - much better rod in every way imo.

[@victorsimonsen921]

how do you like the reel seat on the expride spinning rods?

[@CookingandFishing]

They are 10x better than the Phenix reel seat lol...but not as good as the megabass/daiwa reversed foregrip seats - those are the best spinning reel seats imo.

[@jeremyjensen2772]

Long term review?

[@CookingandFishing]

Nah it's a decent rod for the price point but - weird grip and guide layout, pretty tip heavy despite the light weight - I'd take a Zodias/Rebellion over the Feather.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Dude, what are those shoes? I need some new yakking shoes

[@CookingandFishing]

Those are called Crosskix, there's a newer version out I haven't tried. But the originals are okay, very comfy but the strap broke off after 2 trips lol. Kinda like a sneaker version of Crocs!

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Cooking and Fishing reasonably priced?

[@CookingandFishing]

i'm seeing them now on amazon for like 50ish...some random sizes for less, some on ebay too. I think I paid 30 bucks for them couple years ago? They really don't seem any different from crocs lol

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Cooking and Fishing maybe I'll check em out.

[@masterangler100]

Thanks for the review I was really interested in the rod but i think I'll go another route.

[@CookingandFishing]

I might have to do an updated review, but basically the line wrapping issue...it's weird, but I'm not seeing any impact on casting distance. One thing that does bother me is how whippy the tip section is, definitely a med-fast taper. Fine for slow lift-fall jigging, dropshotting, shaking etc, but not great for quick snap jigging. One positive: the blank is more sensitive than initial impressions. In calm conditions I can definitely feel pickups on slack line.

[@cword8247]

How do you think this rod would pair with a stradic ci4+ fb 1000? Im thinking of 6 lb test j braid for multi species pond fishing.

[@CookingandFishing]

I think it will be a perfect pairing :) I have 8lb x8 J braid on my tat 2000, which is basically the same size/weight as the ci4+ 1000 stradic. It makes a perfect stream/river trout plugging rod too. Will whip out a 1/8oz crankbait effortlessly, and you can jiggle that tip all day w/o fatigue.

[@cword8247]

@@CookingandFishing Awesome, thank you. Looks like it also has enough backbone for landing big fish as well.

[@StatesideSaints]

This rod is perfect for a Stradic ci4 1000. It's what I use. That rod and reel combo will give you the lightest rig you've ever felt. I believe the problem he is having is that he is using a 2500 reel and a big swim bait. The rod is meant for a small reel and finesse fishing a drop shot or weightless bait. The reel seat is so sensitive. It was made to feel the lightest bite with really lightweight baits.

[@touavang1770]

Did the rod survived?

[@CookingandFishing]

Yes, and I picked up the 71M as well. The grip is not perfect...the guide spacing is a little weird...but it's a very fun rod to fish with.

[@JoshJ1563]

I know it’s a old video hope I get a reply was thinking of the 7’1 fast 6-14 thinking about fishing the bays using 3/8th-1 oz lures do you think it would be a good choice is their enough backbone ? Or should I get the 7’1 10-20 extra fast going to be using a daiwa fuego 2500 with 15 lb braid possibly 20 lb max Quattro

[@CookingandFishing]

I would get the MH for sure, but honestly the Zodias is a better buy in that price range imo.

[@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN]

Is this reel seat the same as the maxim?

[@CookingandFishing]

Not sure but Phenix reel seats are pretty awful imo lol

[@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN]

@@CookingandFishing any other brands you recommend? Looking to fish for halibut and bass in southern ca

[@CookingandFishing]

@@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN Not familiar with your application but if you're looking at similar freshwater bass rods in that price point the new Zodias is hard to beat - Daiwa Rebellion is another one but they only have 3 spinning models.

[@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN]

@@CookingandFishing I'm going to wait for the new shimano nasci rod. You think 7 foot, 7'4, or 7'8?

[@jaypible5640]

so strange to see the line wrapping around like that.. i paired mine with a sustain 2500 and 4000 and have not had this issue.. maybe its the reel?

[@CookingandFishing]

I swapped to a 1000/2000 sized tatula LT and it's doing the same thing, but no big deal...doesn't seem to cause any issues, the line never gets tangled or anything...just strange to look down and see line whipped across the blank lol

[@CookingandFishing]

I think that was J braid x8 in 10lb.

[@pbefishing7275]

I had the same issue with the line with a similar set up it was my Fuji hook keeper the line was bouncing off of it cause that tangled issue. I just set the hook keep twards me.

[@CookingandFishing]

That was the first thing I looked at...and it wasn't the hook keeper. I took the fuji off and it was still happening. Going to the smaller reel helped, and as I said in the video...it doesn't really do anything other than make me scratch my head lol. I've grown quite fond of this rod, might pick up another for 2019!

[@plim123]

Do you still use this rod?

[@CookingandFishing]

Not really, I only bring one light spinner on the kayak and this year it's been the Expride 610ML. The Phenix is a great rod tho, I might pick up a Medium action for spybaits etc

[@plim123]

Would you recommend the light for ned rigs and dropshots or the med?

[@CookingandFishing]

@@plim123 The L will be perfect for 1/16 - 1/8oz ned rigs, and up to 1/4oz DS if you're casting it. I haven't picked up the Med yet.

[@biguunn]

I have the Shimano nasci 3000 and my line doesn’t wrap around the rod. I like the rod mine is a 77m and I love it. Only thing is the Real seat creeks

[@CookingandFishing]

Yeah this was my first impression, not sure if it's the new braid or what but after a couple of years (and adding the 7m to my collection) my biggest gripe by FAR is that reel seat. Is it innovative and light? Yes. Is it comfortable while fighting a fish? F NO! It creaks, like you said, and wants to twist in my hand. The rod is an incredible value...but that reel seat has to go. Might be a future project to strip the guides/seat off and rebuild it.

[@doesntmatterwhatyousay1928]

I have the feather mine says it’s from 1/4 - 1 3/4 oz 10-30lb line

[@CookingandFishing]

They make different models.

[@marcaustin]

my dude is wHACKING them flat fish. Awesome! good review

[@CookingandFishing]

Thanks!!

[@RobertKearl-Outdoor-Adventures]

I put a 4000 series reel and carbon fiber line

[@StatesideSaints]

I think that problem is your reel size. Also maybe your line size too. I have two of them with 1000 reels and I use 8lbs. test and neither does that. I have caught several 7lbs. bass on them and it definitely has enough backbone to catch big fish. I also only use 1/8oz. weights or weightless senkos on them. The 1/8-3/8oz. rating is an over estimate. I wouldn't go over 1/4oz. on this rod.

[@CookingandFishing]

I'd say the problem is the guide train/spacing, but one solution is to downsize the reel...which I did, to a 1k sized Tatula. But honestly, the line slapping was more an oddity than an issue. Agreed that 1/4 is prob the top end of its rating, and it's a great rod esp at that price point.

[@case8987]

What would you go with if you had to pick between this and the daiwa tatula elite spinning rod?

[@CookingandFishing]

If you're asking for one versatile spinning rod...this ain't it. The 7'1M (1 power up) is a good candidate. You can see that rod on a few good fish here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zou4fGx_fKdmatE The Shimano Zodias and Expride 7'M are excellent as well. I'm not a fan of the Tatula Elite rods...but they aren't bad.

[@case8987]

Cooking and Fishing thanks for the reply. I’m basically looking for something under $200 that I can cast drop shots and small swimbaits with mostly.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@case8987 Okay, in that case I would highly recommend the 7'1M Feather, it's got a funky handle, but you're not going to get a lighter (not even close) and more sensitive blank for the money. Dropshot is right in its wheelhouse, as are small swimbaits...I was using both 1/8oz + 3" spark shad and the 1/0 Owner Flashy Swimmer with 4" EZ shiners on it, does a great job. Ned rigs too. It really is a ML rod, and will cast 3/32oz hair jigs as well as 1/16oz + 3" TRDs. Very fun rod to fish with.

[@case8987]

Cooking and Fishing awesome dude I use those 3 in spark shads a lot on dale hollow. Smallies destroy them. I just got some 5 inch in the mail, can’t wait to throw them.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@case8987 Awesome! Yeah the spark shads are money...the EZ Shiners are money too. So fun when they stop that slow rolled swimbait!

[@timothybecker176]

My rod tip broke! Had the same rod and the thing snapped on a 8.07 LMB, never again buying anything from them.

[@CookingandFishing]

I'll break 10 of these rods for an 8lb LM any day haha...but be honest: did ya high stick it? That's a big fish to keep your composure lol

[@richierich7392]

more like you broke it on a snag. noob. ive caught 20 lb stripper on this rod so...,..

[@michaelchapman6087]

You’re throwing slack in the line that’s why it’s slapping the blank

[@CookingandFishing]

Lol yeah I am, so what? A lot of techniques call for picking up slack line, I do it every time I jig or work a jerkbait. It's no big deal, I like the rod picked up another...but that guide layout is kinda weird. Not weirder than the reel seat, which is my main gripe with the rod.

[@marcomunoz7453]

Slap a Diawa fuego on that rod!

[@fakegucci2244]

Jesus Saves ❤️! He will guide you in the right direction!!

[@CookingandFishing]

lol please keep it to yourself, thanks

[@alexsarpele6477]

@@CookingandFishing all is fisherman’s 😂…nice rod