Total Sea Magazine

Maxximus Total-Flexx rods are constructed using a combination of modern materials to produce a slim, tough and lightweight but powerful blank. The core of the blank consists of a combination of T-glass and high-density graphite. Carbon yarn, PBO (polyphenylene bensobisoxazole fibres, as used in the spokes of racing bikes, giving three times the strength but half the weight of stainless steel) and glass fibres are then woven onto the core to enhance the strength and compression resistance. Graphite tape and high-density graphite provide further reinforcing.

This combination results in a revolutionary new rod with perfect power transmission, enhanced fighting action and lifting power. The blank is rated for casting lures of 40g to 80g but during the test I found it felt best when casting lures of 25g to 50g.

I reckoned the best way to test just how tough these new materials are was to clamp on a reel and chuck a few lures down in the West Country to target bass, pollack and hard-fighting wrasse.

The three-piece construction makes it easy to transport and store in the boot of the car, but doesn’t seem to affect the rod’s action in use. It has a progressive action – meaning the more load you put on the blank the more it bends lower down towards the butt. The tip is quite sensitive for feeling bites or fish plucking at soft plastic lures but there’s plenty of power to set the hook.

The test involved casting from the shore and afloat, and at three metres long it is a bit long to be used from a small rib but would be fine from a larger dinghy. It certainly fires lures a good distance once you get it loaded, with a 39g Xorus Badboy going miles, while soft plastics on a jig head go pretty well too!

The choice of venue was spot-on where the rod saw some hectic action with pollack and wrasse. While I didn’t hook anything big enough to test its Total-Flexx name, I did have an absolute blast and enjoyed some good scraps with this easily carried and inexpensive spinning rod!

INFORMATION
Blank material: Composite
Overall length: Three metres
Sections: Three
Rings: Nine plus tip
Whippings: Black tipped with silver
Reel seat: Fixed screw-up
RRP: £64.95

TSF RATINGS
Appearance: ★★★★★★★★★★
Casting: ★★★★★★★★★★
Fishing: ★★★★★★★★★★
Value for money: ★★★★★★★★★★

Contact: Fladen Fishing UK on 01305 821111
Website: www.fladenfishing.co.uk