RE: Cabela's XML Rods
In years past, the Cabela's XML rods were reputed to be built on a "Loomis" based blank and - in general - had an excellent reputation for being a very high qulity rod.
The talk on the stree today -- is that with the acquisation of Loomis by Shimano - that the blanks are no longer being sold to Cabel"s and that the blanks are being sourced from another vendor.
In actuality, I don't know the actual truth of either statement.
However, the Cabela's XML rod are a high quality rod - that is made with excellent cork, fugi guides, and in general is well constructed. I may be wrong, but I think that the XML rod may be available to work with their balancing kit. Before ordering the combo, I would check with cabela's prduct specialist, and find if the particular rod, being advertised in the combo is usable with their balancing kit. Nearly any rod out there that is longer than 6 feet -- tends to come out tip heavy. Even if you have very very light graphite blanks -- if you are using a tyical 14 inch jigging rod handle -- there is too much blank out in front to get good balance, without a bit of weight in the butt - to get things to balance.
I have used several of both the 5 8, the 6 and the 6 -6 XML rods in the past and have foud them to be excellent rods that are sensitive.
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My only concern about your selection is your statement is saying that you are going to use this rod for "rigging"
My general feeling is that if you are going to use this rod for rigging, and if you are going to be using walking sinker, or split shot up to 1/2 oz: that this rod is just a touch stiff.
If you are going to be using this rod to pitch or vertical jig 1/8 - 3/8 oz jigs -- this is a great choice.
If you are going to use this rod to pull blades (spinners ) and thus will be using weights or bottom bouncers in the + 1/2 oz range -- again an excellent choice. However, if you are rigging with weights a bit less than 1/2 oz -- I would suggest that you get the same rod -- except in the medium light configuration.
I realize that this rod isn't in the special, but for rigging, that would be a better rod.
Take care
REW
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