Cabela's XML or Fish Eagle II?

[Hookmaster]

I looking at these for a 7 foot 2-piece spinning rod. Model is 703, medium-light. Is the extra dough worth it for the XML?

[Tippman]

I have both rods and like them both, neither have had any issues. If I were you I would take each side by side at the store and compare them, run the tips over the carpet and see if you can feel the difference in sensitivity for the cost.

[zachp]

I was in the same predicament last summer while looking for a jigging rod. I picked out the reel that I wanted to pair with the rod and tried both the XML and FEII...The XML seemed to be better balanced with the reel, it also seemed like a little more quality went into the rod. Cabela's usually has some decent prices with combos and the Tourney ZX is a great reel to combo with the XML(my choice), you almost get the reel for free.

[slipperybob]

 Originally Posted By: Hookmaster

I looking at these for a 7 foot 2-piece spinning rod. Model is 703, medium-light. Is the extra dough worth it for the XML?

Yes.

[Hookmaster]

Care to expound slipperybob?

[Hookmaster]

In the reviews of the Tourney ZX there were a couple comments about the bail closing when casting. Do you see this issue, zachp?

[slipperybob]

I have the 706 spinning two piece. They are pleasantly sensitive and has a similar feel like a G.Loomis GLX rods, which costs twice as much. Real solid feel and smooth low gloss finish. The two piece feels like a one piece.

The XML's are made of high modulus graphite which benefit to the user is simply a sturdier rod and lighter in feel. Fuji alconite guides are a really good value in performance of quality rods.

Don't know if Cabela's still have the try for 60 days on their products.

The XML's do cost twice as much as the FE II's but it's about a double jump in parts and all. FE II's uses Fuji hardloy guides, also about half the cost of Fuji alconite guides. IM6 blanks also mean more easy to flex over all.

Both XML's and FE II's also feature Portuguese cork, which is the world's top cork and you can't get any better than that. I do believe only the XML's get's the ergonomic shaped handle cut, while the FE II's are plain round.

[Hookmaster]

I ended up getting the XML. With the current sale that Cabela's has, I got the XML and a regular $100 Cabela's Prodigy reel (made by Daiwa) for $10 more than the rod alone. They have some great deals on the combos right now.

[slipperybob]

I just pulled my old XML rod out and wet some line with it. The high water of the St.Croix river was coffee colored and hid a lot of unseen obstacles underwater. After hooking into a white bass that ran direct into cover, now reminds me of why I got the heavy power model. Total control to pull fish out of it.

Last year I use this rod to shore fish walleyes on a rocky ledge. It was absolutely imperative that you pull fish out and off the rock ledge otherwise you snag line when fish swam about. The XML rod is pretty amazing how you can tell a fish is rubbing your line up against underwater obstacle.

[zachp]

A bit late, but no i've never had a problem with the bail closing when casting on the ZX