Fast or X-Fast action jig rod? 2025
FoulHooked reply :
Simply put do you guys normally prefer a fast or x-fast action for jigs and t-rigs. Up to a half oz jig with trailer. Which one and Why? Let's hear it!
TOXIC reply :
Totally depends on weight. What weight Jig? Also, T-rigs is too generic a term. T-Rigs can be finesse weightless to 1 oz mat punchers. Jigs cover the whole spectrum of weights as well. Generally, unless weightless I would never use an extra fast rod. And even then it would be rare.
Chance_Taker4 reply :
X-Fast for light baits, Fast for heavy baits.
Fishinthefish reply :
Xfast for large wire hooks. Fast for small wire hooks is how I personally prefer my rods.
Catt reply :
Extra Fast!
I wanna turn that head & get her coming up on the hook set!
NHBull reply :
One companies fast is another's extra fast......IL everything is even x fast
Darren. reply :
I've got Fast and XF rods, and there was a time I'd have
said XF for everything (within what we're talking here),
but like @NHBull said, paraphrased, no two are the same.
Case in point for me, my two Shimano Compre (old cork)
rods were both XF rated, but compared to my Fast rated
Avid (then) and now Premiere, and even the Carbonlites,
the Compres were less twitchy. Strange, that.
Chefster reply :
Extra fast for rods 7 foot and under
Fast for rods longer.
But if I am throwing braid to leader fast no matter the length. I have a friend who only uses extra fast. He says a fast is to whippy for his liking. How are you fishing the jig. Dragging I prefer fast. More forgiving and I feel it’s easier for me to prevent getting snagged. If I am hopping or swimming the jig I like a extra fast. I feel like The extra fast action gives me more control over the jig. But it totally depends on your fishing style.
A-Jay reply :
I'm going to admit that contrary to conventional thinking - I prefer a Moderate Fast stick for most all my jig fishing and especially when presenting them on heavy braid. Both Medium Heavy Moderate & Heavy Moderate effectively share the jig fishing duty for me. Sort of a semi-parabolic blank. Not like a cranking rod clearly, but definitely not as 'fast' as what most think of when they go looking for a jig rod. I need some tip but I also want more of the blank to flex. Doesn't mean it doesn't have power, surely does; it's just not a pool cue.
Currently I'm using a couple different models from the St Croix line up.
Below is a clip by Matt Allen that explains it rather well.
A-Jay
WRB reply :
Matt didn't mention the new technology rods like Loomis NRX that would be considered XF except the stiff rod bends nearly parabolic (moderate action) loaded with the weight of a bass. I don't use NRX rods but my rods are very similar. The reason I use 5 & 6 power custom rods for exactly what Matt is saying, power to move the big bass and the rods don't unload with jumps and head shakes, unique power to action blend in a jig rod. I also don't use braid unless fishing heavy cover.
Each to our madness.
Tom
craww reply :
I prefer the crisp feel of an XF before the fish bites when moving through structure but more give once its hooked lol. I have a few XF arachnid rods that are like that. There were a few other rods that have touted they do the same traits, and supposedly were legit but it never really took off.
Johnbt reply :
"Currently I'm using a couple different models from the St Croix line up. "
Do you have any favorites to recommend? I took a chance and mail ordered a St.Croix LTB Sniper Spinnerbait, 6'9" & MHMF, earlier this year and it's become my favorite rod. A spinnerbait is just a jig with moving parts, right? 
Thanks.
TOXIC reply :
Have a read.....
https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/35514-rods-power-and-action- defined/
There may be some new information to add since 2006 but it is a good reference. Something that is rarely addressed is the proper construction relative to the blanks spline or spine. Lots of people can't tell the difference, but get a poorly constructed rod and you will.
Almost all rod blanks are produced by wrapping graphite and/or fiberglass around a steel mandrel. This process causes a slight deviation in the material which results in softer and stiffer sides to the rod blank, and is commonly referred to as the spine.
Think of a rod spine as if it were your backbone. You only want to bend in one direction, forward, and it is the same with a rod blank.
Every rod blank has a spine; some are just more defined than others.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/1/2018 at 8:29 PM, Johnbt said:"Currently I'm using a couple different models from the St Croix line up. "
Do you have any favorites to recommend? I took a chance and mail ordered a St.Croix LTB Sniper Spinnerbait, 6'9" & MHMF, earlier this year and it's become my favorite rod. A spinnerbait is just a jig with moving parts, right?
Thanks.
@Johnbt
Yes - TBC76MHMF / PITCHIN’ & LITE FLIPPIN’:
This versatile rod is a great choice for pitching jigs into cover or for lighter flipping applications.
A-Jay
Johnbt reply :
On 2/1/2018 at 10:33 PM, A-Jay said:Yes - TBC76MHMF / PITCHIN’ & LITE FLIPPIN’
Thanks. I've never really considered a rod that long, and mostly use 6'6" to 7' rods. I even have a 6' St.Croix Premier MHF that I fish a lot and a G.Loomis SBR 6'3" MXF that sees some use in tight places.
I keep looking at the 7' Spinnerbait Sweeper, but it's only 3" longer than the one I have, so maybe I should think about the 7'6". I know I'll like the action. Thanks again.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/2/2018 at 4:37 AM, Johnbt said:Thanks. I've never really considered a rod that long, and mostly use 6'6" to 7' rods. I even have a 6' St.Croix Premier MHF that I fish a lot and a G.Loomis SBR 6'3" MXF that sees some use in tight places.
I keep looking at the 7' Spinnerbait Sweeper, but it's only 3" longer than the one I have, so maybe I should think about the 7'6". I know I'll like the action. Thanks again.
I have that Sweeper rod - it's a pretty sweet stick for what it's designed for - spinnerbaits.
But it's closer to a crank bait rod than a jig rod - IMO way too 'slow' and not nearly as stout as the rod I listed above.
I'd say - perhaps get over your fear of 'long rods' - there's nothing to be afraid of . . . .
A-Jay
Turkey sandwich reply :
Every manufacturer having different definitions of "fast", "X-fast", etc aside, in a world where money wasn't an issue and space wasn't a concern, I'd probably favor X-Fast rods more than I do. However, since I've only got so much room on the kayak and currently the idea of owning another 3-4 presentation specific rods is out of the question I like using a MH F for most of my jig fishing.
The issues that I have with X-fast rods are that the suggested lure weights are generally more restricted (the tip is much more brittle in most cases) and that I find that I can generally cast further with a Fast rod. Currently, I'm fishing most jigs on a 7' MH F Legend Elite and it's stellar rod that allows me to fish from about 3/8oz up to around an ounce/just over very comfortably. Also, I do spend a lot of time fishing in current, and to me, feeling EVERYTHING and being able to differentiate between drifting, rolling over the bottom, dragging along rock, hitting a soft or weed bottom, and ultimately any kind of hit is huge. With a more moderate action, even with a high end rod, I would have a much, much harder time feeling those kinds of changes.
WRB reply :
For decades the action of bass rods was simple "fast". Fast met the rod upper 1/3 bent much faster then the lower 2/3 section, giving the inverted J shape. You could put a reel with line on the rod and hold the tip upright putting light force on the line and see the tip end bend without the lower end bending. Extra fast comes along changing the upper end bending 1/4 or closer to the tip end and could still test the bend using your line.
Rod technology was changed with NXR series, the JWR ( and Lamiglas Infinity) is labeled fast yet bends nearly parabolic or moderate when load tested with line, no longer the J shape. There is nothing moderate about the tip section JWR power, it's stiff and stronge hook sets yet the rod loads up like a moderate rod under fish fighting pressure and lure casting.
Rod builders scrambled to duplicate the NRX bend, few achieve success because of proprietary resins and 3M's technology that Loomis/Shimano and St Croix licenses, Lamiglas has prior art limited rights.
Next time you are at the shop with NXR or high end St Croix rods test the bend, you will see the difference.
I am not a NRX owner for my own reasons but my Jig & Worm rods are very similar.
Tom
Johnbt reply :
On 2/2/2018 at 4:46 AM, A-Jay said:I'd say - perhaps get over your fear of 'long rods' - there's nothing to be afraid of . . . .
True, but my excuse is that my boat is a carpeted 1648 Grizzly with only 9' between the seat posts. I have a 7' Avid MHF that is pretty stiff and I've been looking on line at the NRX, Megabass Destroyer and Conquest rods, but haven't seen one up close. I'm leaning towards a Conquest 783C or 843C. Now you have me looking at the 903C too.
I own 10', 11' and 12' surf rods too, so a long heavy rod isn't out of the question. I did get rid of my old 11' spinner that would throw 14 ounces - just too much work anymore.
Thanks for the advice and encouragement.
John
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
You can't get hung up on any one attribute of a rod. Especially since there are no industry standards. What you want to look for is the right blend of power, action, casting and sensitivity for the application. The BassResource.com article referenced is as well written as I've seen. A rod of fast action with a slightly more forgiving butt section is more a change in philosophy than technology imo but I guess that's splitting hairs. Any rod will bend into the handle if enough force is applied. The thing is , lots of modern bass rods are way more powerful in the butt than any bass fishing situation could stress. As for spine, that's 80's theory than many of not most builders have abandoned. You don't fish a rod on just one plane. You cast side arm, underhand, overhead etc. myself and others choose to build on the straightest axis.
Catt reply :
@Delaware Valley Tackle
Merci Beaucoup!
It's all personal preference ????
Johnbt reply :
I wonder how far I'd have to drive or fly to actually see an NRX, Conquest or any other $400+ rod? I started fishing in the '50s and know what I like when I handle it.
We have a Bass Pro and a Cabela's, as well as a large gun and fishing store that's been around since '47 (Green Top even took over the Gander Mountain building next to I-95 when they fled Richmond in 2012.) And lots of smaller shops fwiw.
It was frustrating to have to mail order a $270 St. Croix LTB sight unseen... although it was on sale for nearly $50 off.
I don't need another fishing pole. 
But I have a new Metanium and Steez that deserve better than what I have. Right?
J Francho reply :
For M to MH, I prefer X-fast. Once we start getting into slop fishing meat-sticks, I prefer a a more moderate action that engages the power of the rod across the entire rod for a lift and separate hookset.
fishwizzard reply :
On 2/2/2018 at 11:01 PM, Johnbt said:I wonder how far I'd have to drive or fly to actually see an NRX, Conquest or any other $400+ rod? I started fishing in the '50s and know what I like when I handle it.
We have a Bass Pro and a Cabela's, as well as a large gun and fishing store that's been around since '47 (Green Top even took over the Gander Mountain building next to I-95 when they fled Richmond in 2012.) And lots of smaller shops fwiw.
It was frustrating to have to mail order a $270 St. Croix LTB sight unseen... although it was on sale for nearly $50 off.
I don't need another fishing pole.
The closest place to Richmond I can think of is Susquehanna Valley Tackle, in Columbus PA. It is a bit of a drive but they are right by the river and that part of PA is full of wading spots. It's a great store and having been to the stores you mentioned, it will blow your mind with the stuff they keep in stock.
LonnieP reply :
On 2/2/2018 at 11:01 PM, Johnbt said:I wonder how far I'd have to drive or fly to actually see an NRX, Conquest or any other $400+ rod? I started fishing in the '50s and know what I like when I handle it.
We have a Bass Pro and a Cabela's, as well as a large gun and fishing store that's been around since '47 (Green Top even took over the Gander Mountain building next to I-95 when they fled Richmond in 2012.) And lots of smaller shops fwiw.
It was frustrating to have to mail order a $270 St. Croix LTB sight unseen... although it was on sale for nearly $50 off.
I don't need another fishing pole.
I feel your frustration. I’ve been wanting to look at some upper end rods because I want something better than what I have for Texas rigged worms but no one in this area stocks decent rods. Not even BPS or Cabela’s.
J Francho reply :
On 2/2/2018 at 11:01 PM, Johnbt said:I wonder how far I'd have to drive or fly to actually see an NRX, Conquest or any other $400+ rod?
That's why I keep my bud, @Maico1 around. 
Maico1 reply :
On 2/2/2018 at 8:49 AM, Johnbt said:True, but my excuse is that my boat is a carpeted 1648 Grizzly with only 9' between the seat posts. I have a 7' Avid MHF that is pretty stiff and I've been looking on line at the NRX, Megabass Destroyer and Conquest rods, but haven't seen one up close. I'm leaning towards a Conquest 783C or 843C. Now you have me looking at the 903C too.
I own 10', 11' and 12' surf rods too, so a long heavy rod isn't out of the question. I did get rid of my old 11' spinner that would throw 14 ounces - just too much work anymore.
Thanks for the advice and encouragement.
John
On 2/3/2018 at 2:43 AM, Maico1 said:
Catt reply :
In my opinion what @A-Jay described is my spinnerbait/trap rod to a Tee!
Johnbt reply :
On 2/3/2018 at 12:10 AM, fishwizzard said:Susquehanna Valley Tackle, in Columbus PA.
I'm retired. Thanks. My girlfriend says we can make a trip of it and go to Gettysburg and the next day she'll show me around Penn State. Next thing she'll want to do is have me give her a tour of Blacksburg.
Might be cheaper and easier to just call them up and order 2 or 3 nice rods and wait on the delivery truck.
fishwizzard reply :
On 2/3/2018 at 6:43 AM, Johnbt said:I'm retired.
Might be cheaper and easier to just call them up and order 2 or 3 nice rods and wait on the delivery truck.
It's right by Lancaster Pennsylvania, which is an cool little town with a decent number of restraunts and such. If you enjoy road trips and shopping in a physical store, then SFT is a real hoot. I had never been to a bass-centric pushing store before and it blew me away the first time I've went there.
They have a decent inventory but not quanties of most items, so if you're going to feel a specific rod call the day before to make sure it is still in stock even if their site shows one in stock.
Angry John reply :
1/4 lite wire hook mxf
3/8 ths and above mhf.
papajoe222 reply :
I use three different jig rods. One for working clean/rocky bottoms. One for fishing timber and one for heavy vegetation. None are extra fast.
Johnbt reply :
On 2/3/2018 at 6:52 AM, fishwizzard said:call the day before to make sure it is still in stock even if their site shows one in stock.
Already checked the site. They have some nice rods in stock right now.
LxVE Bassin reply :
The only extra fast tip I can vouch for is St Croix because they sell them here in the Midwest. I prefer extra fast tips for weightless presentations. If I can’t see the rod in person and floor it I’ll pass on it. If there is another rod company that has a better extra fast tip I just haven’t had the luxury to see it or actually hold the rod.
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