I’ve tested about three dozen casting rods over the past two years. The Okuma X-Series currently reigns supreme as my favorite. While this rod boasts all the bells and whistles of other high-end fishing poles, no single feature stands out as the definitive reason for its dominance. Instead, it’s the overall feel and performance of the rod that have won me over.
Let’s dive into the specifics of this lineup and its components to see if we can pinpoint what truly sets it apart.
Okuma X-Series Rod: First Impressions
When I first pulled the Okuma X-Series from the rod tube, I was immediately impressed by how light it was. I tested the 7-foot-3-inch medium-heavy power rod with extra-fast action.
Although it’s a medium-heavy, the extra-fast action places it somewhere between medium-heavy and heavy. The tip of a typical medium-heavy rod is usually pretty soft, with the last couple of feet bending at a fairly sharp angle. This one, however, has a more gradual bend over the final 3 feet.
Typically, I would tie on a spinnerbait or buzzbait with a 7-foot-3-inch medium-heavy rod, but for this test, I opted for a hollow body frog. The X-Series rod is a bit stiffer and more capable of delivering a powerful hookset on a bass that explodes on a frog.
On the Water
During one of my early outings with the rod, I caught several small bass on the frog. The rod handled the bait well, offering plenty of tip for accurate roll casts and skips, while still delivering enough backbone to drive the hook home.
But those 14-inchers weren’t enough to push this rod to its limits — I needed a big bite. Fortunately, the lake delivered.
While casting my Gambler Walking Frog over a shallow flat, I saw a fish roll on the bait — a good one, it seemed. A hard hookset loaded the rod fully as I battled a heavy fish. After a short but heart-pounding fight, I lipped her and brought her aboard.
My estimate put the bass between 5.5 and 6 pounds. She was a true beauty, likely bedding at the time, based on her girth and bloody tail. After snapping a few photos, I released her back into the lake and sat there, pleased with how the X-Series had performed.
Overall Feel
What sets this rod apart for me is its overall feel. It’s light, comfortable and sensitive, responding well during casting and bait presentation. It’s long enough for two-handed bomb casts, yet manageable enough for one-handed roll casts.
It just fishes really, really well.
Still, when trying to pinpoint why, I’ve struggled. The X-Series features premium components, like a quality EVA foam and cork split grip, Fuji guides with SiC inserts, and a 46-ton Toray carbon blank. Many high-end rods offer similar features.
But this one still feels just a touch better. That may be due to Okuma’s UXR technology.
Ultimate X Reinforced Multi-Directional Fiber
It seems like every rod company touts its own “proprietary technology” for how the carbon fibers are woven. I’m usually skeptical of such marketing jargon. But with no other clear explanation for why this rod performs so well, I decided to take a closer look at Okuma’s UXR system.
According to John Bretza, director of product development at Okuma Fishing Tackle, the “X” in UXR refers to the way the fibers are layered. A fiber is wrapped around the blank at a 45-degree angle, then another is wrapped in the opposite direction at 45 degrees, forming an X. A final fiber runs vertically, splitting the X.
Okuma claims this weave pattern produces a lighter, stronger and more durable rod, and I’m inclined to agree.
Final Thoughts
There are six models in the X-Series casting lineup, ranging from a 7-foot medium/fast to a 7-foot-6-inch heavy/fast. They’re priced between $280 and $300, and have earned an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars from consumers on Tackle Warehouse. That kind of rating is rare and a strong endorsement of this rod’s quality and performance.
The SeaGuide HSC (HyperSensitive Carbon) reel seat also contributes to the rod’s light feel, along with other high-end components. But I believe Okuma’s UXR multi-directional fiber technology is the real difference-maker.
This rod is light, strong and fully capable. And it’s my new favorite, without a doubt. Also, check out my review of the Okuma X-series baitcasting reel.
