A little over a year ago, I tested out Level’s first offering in the bass fishing rod space—the NGX. For the last month, I’ve been trying out one of its newest rods that was released at ICAST 2025 — the NGXC. These two rods have plenty of similarities. In fact, they have all the similarities outside of one key difference: cork handles, which is where the “C” in “NGXC” comes from. Let’s take a look at the NGXC anew.
On the Water Experiences
The NGXC is quite similar to the NGX. But the key difference was noticeable right away — Level replaced the NGX’s EVA foam/carbon handles with cork handles on the NGXC. Picking the rod up, it felt familiar for sure. I inadvertently tested a very similar power, action, and length of rod in the NGX and NGXC. So, this one felt right at home and brought back fond memories when I first picked it up.
Continuing this pattern of duplication, I actually rigged up a swim jig on the NGXC for testing — the same style of bait I primarily used on the NGX last year. Other than an inch of difference from last year’s 7-foot, 3-inch NGX, the new 7-foot, 2-inch Medium Heavy/Fast NGXC felt very similar. So it makes sense that my instinctual habits led me in the same direction.
On my first or second outing with the rod, I swam a Dirty Jigs Weekender Series Swim Jig overtop a thick patch of water willow and had a good bass come out of the water for it. The fish couldn’t have been in a foot of water when it ate the bait, and it was buried 20 feet back in the grass. The NGXC — and the 40-pound braid I had paired with it — made short work of the fight, pulling the fish through the dense cover and flipping it into the boat.
Though this rod is likely a touch stiffer at the tip than I’d typically want for a swim jig rod, the added backbone was especially nice when wrestling the bass free from cover. I think this particular model would make for a great frog rod and light flipping and pitching rod (up to ½ an ounce). And it would suffice for big spinnerbaits and buzzbaits too, though I’d likely back off a little to the Moderate Fast, 7-foot, 3-inch, Medium Heavy for those reaction baits,. That way bass would have a little more time to get the bait swallowed before the rod loads up.
Key Features
Again, the only difference between this rod and its predecessor is the exchange of EVA foam/carbon handles for cork ones. Level Rods wanted to offer a more traditional option in the NGX, so they added the cork. But the bones of this rod are still the same, and they are fantastic.
My favorite feature is the Injected Carbon Reel Seat — not so much for the injected carbon part, but more so for the ergonomic design. This reel seat actually has two grooves on each side for your palm and fingers to rest. I test a lot of rods, and this is one of the best-feeling rods in hand on account of this design element.
Toray 30/40 Ton Carbon Blanks and Carbon X-Wrap technology create a strong and sensitive blank. I didn’t weigh this rod up against other 7-foot, 2-inch Medium Heavy rods to know for sure, but it does feel a touch heavier. I believe it’s likely a bit more durable and a little stronger on account of it. This makes it a great option for power fishing.
I really appreciated the butt grip of this rod, too. It has the same raised point on it that the NGX has, which creates a sure grip for two-handed casts. There’s an open bait keeper situated above the reel seat — the ideal style and location in my opinion. And a solid and steady guide train consisting of Fuji K Frame Guides and alconite inserts finishes the NGXC off nicely.
Specifications
The Level NGXC Casting Rod retails at $200 and it’s offered in 9 sizes, ranging from a 6-foot, 10-inch Medium Light/Extra Fast to 7-foot, 8-inch Heavy/Fast. This rod series is capable of handling everything from 1/8-ounce baits to 2-ouncers. The handle lengths vary in size based on the model of the rod and all come with split grips, with the exception of the 7-foot, 8-inch Heavy/Fast design.
Final Thoughts
I rate highly that Level kept all its features of the original NGX, from the ergonomic reel seat to the peaked rear grip that supplies a more secure grip for two-handed casts. The rod is strong, the guides are great, and the bait keeper is primo.
If you already like the NGX, you’re going to really like this one. Whether or not it’s worth it to swap over to the NGXC is up to you. In this crazy new world of tariffs and ever-changing prices, economics are definitely affecting the bass fishing marketplace. Who knows how long either of these prices will stay the same. But, for now, the NGX is priced at $169.99, and the NGXC is $199.99. Both rods are great options for the price, and I like the cork handles of the NGXC—but, for me, the NGX is the better deal. Unless you really like cork handles, in which case, Level now has a fantastic new option for you.
