Shimano SLX baitcast rods

[saflyfish]

Been looking for the Shimano SLX rod in a 7ft MH Fast action.
All dealers only have this config in an Extra Fast action.Not sure why the fast action isnt available locally?
With Shimano rods in general is the Fast action a bit slow hence Normark only bring in the Extra Fast action?
Also if i got the Extra fast acion how would it limit my bass fishing over getting the non available Fast action?

[Navrik]

I personally don't think the Fast vs Extra Fast argument holds a lot of water as some manufacturers like ALX Rods does not have Extra Fast.

I regard Fast and Extra Fast under the same rating and look at Moderate Fast for my cranking and other triple hook applications

[saflyfish]

Thanks Robert
So you saying for a general all purpose bass rod theres little difference between the xfast and fast?

[Navrik]

In my limited experience with Powell and ALX rods yes.

There is no real 100% standard and all rods makes differ slightly in any case from all the review I have read.

Go and look at rods reviews on http://www.tackletour.com. They tend to give rod deflection charts when they review a rod and tend to take some type of G-Loomis as a reference and compare other rods to that.

[Jim_From_Zim]

Fly, 

What do you want to use the rod for? (I mean application for those smart asses out there)

[saflyfish]

Fly, 

What do you want to use the rod for? (I mean application for those smart asses out there)

Id use it for texas rigs worms etc,spinnerbaits,crankbaits etc

[Jim_From_Zim]

Makes no sense to use it for any pitching (texas) application. If you have to haul out of heavy cover, you'll give it the big heave-ho and all that will happen is the tip will flex. 

Now using it for small cranks - that is a great plan of action. I use a similar Shimano for this, works a charm. But for heavier cranks (the beeeg ones) I suggest using a proper crank rod (the glass types) that can carry the weight loads when casting. 

For spanners, You can use a normal MH style rod if needed.

[Navrik]

Personally I would user M Moderate-Fast, or MH Moderate Fast or even H Moderate Fast for cranking depending on depth and size of crank and the strain the crank puts on the rod and got to slower ratios with more torque as I go bigger cranks and deeper applications.

For multi-purpose use you can get away with say a medium or even medium heavy fast action.

But luckily bass don't read manuals and as long as you understand the rod you are fishing with you can compensate with say mono with more stretch on a stiffer rod.

If you fish fluoro or braid with less stretch moderate-fast tapers help to keep the fish pinned on cranks.