New rod for coming HX Raptor

[Old&In The Way]

Today I got the perfect rod for my HX Raptor. I liked my first Phenix "Black Diamond", so much, I bought another for my next Raptor.
Phenix "Black Diamond" PSW 700XH. It's rated for 40-80# line, but it's stronger than a Calstar 7465M. It should be perfect for 60# line on a new Raptor. Right now, I have a PRO EX 30/02 on the rod, but next month, a Raptor.
All the components are first rate, gimbal, aluminum reel seat, guides, wrap, and finish, better than a custom rod, for $339.99.

[bhsquid]

Have you fished your SX Raptor yet? How did it do on the skin?

[Old&In The Way]

The SX Raptor worked great, but I never hooked anything over 40#, so it wasn't really much of a test. A 60# yellowtail, or a 100# tuna would show what a SX Raptor can do.
On the HX, I'll use 100# spectra with a 60-80# topshot, and see how an ultra light package works on 200# tuna.

[fishnrust]

Rex, how much 100# hollow will the HX raptor hold. Ive alread rapped my stick for it, just need the reel.



800XH, cut 3 1/2" off top, titanium turbos, 3M coldshrink, railready baby.

[RaceKTMs8]

Rex I leave ona 12 day the 12th of Nov. Can you provide a tighter date?

[Ricky-Ray]

Rex, do you by chance know the specs on the HX raptor in terms of drag's at strike and full?

[Old&In The Way]

I don't know the exact release date for the HX Raptor. Harry was shooting for 11-01-2009, but even if it's released, the dealers won't get it till a week later, and they won't get very many.
The last time I filled a standard HX, I put 400 yards of 100# JB hollow, with a 100 yard topshot of 50# mono. The HX Raptor has a larger diameter spool, so it should hold 20% more line, approximately.
You can always call Harry and find out for sure, what is going on.

[Old&In The Way]

Anybody know who makes these guides, used on Phenix Black Diamond rods? They're thicker, stronger, and much more ridgid than Fuji guides. They have a different ceramic insert, too, and they don't crack or shatter either. They're very strong and very light, but not titanium.

[Old&In The Way]

Finally found out who makes the guides and components for Phenix Black Diamond rods, an Australian company called ALPS. Highest quality, strongest, lightest, ever made.

[KeyWest1]

Originally Posted by Old&In The Way

Anybody know who makes these guides, used on Phenix Black Diamond rods? They're thicker, stronger, and much more ridgid than Fuji guides. They have a different ceramic insert, too, and they don't crack or shatter either. They're very strong and very light, but not titanium.

Im going to have to aquire a couple of the black diamond rods.
Are they US made or china?

[Toro-X]

Rex,

Those guides in the picture are FUJI GUIDES. They are the Silicon Nitride II series (BHNNG). According to the manufacturer, they are hard enough to handle wire which would make them ideal for spectra.

I just wrapped a PSW 760H Hybrid using those guides. I was going to use it at the Lupe but it is closed again.

BTW- ALPS guides are not made in Australia. They are made in China like everything else these day. I have used them in building several rods and seem good so far. Time will tell.

[Old&In The Way]

According to Phenix, they are ALPS S-6 guides. I checked Acidrod.com, and they also said ALPS S-6, stainless steel, with a special design ceramic insert, that is very hard, doesn't pop out, crack or break.