Shimano Xcel Weapons?

[chrisallangler]

Hey everyone,

I have recently been looking at a shimano xcel weapon, i would just like some background info on them? like what graphite (Im 6, 8 etc) and just how they perform in general. Thanks Chris

[Roo]

don't know? wouldn't be Im8....they're a composite of some description with a solid graphite tip section. If you like the action then get it. I have an old one....actually it was a prototype for the original range (green blank) so it is a little different to the models released but has been a great rod. the snapper models are good balanced rods to put with a 3500-4000 spin reel for light pelagic spinning. the lighter models are not my thing, the double foot guides are a bit heavy duty for my liking for a bream rod.....but thats just my opinion.

cheers Roo.

[chrisallangler]

Thanks for the reply mate, I work at a certain sports mart and i get it for $50 so i was just cheking, they only cost a hundred brand new so i'm guessing that it is a prototype one? Thanks Chris

[GPB]

You had a good buy at that price, it is a good rod, my mate had one and took it everywhere . More like runout stock than prototype as they 'ain't in the Shimano catalogue no more' .

[chrisallangler]

So im guessing they are IM 8?

[chrisallangler]

I might ad this is a 2-4kg rod with a bit of grunt and i would most likly use it for flatties and small bay snaps.

[stick]

Had a 2-4 kg model last year. Hooked up first cast,snapped after 10 seconds.Looked as though the foot of the bottom guide pushed through the blank. Not good on 1.8kg line. Only fault Ive heard of.And of course i never kept the reciept.If i had purchased from the local tackle shop no problems but the big chains arnt worried about someone punching a pimple arsed sales boy.

[Roo]

So im guessing they are IM 8?

no they wouldm't be IM8.

From C@mpbells website: "Weapon Series have been upgraded. They feature fuji guides and reel seat, cork grips and new light responsive blank actions.
The 702 is a 7', 2 piece 2-4kg with a 3-12g cast weight range. Perfect for river work. Hardbody lures and softbaits."

If yours is the Blue blank then this is it....the newer series that has just been discontinued. the older ones were a green blank. I've seen the blue ones at @ Mart for $50 in the rack with all the half price Strudwicks. they are not a High modulus graphite but they are a good honest performing rod. the components are all good quality so for the price it's a bargain if you need a rod like this.

mine is way older...about 3 years or more. green blank and 7'6" 2pce with a shorter butt than the snapper models but a similar rated blank. mine has no markings on it except the excell weapon label which was only a sticker. the way mine is built is different to the released models but i reckon it is a great Bay spin stick and inshore snapper rod! shame they didn't make many more like it....it's been a cracker and i'd get another if they'd made them. when i got it there were 3 more in a bucket for $50 @ anglers W.H. in tweed....i shoulda gone back!

Cheers Roo.

[land-lubber]

if its the blue blank leave it alone (at that price i think it is) if its the green blank grab it. the blue blanks were nuthn but trouble, the green blanks were a great rod and they shouldnt have discontinued them imo. BTW they are not prototypes they are runout.
cheers

[Kleyny]

Ive got a blue blank in 6f 8" and its been a good rod to me in the 12months I've owned it. caught many a good flattie with a few trees thrown in for good measure.

neil

for 50 bucks you cant expect a gloomis can ya

[Peter4]

My son had a 701 Xcel Weapon 6 - 10kg one piece spin rod that I bought for him for impoundment barra six months ago.

It easily handled 6 hook-ups and landed two good barra only to snap the tip off on a tiny catfish soon after. Shimano gave us a store credit rather than replace it as this has been a common problem (blue blank).

There are better rods around that this one for a similar price IMO.

Replaced with a Berkley Dropshot!

Pete

[chrisallangler]

Yeah guys thanks for the feed back i was only looking at it just seeing if they were actually a decent rod this one is green and from the feedback it's obviously a cheaper rod, it sells at this ceratain sports mart for $100, I would much rather spend the extra $150 and get a decent rod. Thanks Chris

[Roo]

well, the green ones are good! and for $50 its a cheap rod. but if it doesn't suit what your after then any price is too much. just don't be fixated on price being the judge of a good rod. i had a shakespere synergy that the mart sold for $29 on a special. It was great for small tuna and rat kings down to whiting bream and bass. Its still going too!