Crankbait
S-glass/graphite composite casting series dedicated to crankbaits, from finesse crank through heavy-cover lipless
The Phenix Crankbait is a dedicated composite (S-glass/graphite hybrid) casting series for bass anglers who use crankbaits as their primary technique. The composite construction is the defining characteristic: S-glass provides the forgiving, parabolic tip that loads crankbaits on the cast and absorbs strikes so fish stay pinned on treble hooks, while a graphite backbone delivers feedback and hookset power. A flipping stick, or a jig rod, it exists specifically to throw diving and lipless crankbaits at moderate to heavy sizes. Reviewers note the series runs slightly lighter in feel than spec suggests, so sizing up in power is sometimes recommended.
All models in the lineup are casting rods. Blanks are labeled "Composite X", Phenix's designation for their S-glass/graphite hybrid construction, which they consider a continuation of an industry-leading crankbait rod formula. Actions are M (moderate) throughout except the X12-C and X14-T which show MF, the MF variants lean toward faster presentations or trolling applications. Guide sets and handle are consistent with Phenix's standard premium component package. MSRP is approximately $230. Nine casting rods from 7'0" to 7'11", all sharing M or MF action.
Models divide into three application groups: X9–X11 cover lighter line (6–25 lb) for smaller to mid-size crankbaits; X12–X14 step up to 8–25 lb in longer lengths for larger or deeper-diving cranks; X15–X16 are Heavy Cover variants handling 15–40 lb, made for bass in wood, mats, or rocks where cranking with heavy mono or fluorocarbon is necessary. The X14-T is flagged as a trolling-specific model.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 9 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 9 casting
- Length
- 7'–7'11" 2.13–2.41 m
- Power
- ML–H 3 classes
- Inferred
- Action
- MF–M
- Line
- 6–40 lb
- Released
- 2019
Rods in this series
9 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X9-C Composite | 7' | MLI | Buy from Phenix | |
| X10-C Composite | 7' | MHI | Buy from Phenix | |
| X11-C Composite | 7' | MHI | Buy from Phenix | |
| X12-C Composite | 7'6" | MHI | Buy from Phenix | |
| X13-C Composite | 7'6" | MHI | Buy from Phenix | |
| X14-C Composite | 7'11" | MHI | Buy from Phenix | |
| X14-T Composite (Trolling) | 7'11" | MHI | Buy from Phenix | |
| X15-Composite (Heavy Cover) | — | HI | Buy from Phenix | |
| X16-Composite (Heavy Cover) | — | HI | Buy from Phenix |
I Power rating inferred from the lure / line-weight recommendation — not specified by the manufacturer.
Model notes
4 of 9 modelsLightest line class in the series at 6–15 lb, suited to smaller crankbaits, shad-body cranks, and finesse crankbait applications on clear water where downsizing line is necessary.
Only dedicated trolling variant in the series. The MF action at 7'11" suits rod-holder trolling for bass and walleye, the slightly faster tip helps telegraph bottom contact while the composite blank absorbs the constant load.
Heavy Cover designation at 15–40 lb line rating, built for cranking through grass, rock piles, or submerged timber with heavy fluorocarbon where the composite tip must absorb violent deflection strikes.
Second heavy-cover variant, spec matches X15 but likely differs in length (unlisted in input). Same application profile: heavy-cover cranking on thick line where durability and absorbing-action matter more than sensitivity.