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NFC FW701 or FW702
Posted by: Rick Handrick (165.225.62.---)
Date: May 14, 2024 02:45PM

Looking at these two blanks for UL to L power, fast to extra fast panfish rods. Has anyone built on them - and what has your experience been? I'm looking to surpass the St. Croix Panfish series rods - they are kind of the gold standard in commercially available panfish sticks at the moment. Throwing 1/32-1/16 baits mainly - on floats or just casting and retrieving. Pitching to cover and cribs, etc. The fast to extra fast action is key. Any other suggestions from other blank manufacturers?

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Re: NFC FW701 or FW702
Posted by: Russell Brunt (---)
Date: May 14, 2024 08:22PM

I think you have some other options to consider, but as mentioned above based on what I have in hand, get the FW 702 and it isn't close.

The 702 might be a little more powerful than you want. I'd say it could fish 6# mono. 1/8 ounce will likely be the sweet casting weight but I think it will do 1/16 okay. I'd say you would have a chance with a 2# small mouth in the trees. Still it is light enough to be fun with bluegills. I'd call it perfect for crappie, a tad strong for bluegill, yet still capable of handling the occasional bass under the right conditions.

The 741-2 is quite slow and wimpy IMHO. More like something you would buy if you wanted to fish 2# mono. But if you really want to cast 1/32 it might be best for you. Personally I love the FW 702 and regret buying the FW 741. But then I live in south Florida and most of our panfish are now exotics and very powerful. Do keep in mind I have the FW 741-2 HM and the FW 702-2 SM.

FWIW Rick I also loved the St. Croix blanks we used to be able to get. Ditto on some of the Fenwicks.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

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Re: NFC FW701 or FW702
Posted by: Evan Cobb (---.res.spectrum.com)
Date: May 15, 2024 05:09PM

I built a FW702 as a trout rod and I’d say it’s a true light action rod. Very pleased with it, plenty sensitive with a good backbone. I’d echo what was said above, tad strong for bluegills but great small fish rod. the 701 would be more like the St Croix ultralights in my opinion.

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Re: NFC FW701 or FW702
Posted by: Charlie Safley (---.tingfiber.com)
Date: May 18, 2024 11:50PM

Looking at the NFC website, I see 2 entries for FW 702. One has (IM) and the other has (SM). What do those designations mean?

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Re: NFC FW701 or FW702
Posted by: Michal Rozycki (---.24.203.203.ipv4.supernova.orange.pl)
Date: May 19, 2024 03:52AM

IM - intermediate modulus
SM - standard modulus

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Re: NFC FW701 or FW702
Posted by: Jay Dubay (---.try.wideopenwest.com)
Date: May 19, 2024 01:12PM

worth a look as well [northforkcomposites.com]

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Re: NFC FW701 or FW702
Posted by: Charlie Safley (---.tingfiber.com)
Date: May 19, 2024 05:16PM

Charlie Safley Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Looking at the NFC website, I see 2 entries for FW
> 702. One has (IM) and the other has (SM). What do
> those designations mean?

Thanks. Can you tell me the practical difference in rod performance/feel between the two?

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