Choosing a new fishing rod comes down to defining what you are wanting from that specific tool as narrowly as possible.
The reason for this is that when you are comparing different models, you can compare apples to apples.
You may want to have a rod that will allow you the greatest range of lure weights or, one that is to be used for a very narrow range of baits but nothing else.
The new KastKing Perigee rods from Eposeidon have models that can accommodate either way of thinking. 19 models in all; all built with quality components and offered at a retail price of $99.98.
The model that we have been testing over the course of the last several months is the PE-C760XF. This is a 7’6” extra-heavy powered stick with a fast tip, guide train of 9 plus the tip, a split AAA cork grip with a composite cork butt, a closed loop hook hanger that is large enough for any sized hook, rated for 3/8 – 2oz and features KastKing’s exclusive blank technology.
The Overview
While this stick is stamped with Frogging/Punching between the cork elements of the rear grip, its wide weight range can be used for a great deal more than those two techniques.
The guide train on the Perigee is straight as a string with the actual guides used being standard sized as opposed to micro or macro. While we don’t know the source of these components, they are braid ready and have not been affected by the fact that we have used only braided line with this rod the entire time we’ve fished it.
The blank is made of a tightly woven 30-ton carbon fiber that is a dark grey in color. The wraps are finished with a pewter strand on the outside edge of the gloss black.
The winding check is black aluminum with silver accents that adds a touch of class to the finished product while maintaining the overall understated appearance of the Perigee. The grip is highlighted with micro-metal flake to add a touch of depth against the cork.
The blanks appearance is a matte finish which feels textured. The reason for this is that KastKing employs a micro polish finish to eliminate the need for a thick coat of paint or finish. This has the added benefit of allowing you to feel the most vibrations the blank is capable of. It also eliminates extra weight and keeps the action as true to the manufacturers specs as is possible.
Eposeidon maintains that the build quality of these rods are as good or better than many of their competitors offerings that are priced much higher.
Getting Busy
In our time fishing the Perigee, we have used for an all around casting rod at least as often as a Frogging/Punching rod. Again, when you have a stick that is advertised as being able to handle this range of lure weights, you have to see if you can find the sweet spot.
That sweet spot is the designated range that is etched on the blank. Anything and everything 3/8 to 2oz can be thrown on this rod efficiently.
On the heavy end, we’ve thrown baits up to 2½ oz. This felt as though we were pushing the limits but we had to try it.
On the lighter end, 3/8 is about as light as we found the PE-C760XF was comfortable with. Anything below that is just too small for this particular model.
The Perigee is designed with a fast tip that is flexible enough to allow for accurate casting across its range. While it has more than sufficient backbone to haul the big girls out of any nasty stuff, it isn’t like using a broom handle.
On the contrary, the way this rod is designed, casting down to the lighter weights feel as though it won’t live up to the XH power until you have to put the wood to a big ‘ole bass.
A Refined Action
The taper of the PE-C760XH transfers the power from the tip down in a predictable, uniform progressive stiffening of the blank that will only become really stiff about 39 inches from the tip.
This parabolic action keeps you from ripping the lure out of a fish’s face while still providing excellent lifting power to get them out of the nasty, thick stuff. At the same time, you’re able to use it in open water for medium to deep diving cranks with confidence.
The Perigee is light weight for exhibiting the kind of power that it has so fishing with this rod all day doesn’t leave you with the dreaded “Dead Arm” syndrome.
The warranty that KastKing attaches to this series of rods is exceptional for a stick at this price point. They are covered by a 5-year warranty against material or manufacturing defects. On top of this, during the first 24 months after purchase, if the rod fails for any other reason including accidental damage— think, “Man, was I really that stupid?” kind of episodes— the rod will be replaced at a 50% discount. That’s the icing on the cake.
As with KastKing reels, you can order them directly from Eposeidon by going to their website or going to KastKing.com.
While the Perigee series doesn’t have all the JDM touches, it is a solid performing bunch of sticks that you should consider when replacing or adding to your rods. Maybe the one that you accidentally broke by closing the door of your truck on? (Yeah, I’ve done that)
| Eposeidon's KastKing Perigee PE-C760XF | |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating |   |
| Value priced muscle you can count on | |
See ya’ on the water …
