SPSWB8XXXH

Our take on this fiberglass blank

The SPSWB8XXXH is the most powerful blank in the series: a fiberglass blank built for big pelagics and fights where you need to put the pressure on. It keeps the progressive action of the range, which will suit anglers who don't like stiff blanks. On the other hand, it's fiberglass, so less reactive and heavier than carbon.

Fiberglass, 2.41 m and 50 to 80 lb at a glance

• Material: very tough, forgiving fiberglass (E-glass), gloss black finish
• Length: 7'11" (2.41 m), one-piece
• Action: moderate, progressive
• Power: XXX-Heavy
• Line rating: 50 to 80 lb; can be used with PE8 or PE10 braid with the drag set correctly
• Lure weight: 5 to 12 oz, about 140 to 340 g (indicative)
• Butt diameter: 24.5 mm
• Brand: MHX

On the boat, when you need power

One step up from the SPSWB8XXH

This blank builds on the SPSWB8XXH (40 to 60 lb) with a higher line range, from 50 to 80 lb. It's aimed at anglers going after the biggest fish or who want to be able to lock the drag down harder. At 2.41 m, it can be built as a spinning rod or a trolling rod, and its progressive action makes it work along its whole length.

• Casting at feeding fish: large poppers and stickbaits on the surface, when the tuna are feeding.
• Live bait or fishing at anchor: mackerel, horse mackerel or sardine, within the blank's line range.
• Trolling: another way to put the same blank to work.

Bluefin tuna is the obvious target, but this blank also suits other big pelagic fish. On the line side, go for PE8 or PE10 braid. It's an MHX blank, and you'll find the whole range in our MHX blanks.

Fiberglass, tough and forgiving

Fiberglass is tough stuff. It handles impacts well, forgives a lot and absorbs head shakes, which is reassuring on a boat.

In return, it's less reactive than carbon, transmits fine bites less clearly and weighs more for the same length. If lightness and reactivity matter most to you, take a look at our blanks for bluefin tuna, there are plenty in carbon.

What about transport? A one-piece 2.41 m blank takes up room, so plan ahead.