SWB 808-1 X-Ray C602 Epitome

Shop Review

An 8-foot blank capable of casting 120 g or more, with a total weight of only 99 g, is a true technological feat that results in an exceptionally lightweight swimbait rod. Forget the advertised theoretical power ratings—what you have here is a blank with perfect action and remarkable lightness, ideal for covering large lakes with swimbaits without ending the day exhausted.

The SWB 808-1 X-Ray C602 Epitome at a Glance

• Brand: North Fork Composites
• Length: 243 cm (8')
• Weight: only 99 g
• Optimal casting weight: 40 – 120 g
• Action: Moderate-Fast
• Technology: C602 Epitome Carbon
• Use: Swimbaits (soft and hard) for pike or bass

A Technological Achievement by Gary Loomis

99 grams of C602 Epitome technology

The SWB 808-1 X-Ray C602 Epitome represents the pinnacle of innovation at North Fork Composites. Thanks to the use of Air Carbon and X-Ray (scrimless) technology, this blank achieves an incredible weight of just 99 g at 8 feet in length. This exceptional lightness does not compromise the strength required to handle trophy pike. It is a true showcase of Gary Loomis’ manufacturing expertise, delivering excellent balance in hand and significantly reducing fatigue during long power fishing sessions.

Real power for big swimbaits

Although the manufacturer rates it for casting up to 450 g, our field tests at Rodhouse place its comfortable working range around 40–120 g. It can occasionally cast more, but this is where it truly shines in terms of performance and responsiveness. The Moderate-Fast action is specifically designed to efficiently load the blank when casting swimbaits, whether soft or hard. This progressive bend also helps absorb head shakes from fish and improves hook-setting reliability when using low-stretch lines.

Ease of building and optimized ergonomics

This blank features a moderate taper, which greatly simplifies the rod-building process. This characteristic makes handle reaming easier and ensures broad compatibility with many components available on the market. For anglers seeking direct contact with the blank to maximize bite detection, we recommend using an ACSM16-13.5 reel seat with a standard handle length of 42 cm.