In 2019, Maxia is coming back with its new SX series. Still designed and manufactured in Spain, the SXs are in line with the MX rods in terms of fields of use: they target modern nymphing approaches, dropper, as well as those who practice dry flyfishing with light lines and rather long rods. Let's see if they stand out from their predecessors MX at the technical level, starting by looking at a very typical nymphing model over, the 10'8 #2.
Static test
For this new SX series, Maxia breaks with the MX yellow trims and goes green at the joints and the first piece. The blank is still raw, unpolished and has some classy dark guides and black wraps (13 rings including 12 single foot for this 10'8). The gray aluminum reel seat has a dark green insert, the shape of the handle does not change with respect to the MX. This 4-pieces rod is delivered in a green squared aluminum tube, surrounded by the brand's classic blue plastic anti-scratch net.
Measurements
The Common Cents System protocol was used to characterize the action, the power and the frequency of this rod :
Regarding the power, 28 cents were required to load the rod over a third of its total length, which gives after conversion an ERN of 3.12 and a #2/3 line power, just a little more than the expected power. With an AA of 66°, the action is in the Moderate Fast category (AA between 63 and 66°). The frequency at 74cpm attests to high recovery (according to the length). With a BTW at 9.52oz, this rod offers very comfortable 10'8 fishing: the balance is one of the best on the market. The stripper guide is located at a distance of 9 inches from the handle, witch avoids the creation of a slack line, especially when euronymphing.
Maxia SX4 10'8 #2
The opinion of the manufacturer, on the SX series :
"The "multimodular" concept that was the beginning of the MX range is now taken to what we call "multisegment" design, which in essence allows us to manufacture each section by adjusting each centimeter for the function it must perform on the rod and at the same time ensure a perfect transition between sections, improving the action and balance of the whole.
Each SX rod uses, in variable proportions and after testing dozens of combinations, five types of ultra high modulus and high resistance fibers and two types of resins. In this way, we have managed to lighten the blanks and at the same time increase their resistance, making each rod centimeter act to fulfill its function in the best possible way, which limits the energy losses in the flexion and extension cycles and extends the great response curve that is the mark of distinction of the Maxia rods."
... and on the 10'8" #2 model in particular :
"Ultra-lightweight rod for European nymph fishing. Suitable for competition line and tippet only".
The opinion of Pierre Kuntz, vice champion of France D1 river 2017, third D1 river 2018, Captain of the younth world champion team in 2016 (Spain) and 2017 (Slovenia), 2017 European Senior Champion team and Vice European Champion in Individual (Portugal) :
"For almost a year, I had the chance to test the latest series from Maxia, especially the 10'8" model. This is a kind of rod adapted and developed especially for modern nymph fishing. The model 10'8" #2 accompanied me on the water, whether in my recreative days or in competition, especially for low-water fishing in large and medium river. A rod that is particularly suitable for light and ultra light fishing because the power of its blank allows to cast nymphs tyed with small tungsten beads (2.0 mm) without effort.This rod is particularly suitable for fishing small and medium sized fishes. During the fight, the rod will work on its whole length, which allows to have a perfect contact with the fish and thus not to hook off. It is very pleasant to use because it has a very good speed of execution, despite its length. "
The opinion of the editor
With this SX series, Maxia proposes a major advance : all the weaknesses of the MX series (undervalued power, balance) are erased. The power measured is very close to that announced and the balance is simply impressive. The recovery, already important with the MX series, is still present. Thus, despite the large length, casts become easy, fluid and fast. It is very interesting to note that the Common Cents figures of this 10'8 #2 SX are very close to those of the Thomas & Thomas Contact 10'8 #3 tested here (IP at 28 for the Maxia vs 29 for the Thomas , AA at 66 ° and frequency at 74 for both). These two rods are very close in terms of action, power and reactivity. Advantage for this Maxia (beyond the more moderate price) : a much more typical "European-style nymphing" build with one more guide and the first one relatively close to the handle (9"). This Maxia is therefore intended for light nymphing (with its moderate power) with beads from 2.4mm or even less for the most technical casters. With its soft action (AA at 66°), it bends very gradually as Pierre pointed out in his comment. This lack of hard point on the blank makes it a perfect weapon to limit hook-off and fight the fish optimally. The price increases somewhat compared to the MX Series, but for a made in Europe rod with such a level of technicality, it remains consistent in our opinion !
Here are the measures of the 2 shorter lengths 10’ and 10’5, both in weight 2. The entire series has been very accurate : all the SX rods announced in weight 2 are real weight 2/3 with moderate fast action.
