Product Review: Airrus KW Nano Rod

Rod Review: Airrus 7'6 KW Nano Fusion XHF By Joseph Alfe Retail Price as tested: $299 Category: High End ($200-$350) Specifications: Length: 7' 6 Model: ANFC766-1XHF Action: Fast Power: Extra Heavy Lure Weight: ¾-2.5 Oz Line Weight: 12-40# Guides: Raised Micro Guides Applications: Flipping Pitching Heavy Jig Heavy T-Rig/Worm C-Rig Reel Seat: Airrus Exclusive exposed seat with torsional Aluminum screw lock Special Features: Airrus exclusive Carbon Nano Layered Buckypaper construction, carbon Megaphone Effect handle. Balancing weight system. Raised micro guide system. Observations: When Airrus first sent this rod, I was really excited to see how it would stack up to my current favorite, the Airrus Co Matrix 2.0. This rod did not disappoint. Aesthetically, this is one seriously cool looking rod. The black, gloss finished smooth carbon megaphone handle really stands out. I especially like the tasteful knurled aluminum locking nut on the reel seat, and the matte red finish on the first third of the rod. It's quite obvious to even the casual observer that this is the Ferrari of fishing rods, and I received many compliments and questions about the rod when I took it out. Upon picking it up, one can sense the power inherent to its design, while also being struck by its balance and light weight. Fit and finish on this rod was superb, and I couldn't wait to get it out on the water. Performance: Airrus touts the construction of the new KW Nano Fusion as groundbreaking with its use of graphite Nano technology and "Buckypaper that adds extreme rigidity and strength while reducing weight. The action is a true fast action; with a responsive, sensitive tip section that quickly transitions into a really powerful mid and butt section that seamlessly transfers power from tip to butt. I paired this rod with my favorite Shimano Curado 100D, especially custom painted Candy Apple Red just for this rod. The lightweight reel perfectly matched and balanced with the rod without having to adjust the clever weighting balance system hidden in the butt. A simple screw turn adjusts the balance point but this proved unnecessary. I spooled the Curado with Sunline's new FX2 Braid in 50# test and rigged a T-Rig with a ½ Oz Tungsten bullet weight and a Big Bites Bait 4 Tube Craw on a Trokar Flippin hook and hit the water. Sensitivity: I'm usually a skeptic when it comes to far out sounding claims, and the Airrus "Megaphone Technology sounded kind of hokey at first. Basically, what Airrus found was that vibrations travel down the length of the blank, and then want to bounce back from the butt and travel back up the blank. Airrus capitalized on this phenomenon and designed a handle that captures and amplifies these vibrational oscillations. When I pulled up to my spot, I absentmindedly dropped the bait in the water and put my foot on the trolling motor and instantly the rod came alive in my hand. I could literally feel the hum of the trolling motor being picked up through the line and transmitted directly to my hand, that's how sensitive this rod is. Casting & Handling For a big, powerful rod, the Nano feels surprisingly nimble and I was able to execute accurate short and long-range pitches to structure. The rod is comfortable to hold, but the slick, gloss finish on the handle can become slippery and compromise your grip, especially when wet. In fact, if it was raining or my hands were wet, I did not feel confident in my grip at all. Another issue that was uncovered is that the rear reel seat foot is a bit wider than the foot on most reels. Consequently, no matter how hard you tighten the reel locking nut, the reel "rocks in the seat under the stress of fighting heavy fish. This can be unsettling because it feels as if the reel is going to come out of the seat. I solved the problem by shimming the reel seat with a toothpick, but again, not something I expect to have to do with a rod of this level. Another gripe I had was the lack of any kind of hook keeper, which to me is the equivalent of a car with no cup holder. These are not mistakes that I expect to find in a $300 rod. Other than the reel seat issue, the Airrus quickly subdued even heavyweight Bass, and a near 7# Fish was simply no match for the power of the Nano Fusion. As for lightness, the rod is very light for it's size, but not so light as the Co Matrix 2.0. The raised micro guides are a real improvement. By raising the first couple of guides, the line is directed down the blank level with the reel, thereby reducing friction and improving casting distance, and the big red Airrus had no problems casting baits very far with little effort. Conclusion: The Airrus KW Nano Fusion is an excellent rod, light, strong, well balanced, and with outstanding quality or workmanship and good looks. The negatives are few but significant, but overall; this is a rod that stands out from the crowd in both looks and performance. Like the Ferrari, The big red Airrus is sleek and powerful and oh so good looking, but perhaps best left in the garage on a rainy day. Scores: 0-10 Looks: 10 Balance: 9.0 Feel: 9.0 Weight: 8.5 Power: 10 Sensitivity: 10 Average: 9.4 Deductions: Reel Seat Fit: -.50 Slippery Handle: -.25 No Hook Keeper -.25 Deduction Total: -1.5 Total Score: 8.4