Out of the dozen different models and blanks in our baitcasting rod test, the Okuma X-Series came out on top. It is everything a high-end bass rod should be—light, strong, and capable—without the $500 price tag. I spent all spring putting this rod through the wringer with various baits and techniques. No matter what I threw or how I fished it, the X-Series was up for the task.
Premium bass fishing rods might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering Okuma. At least it didn't for me. But the X-Series just feels great in hand and performs even better on the water. Throughout testing, I landed multiple 4-pounders, including a fish that pushed the 6-pound mark. And it did it with ease. The X-Series has all the features of a high-end rod and the performance to back it up. Here's a closer look at the winner of our best baitcasting rod test.
Okuma X-Series Casting Rod Overview
Specs
Rod Type: Casting
Pieces: 1
Rod Length: 7 feet, 3 inches
Rod Power: Medium-heavy
Rod Action: Extra Fast
Line Rating: 10-20 pounds
Price: $279-$299
Other Notable Features
46-ton Toray Carbon blank
Ultimate X Reinforced Multi-Directional Fiber Technology (UXR)
Fuji KW-concept angled guide frames w/ Fuji SiC Guide Inserts
SeaGuide HSC HyperSensitive Carbon Reel Seat
Tapered Cork Grip w/Contoured EVA Rear Grip
Lightweight, sensitive, and strong
6 casting options
First Look
For testing, I chose the 7-foot, 3-inch medium-heavy/extra-fast rod. When I pulled it from the tube, I was immediately impressed by how light the blank was. This is mostly due to Okuma’s Ultimate X Reinforced (UXR) multi-directional fiber technology. Now that's just a fancy way of saying Okuma found a way to make a lightweight rod without sacrificing durability.
The UXR tech wraps two fibers around the rod at alternating 45-degree angles to create an X (hence the name), then splits the X with a third fiber. The results are an incredibly light, strong, and sensitive blank. And I found this to be true when I took the rod out on the water. The X-Series also features an exposed blank for increased sensitivity and a comfortable grip with an EVA foam butt section. I paired the rod with the new X-Series casting reel from Okuma.
On the Water Performance
During my baitcasting rod test, I fished some of the best new bass lures of 2025. One of those was the Gambler Walking Frog. I tied it onto the X-Series and brought it to one of my home lakes to fish the spawn. I quickly caught several small bass, but my best catch of the test was a six-pounder that crushed the frog. When I laid the wood, the X-Series loaded perfectly. I wrestled the fish out of shallow water and flipped it into the boat.
Though I would typically go with a slightly shorter rod for a frog, the Okuma performed extremely well. I had no issues making roll casts and skipping the frog under cover, even with the extra length. I attribute a lot of this frogging performance to the rod tip that had good flex, allowing me to skip and easily work the bait. And the X-Series reel I had paired with the rod undoubtedly made the combo even more capable.
Taking a quick lap through some of the other features, the 46-ton Toray carbon blank, Fuji guides and inserts, SeaGuide HSC (HyperSensitive Carbon) Reel Seat, and tapered cork grip with EVA rear grip make this one of the lightest, strongest, and most capable rods I’ve ever fished with. But I believe the Ultimate X Reinforced technology is a serious difference maker.
The only complaint I have about this lineup of rods is that the options are limited. I would love to see an all-around 7-foot medium-heavy model in the X-Series, but it doesn't currently exist in the 6-model lineup. Still, a 7-foot, 3-inch medium-heavy is my second choice for a great all-around power fishing rod. It can be used to fish a frog, spinnerbait, buzzbait, chatterbait, jig, etc. And the 7-foot, 3-inch X-Series from Okuma is my new favorite in this class.
