Kalex Telescopic Spinning Rod (XT2), 5'6" - Medium - Telescopic

I bought this for a backpacking trip. Purchased the 5'6" model. I am very impressed by the quality of packaging. My first impression of this rod is it is made by a company ready to compete with any other compact travel gear. I tried to find something wrong with this fishing rod but couldn't. Upon examination it's a rod I have no problem making it a permanent part of my gear inventory. The balance and lightweight of it is very comfortable in the hand. Telescoping feature is smooth with no slop like other telescoping poles I've owned. Compliments to kalex!Update: Returned from my trip. This pole was awesome. Used it for 3 days and was very successful. It was very responsive . Could feel every little bite and what the lure was doing. I will be purchasing another for my son in the near future.

Its a good product lasted me 2 outings I would only use it for small fish broke on a 7 pounder fish

Originally I bought this at the last second before a vacation to Cancun Mexico. Went with the 5'6 to keep things small for the luggage. Caught a good 10 fish in my 2 hour session and it was pretty exciting. Used it in between a few times after that and brought it with me on another vacation to Puerto Vallarta. Still have it and I've even ditched my 2 piece poles for local trips, too. It's so convenient and doesnt have a feel that's different than the 2 piece ones. I can even keep it ready lined with hook and sinker and just shove it in my backpack. It's the only pole that's for sure coming with me on any fishing trip. I really love this thing.

I typically fish for smaller panfish like bluegill, perch and crappie, and occasionally for bass and pike. I like my rods light and 'whippy', so I can use a light line (4-6 lb) and light lures (1/16-1/4 oz). It makes fishing for smaller fish much more fun having a light rig.The best thing this Kalex rod has going for it is it's compact and easy to transport. I have snapped off many a rod tip by shutting it in a car door or catching on a branch while walking. This collapsible rod would be perfect for backpacking to your fishing spot. I also like the plastic cap that covers and protects the tip, although it would be nice to have a place to store it on the rod while it's in use, so you don't lose it.But there are a couple things I don't like about it. I have the 5'-6" rod, and it's pretty stiff. It says on the rod that it's for 6-12 lb. line and 1/8 - 5/8 oz. lures. I would hesitate at a lure less than 1/4 oz. with this rod -- you're just not going to throw it very far with so little spring action. Maybe the longer rods are more flexible, but this one is not.Another question is why the handle extends about 14" below the reel. That seems like a lot of handle, almost like a fly rod. And only the bottom 5" of the handle is padded, so that's kind of weird. I usually grip the handle just below the reel, not 8" down.The last gripe is that the cap keeps the top 3 sections from sliding out, but the bottom section cannot be locked into the handle, so it slides out when you tilt the rod down.

The page lists extended size but not contracted size; this makes trouble with delivery.

I was very skeptical of these telescoping type rods and kalex.... boy did they deliver. Works as good ans better than expected. Bought the 5'6" rod for travel and trout. Honestly a but too stiff for smaller trout and smaller game fish. Do not use as an ultralight or light action in my opinion. Works wonderfully for anything with a great hard fight. My only gripe is the length of the handle or butt of the rod. A bit awkward, otherwise. Highly recommend.

This rod is pretty good for the money I use it for ultra light fishing and it held up good after I snagged a 10 lb carp on the end of it's tail

Light and strong....so far is good.