Hi Nathan,
There isnt much info around in English on these rods...
The rods are a nice parabolic action so load up most of the length of the blank. They don't go to jelly down low though, and have the strength here when needed, they are strong! Running PE10 on them is fine, Etienne runs 100lb braid as standard.
Honestly I haven't handled enough Carpenters, Ripple Fishers etc to make a comparison with the huge selections of GT rods and top Japanese brands, I've got my Smith WRC80P/35 and the Illex rods are stronger and rated heavier than that. I took my Smith to New Cal, and it stayed in the hotel room, I used the Illex rods. I'll be buying one of these for sure.
If and when a few make it over and trickle into the Australian market, I'm sure the experienced guys like Brandon, Luke etc will see them and be able to comment further.
Illex are made in Japan and sold in France under the Illex banner. They are the same company as Jackal, which bream fisherman get all excited about..
Steve, Etienne
developed the rods so I guess is their field tester by default.
Cheers Dave