Akios Airspeed Surf 435 Black Edition 14’5″ 4-8oz 3 Sec

Description

The Akios Airspeed Surf 435 Black Edition is a highly regarded continental-style surfcasting rod that has built a reputation as a modern classic since its original release. This “Black Edition” is a refined and upgraded version, offering a blend of exceptional casting performance and a delicate, sensitive tip.

Here is an in-depth description of its key features:

1. Purpose and Application

• Distance and Sensitivity: The Airspeed Surf 435 is designed to be a true all-rounder for beach and shore fishing. It excels at launching baits to extreme distances, making it perfect for reaching distant sandbars, gullies, or features. However, its most notable feature is its hybrid tip, which provides the sensitivity to detect even the shyest of bites, a crucial factor in successful match fishing and pleasure angling alike.
• Casting Style: While it’s a powerful rod with the potential for advanced casting techniques like a pendulum, it’s also highly effective with a simple overhead thump. This makes it a popular choice for anglers who want to achieve good distance without a highly technical casting style.
• Ground Type: Its versatile design makes it suitable for fishing on clean sandy beaches, as well as mixed ground where some power is required to deal with snags or pull fish over kelp.
• Aesthetics: The “Black Edition” is noted for its sleek, all-black livery with subtle silver and gold trim, giving it a premium and understated look that appeals to many anglers.

2. Blank and Construction

• Upgraded Nano-Carbon Blank: The rod is constructed from a new grade of nano-carbon material. This advanced blank provides exceptional strength and a fast recovery, which is essential for maximizing casting distance. The material’s lightweight nature also reduces angler fatigue during long sessions.
• Hybrid Tip: The “hybrid tip” is the rod’s signature feature. It is a solid, spliced-in tip that provides a sensitive and flexible end to the rod. This allows for superior bite detection, as the tip bends noticeably with minimal tension, making it easy to spot a bite visually. This feature is seamlessly integrated with the powerful tubular mid-section and butt, providing a perfect blend of power and finesse.
• Spyrowrap Reinforcement: The butt section of the rod is reinforced with a “Spyrowrap.” This carbon wrapping adds an extra layer of strength and power, allowing the angler to exert significant pressure on both the cast and the fish.
• Three-Piece Design: The three-section configuration is a key advantage of continental rods. It allows for a longer rod that packs down into a compact size for easy transportation and storage.

3. Fittings and Components

• Fuji Anti-Tangle KWAG Guides: The rod is fitted with premium Fuji K-series guides with Alconite inserts. These guides are specifically designed with an anti-tangle frame to prevent line wrap and wind knots, which is particularly beneficial when using braided line. The guides are configured for use with both fixed spool and multiplier reels.
• Fuji DPS Screw Lock Reel Seat: A secure Fuji DPS reel seat ensures your reel is locked firmly in place, providing stability and confidence during both the cast and the fight.
• Ergonomic EVA Rear Grip: The rod features an ergonomic EVA shaped casting grip on the butt section, which provides a comfortable and secure hold.
• Metal Band Reinforced Spigots: The joints (spigots) between the rod sections are reinforced with metal bands. This adds extra strength to these critical connection points, ensuring the rod can withstand the forces generated during a powerful cast.
• Sure-Grip System (SGS): The butt section includes the Akios “Sure-Grip System,” a textured area that aids in the disassembling of the rod sections after a session.

4. Performance and Feel

• Casting: The rod’s progressive action and hybrid tip allow for impressive casting performance, even with a simple casting style. The optimum casting weight is typically around 150g plus bait, where the rod comes alive and feels most balanced.
• Bite Detection: This is a major selling point. The hybrid tip is highly sensitive and will show even the faintest of bites, making it a favorite for anglers fishing for species that can be delicate feeders.
• Fish-Fighting Power: Despite the sensitive tip, the main blank has plenty of power. The rod’s backbone allows the angler to control and land large, powerful fish and to steer them away from snags and kelp.

5. Summary of Specifications

• Length: 4.35m (14’5″)
• Casting Weight: 112-220g (4-8oz)
• Action: Progressive action with a sensitive hybrid tip.
• Sections: 3-piece
• Blank Material: Nano-carbon with Spyrowrap reinforcement.
• Guides: Fuji KWAG Alconite (K-Series)
• Reel Seat: Fuji DPS Screw Lock
• Special Features: Hybrid tip, Sure-Grip System (SGS), supplied with a padded cloth rod bag.