A good rod at a good price can be hard to come by. But that is what I’ve found in the 13 Fishing Defy Black Casting Rod. The company has several high-end offerings as well, but it’ll be hard if not impossible to find a more budget-friendly casting rod than the Defy Black. Packed full of quality components and with most models priced between $59 and $69, this is a sweet rod.
A GREAT VALUE
The most comparable rod to the Defy Black (in price and quality) that I’ve tested is the Ark Catalyzer casting rod. The Catalyzer also has four model options priced at $59. But that’s where the lineup of Catalyzers ends, while the Defy Black is available in an additional 7 casting models as well as two cranking versions. (You can read my review of the 13 Fishing Defy Black Cranking Rod here.)
In total, there are 14 variations of the Defy Black Casting Rods available as well as 6 Defy Black Spinning Rod options, all priced below $100—14 of the 20 priced at $59.
TOUGH BUILD
A great value is, well, great. But not if the quality isn’t. Then it’s just cheap. Despite the price of the Defy Black, it’s anything but cheap. These casting rods have graduated Evolve stainless steel guide frames with polished Alconite inserts for smooth casting and durability.
The team at 13 Fishing used high quality EVA foam for comfortable split grip handles. There’s a lure keeper incorporated into the lower part of the handle, and the rod is astonishingly light for this price point, thanks to “Japanese 24 ton durable and reactive graphite material” which makes for a light as well as sensitive and strong blank.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH DEFY BLACK
I’ve been testing the Defy Black casting rod for nearly a year now, having received a 7-foot, 3-inch rod in a shipment back in March of 2023. Though I haven’t boat flipped any big ones with it (nor should anyone with any 7’ 3” medium heavy of any brand), I have been pleased with it’s durability. It’s held up well to regular use and handled the load of hauling in several bass without any issue.
The foam grips look all but brand new, keeping their appearance better than cork handles, which dirty up a lot quicker with regular use. And the blank has been strong and sensitive, with more sensitivity than I’d expect for the price.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON DEFY BLACK
I really don’t have anything negative to say about the Defy Black Casting Rod from 13 Fishing. For the price, you can’t complain. As for the quality, I’ve fished with lots of rods that cost twice as much, without being near twice the rod.
With top notch EVA grips, a solid reel seat, a lure keeper, durable blank and efficient line guide system, you get a lot of bang for your buck in the Defy Black Casting Rod. Kudos to 13 Fishing for taking what they’ve learned through years of research and development on their higher-end rods and packing a whole lot of it into this budget-friendly option that any angler could benefit from.
