I have tested... / Bone Voyage-X BXC-804XXXXXH, absolute ruggedness in mini format

First and foremost, a point that often came up with the old range, and which I quickly wanted to test, was that the rod powers were overestimated.

As far as the model tested is concerned, its stated range is 21-335 grams, which seems a little overestimated to me, but realistic nonetheless. After a few tests, I'd say you can fish very comfortably, while forcing on the casting phases, with lures up to 280 grams. Heavier lures should be cast sparingly, which is logical given the loads involved, so the power displayed is fairly consistent.

The rod's fast action helps to propel large lures effortlessly, as it still bends well at the tip on the slightest impulse. What's more, its length of 2.44 metres, which is long for a casting rod, also helps to give the lure the impetus it needs to take off. Given these characteristics, this is clearly a rod designed for swimbaits.

In terms of aesthetics, the rod has the same look as the brand: full black!

At first glance, only a few rubber stamps, a "Voyage-X" marking and a Fuji ECS reel seat, accompanied by a chrome clamping ring, let you know that you're dealing with the new generation.

However, on closer inspection, we notice that the carbon is not woven in the same way, and this is where the great revolution of the Voyage-X range takes place.

The rods feature a Torayca 40-ton carbon blank and reinforced shanks with additional 1K carbon braiding, all fitted with FUJI K-Alconite guides. All this to enhance strength, power, lightness and durability.

As for lightness, the rod weighs just 228 grams. That's pretty light considering the rod's power, but terribly comfortable and pleasant!

In terms of reels, a 300 or 400 size casting reel is ideal. A 60- to 80-pound braid to match the power of the reel is recommended.

As said above, the ???-804XXXXXH is a rod designed to use large swimbaits, hard and soft. In France and Europe, it's all about pike stalking, and its 4-strand mini format makes it an ideal model to take anywhere from Spain and Sweden to Ireland!

For more distant destinations, it's perfect for searching for muskellunge, barramundi, murray cod or even yellow cheek, species that are sensitive to large swimbaits!

Talking more broadly about the range, prices have risen by between ?10 and ?140, depending on the model. The price of the least powerful and shortest models has not risen much; it's mainly the most powerful models that are suffering from this increase.

As for the ???-804XXXXXH, its price is ?580. Even if this model has nothing in common with the old range, its price makes Voyage-X less attractive at first glance than it was when the first wave arrived on the French market.

However, once you've dissected the cane and taken into account the significant improvements it has undergone, the price is still justified, even if it's less competitive.

Apart from that, there's no disappointment, and Bone once again lives up to expectations: the rod is simply perfect, which augurs well for the other references!