Redington Crux Fly Rod Review

Nov 30, 2018 · 4 min read

Redington has replaced their flagship series, The Vapen, with the all-new Redington Crux. This rod boasts high-performance technology, loads of feel and feedback, and surprising power and strength. While the Vapen was a fast action rod, the Crux slows things down a bit without sacrificing power. While the rod is a definite upgrade from Redington rods in the past, the Crux remains affordable at the classic Redington mid-price-point. We think this could be the best all-around trout rod ever offered by Redington. Read on to find out why.
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Outfit

- Redington Crux 9’ 5wt Fly Rod

- Lamson Litespeed Fly Reel
- Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX Fly Line

Fit and Finish

The fit and finish of the Redington Crux are quiet with some key points of divergence from the fit and finish of the Vapen. The Crux has an engraved reel seat and a rod model identification number just above the reel seat. This identification number makes grab-and-go fishing much easier when there are multiple rods on your rack. Above the reel seat, the Crux has a standard reversed half wells grip. The grip sports two different cork types so the angler can feel where his/her thumb is supposed to go. Some anglers may find this cork is a helpful casting aid, although we didn’t feel a huge difference when casting the rod. The blank of the Crux is an olive/greyish matte blank. The rod is finished with standard Redington componentry: hard chrome stripping and snake guides.

Weight

The Crux is heavyish for a 5wt trout rod. The entire rod weighs 3.2 ounces. This mass adds to the flex and feel of the rod, however, and proves increased weight isn’t always a bad thing in a trout rod. The swing weight is 71 gm2. Again, heavier than some of the lightest high-end trout rods on the market.

Distance

The Crux, although not designed for distance, encourages power and accuracy at 60 feet. We enjoyed casting the rod at long distances and its power and strength were stand-out, especially for a mid-priced rod. While the rod is made to excel out to 45 feet, the Crux is a tool you can count on when you see a fish rising across the river.

Accuracy

The progressive flex of the Crux means it’s really accurate at 45 feet. Usually, when we cast trout rods that are designed for 45+ feet with a fast action blank, the rod lacks accuracy at close distances. Not so with the Crux. This rod is accurate across the board, at distances near and far. This superb accuracy and finely tuned versatility of the Crux is a large reason we think it’s Redington’s best creation yet.

Flex and Feel

The Crux has a bit more mass than other Redington rods. This mass means the rod provides a ton of feedback and feel at close distances like 30 feet. Feel and accuracy at 30 feet doesn’t mean the rod loses sensitivity at 45 feet and beyond, however. The Crux was also very pleasant to cast at 45 feet and at 60 feet. Redington hit a home run with the flex and feel of this rod.

Line Choice

Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX was used during this rod review and worked seamlessly on the Crux.

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Price

$399

Conclusion

It’s easy to see why we think the Crux is the best all-around trout rod from Redington. A progressive taper provides accuracy and power at long distances without sacrificing flex and feel at short distances. Sure, the rod is a bit heavy, but this extra mass allows industry-leading versatility and functionality. If you’re in the market for an all-around, do-it-all trout rod, the Crux is a must-have. And for such an affordable price, the Crux may just be one of the best rods on the market today.

Pros

Accuracy and strength at all distances

Progressive taper encourages castability

Cons

Heavyish weight and swing weight

Written by

Chandler Crans

Chandler Crans is a fly fishing expert and a former guide in Alaska. Whether he's reviewing the latest rods and reels, writing about where to fish, or helping a first-time angler pick the right fly line, Chandler combines real guiding experience with deep product knowledge and a genuine love of being on the water.

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