The Levitate series has been the beginning and pinnacle of SPJ rods made by Temple Reef. Unlike most rods it has been redesigned and updated every generation up to the current model which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the series. As always with this series they’re made with both ease of use and performance in mind, so you get extra pulling power and control compared to other rods without sacrificing on the jig action.

The Levitate X goes back to the neutral spiral wrap after skipping a generation, which alleviates some of the load and makes it easier to guide the line back on your reel. Beyond that it will also be more beginner friendly since it avoids all tip wrap. Along with the neutral spiral wrap these rods use Fuji Titanium Torzite guides, the top of the line of all available guides on the market for this style of fishing. A new addition this generation is the inclusion of the 10M and 12M guide sizes which have a taller frame than the standard sizes, this makes them that much better for taller conventional reels like the Accurate Valiant 500N/600NN’s or Daiwa Saltiga’s.

These rods also feature a redesigned butt grip, they’ve switched to using woven carbon fiber to build it meaning it is much stronger and made using the same techniques as modern rod blanks. There’s even videos of them jumping on it without so much as a crack. The flat top design remained so it is easy to keep the rod on your forearm without slipping and it is comfortable under the armpit when the fish is on.

As an afterward, I had the pleasure of having dinner with Randy Chin, the owner of Temple Reef, while I visited the Osaka fishing show in Japan and part of that included a discussion about the difficulties that needed to be overcome for this rod to exist. The upgrades to the butt section, lack of availability of guides which limited these rods to only 60 pieces per model as opposed to 100 and the finer details like the machined aluminum butt cap specially made for these grips. He had genuine enthusiasm for the development process, bringing something new to the table instead of continuing on the easy path. It is easy to tell from the development of 10 generations of these rods that Temple Reef stays on the bleeding edge of technology and is not afraid to make changes to optimize rods for the angler.

From the Manufacturer: Introducing Levitate X, the culmination of a decade-long journey of innovation and excellence in design. Born from the iconic Levitate series, which first graced the scene in 2015, Levitate X is a testament to our relentless pursuit of perfection.

Levitate X is meticulously crafted with cutting-edge technology and refined aesthetics. At its core lies the second-generation Nabla handle, a pinnacle of engineering prowess. Sleeker, lighter, and more rigid than ever, this handle elevates the Levitate X to new heights of performance and sophistication.

Features:

• The second-generation Nabla handle is Sleeker, lighter, and more rigid for ultimate performance.
• Iconic design: Built upon the legacy of the Levitate series, with refined aesthetics that embody sophistication.
• Unrivaled comfort: The ergonomically designed flat top rear section ensures a seamless fit in your hand, enabling extended use without experiencing fatigue.
• Equipped with Fujis Titanium Torzite guides and assembled using our proprietary
• Neutral Spiral System to reduce torsional movements and eliminate guide wraps.
• Sleek and practical CNC aluminum butt cap, precision machined to a specific weight for optimal balance.
• DSS – Direct Sensitivity System utilizes carbon fiber fused directly to the blank, enhancing sensitivity and tactile feedback.