While not an XP, my favorite smallmouth rod is a 790-2 RPL. Plenty of power and alot of feel. Enough flex to enjoy the tug of a 10" fish, yet enough butt strength to keep a 20+incher out of the ledges and snags on the river. If you like XP's, an RPL will initially feel kinda sluggish, but will surprise you in how well it will turn over clousers with a well timmed double haul and a Belgian cast. Lots of power if you need to lean on it, and more forgiving when you need to open up your loop and chuck the heavy stuff like weighted craw patterns. Bonus for the price compared to an XP if you can find one. I have seen some unfished 790 RPLs go for under $300 on ebay in the recent past.

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