I finally got my hands on a couple production Phenix K2s and decided i should do them right. So I paired them with a couple high end Shimanos.
K2 765c 7'6" Heavy Fast Action 8-20# Fujii Torzite Guides + 2015 Shimano Metanium DC XG 8.5:1 Ratio Retrieve 6.9 oz
K2 713s 7'1" Med-Light Fast Action 4-12# Fujii Torzite Guides + Shimano Stella 2000s
Never thought I'd own a Stella. I have a Sustain 2500FG and will be curious to see what the noticeable differences are. I can say with the Metanium DC XG, I found it quite fun to use (was throwing it on my custom K2 765). However I didn't notice any major casting differences when compared to my Cores. There is less overrun, but no distance gains. X-Ship is quite nice, but i think you lose something when it's on the XG. I'll give a full review of these pairings in the next couple weeks.