SNK Posted February 21, 2015 Posted February 21, 2015 Pondering this rod for 3/8 oz jigs + trailer (5/8 oz total weight). I want to try out a megabass rod and am looking for advice from any who have had any experience with the Diblo spec r. What type of tip would you describe it as having? Hows the sensitivity and backbone of the rod? (Currently fish 13envy black rods for my bottom contact baits, and I like rods in the 7 to 7-3 length. Moderate cover at best.) Quote
kschultz76 Posted February 21, 2015 Posted February 21, 2015 I literally just got this rod last week, and haven't been able to fish it yet bc of the extreme cold and icy weather we have in NJ still. However I have been practicing pitching with it indoors and some casting and pitching in the yard. Paired with 3 different reels, and both 12lb mono and 15lb fluoro I find it very comfortably pitches and casts both 3/8 oz and 1/2 oz rubber practice plugs. I got a new 13 Metanium to go with and paired with that reel it is beauty. I got this rod wanting a versatile stick who's primary purpose would be jigs w/trailer 1/4-3/8, plus trig creatures with 3/8 tungsten. I also wanted something that could as secondary uses handle swim jigs, bladed jigs, light crigs, spinnerbaits. At lot of folks like the EMTF for jigs and trigs but the extra length of that stick over the Diablo poses some issues for me that would likely result in a damaged rod. I spoke with Gary at The Tackle Trap about the Diablo and he assured me the Diablo would fit the bill, and he's steered me well on all my other Orochi XX purchases. If you go check out the rods forum on TackleTour there's a number of good posts on this stick. I'd encourage you to talk to Gary, he's extremely knowledgable, knows these rods very well, and focused on sharing info to help you get the right rod for your needs. I can't compare to the Envys as I've never held one. I can tell you my Orochis in my hands are plenty sensitive and pretty comparable to my St Croix Legend Extremes. They certainly are more sensitive then my LTBs, and the one Dobyns Champ I have. The Diablo "sings" with vibration as the line comes through the guides, I think it will be more sensitive then my other Orochis but can't say for sure without some on water experience. What I can tell you about the Diablo is it seems to have a great backbone when I've tested loading it up, and it does have a taper I would put in the Fast category. But it's not on the faster end of the fast spectrum, and definitely not xfast. But the tip is great so far loading nicely for a pitch or cast, crisp, responsive, and transitions nicely into the power. The Orochi tapers are all pretty unique and very versatile. I think overall if I had to compare it I'd say it's just hair slower then my LTB Mh/F but crisper and more responsive, but that rod is 6'6" and very stout for its rating so it's a tough comparison. I'm no expert but have been told in general MB rods have tapers on the slower end of the fast spectrum. I also have the Spinnerbait Special and the Diablo is def faster and noticeably more powerful even though they have similar power ratings. I also have the Tour Versatile and that's a great powerful heavy cover stick. The Diablo slots nicely between the two. I think if I was throwing jigs or trigs much over the 3/8 or 7/16 range I'd rather throw them on the TV but I'm told the Diablo can handle a 1/2 oz jig in a pinch. I can also tell you the finish and build quality on all my Orochis is just amazing, they are just as good as my top end St Croixs. Sorry I can't give you any real on the water feedback. Quote
SenkoGuru Posted February 21, 2015 Posted February 21, 2015  I do not have that exact rod but I do own and fish the XX EMTF which from what I understand is the same rod only 3" longer. The rod is very sensitive and the only rod I have fished that is as good is the Kistler Z Bone. IMO, it is a little more sensitive than Dobyn's Dx and I've not fished with a G.Loomis GLX so I can not say on that one. The blank is crisp and I would not rate it a fast action, like megabass has, I would say it is more of a Mod-Fast.  I can throw a 1/2 on mine but It doen't feel comfortable going over a 1/2 and I feel like 3/8 is the rods sweet spot and perfect for it. The rod looks fantastic but the cork handle has a lot of filler.   I would also tell you to talk with Gary because he has a great deal of experience with this line of rods and can answer any question you may have about it. Good luck. Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted February 22, 2015 Super User Posted February 22, 2015 If you are wanting a rod for just jig fishing the Diablo Spec R is probably not the first rod that comes to mine. It is a much more versatile rod because of the action and taper which lends itself to moving bait apps as well. I would suggest the EMTF which I am a huge fan of for fishing contact baits on. The action is faster and the rod is very sensitive. I use mine for weightless flukes, caffeine shads, senkos, 3/8 to 1/2 oz standard and swim jigs and even spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. The rod is more sensitive than the DX rods from Dobyns or the previous Gen Cumara Black rods. Haven't fished the *** rod to be able to compare it there. Just because they are Megabass's cheapest offering doesnt mean the components are a slouch. I wouldn't complain if I was forced to fish the Orichi XX line of rods my entire life. For now I just enjoy using the EMTF and the Shakeyhead rod. As others mentioned call or email Gary at the TackleTrap. He will get you squared away... Quote
kschultz76 Posted February 22, 2015 Posted February 22, 2015 Kickerfish1 have you handled or fished with the Diablo yet? I got to spend more time outside today practice casting the Diablo. Right now in my hands it really doesn't feel "moderate" by any means. When I spoke with Gary he said it was only very slightly slower then the EMTF and he didn't feel I was losing anything with it compared to the EMTF. It's specs are identical to the EMTF except the length. I was concerned when I first got it testing the taper that it was more med-fast but more time with it has so far put those fears to rest. Casting and pitching outside today with 3/8 and 1/2 practice plugs paired with a Met and 12 lb Pline Floroclear it was a dream. I was able to get accurate easy roll and side arm casts as well as nice easy accurate pitches. I really enjoyed it. I will admit and preface that with the fact that I haven't had it on the water yet, so don't know what it will be like checking a jig in the water or setting a hook. But it is def more powerful and quicker then my Spinnerbait Special and I've fished light jigs and trig creatures on that without a struggle. To the op one thing is for sure, much of this is subjective and as always if you can get your hands on it before you buy that's the best way to know what you're getting. Quote
OK Bass Hunter Posted February 22, 2015 Posted February 22, 2015 +1 on the guys at The Tackletrap, they won't steer you wrong. Got my last 2 rods from them. Quote
kschultz76 Posted February 22, 2015 Posted February 22, 2015 I will add that Gary has suggested the EMTF to me a couple times but he understands I can't transport something that long. If you can handle the extra length it's a great rod from what I hear. Quote
SNK Posted February 22, 2015 Author Posted February 22, 2015 Thanks for the responses guys. I did drop a line to Gary and am waiting on a response. If anyone still has some insight on this rod, or have experienced what others have said, please continue to let me know your thoughts. Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted February 22, 2015 Super User Posted February 22, 2015 I haven't had the chance to handle or fish the Diablo yet. I know a few guys that have and described it as slightly slower than the EMTF. I was told it was best labeled as moderate fast but on the faster side of that rating. I just prefer a fast or extra fast for jig fishing. The original post only mentioned 3/8 oz jigs plus trailer so if length isn't an issue I would suggest a slightly different rod. There are probably a few rods from that line that could fit the bill. The length, taper, power, and versatility is where they seperate themselves. Quote
kschultz76 Posted February 22, 2015 Posted February 22, 2015 Thanks for the response Kickerfish. Having just gotten the rod I interested to hear any feedback I could on it. I definitely would not describe as being close to Xfast or on the really fast end of the fast spectrum. But in my hands it really handles faster and more powerful then the Spinnerspait Special which is med fast. I totally agree it's still got a really versatile taper, it's not just a dedicated bottom contact stick. I've actually read posts elsewhere that someone compared it to the action and feel of an NRX 893, but again it's just something I read. What I heard from Gary about it and some detailed posts on another forum made me decide it would work for me and try it. So far I'm pleased and I think it's going to do what I need it to. If I get a chance and can figure how to I'll take some pictures of it under load. Quote
kschultz76 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Ok this first photo is a comparison of the Diablo to the Spinnerbait Special. The Diablo is the upper rod. This one is a comparison of the Diablo to the St Croix LTB 6'6" MH/F. Again the Diablo is on top. By no means is this a scientic way to get a really accurate measurement of the tapers but it should everyone an idea how the Diablo loads. At least personally I can and feel it load and get into the backbone a good bit faster then the SS, and it just doesn't load as deep into the blank. Again I think the visual confirms my feeling that it is just almost but not quite as fast as the LTB. But the length differences make a true apples to apples comparison hard to achieve. Hopefully this helps in some way. Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted February 23, 2015 Super User Posted February 23, 2015 Looks like you hooked into a nice sized couch! Nice photos! Quote
kschultz76 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Looks like you hooked into a nice sized couch! Nice photos! Sure did, but the recliner puts up a better fight! Quote
ccr425 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 I've really enjoyed fishing with my EMTF, but have been finding myself wishing that it were shorter. Love slinging jigs with the Tour Versatile because of the accuracy I can achieve due to the 7'0" length. I'm hoping that the Spec R is just a shorter EMTF. That would be a near perfect rod for most of my fishing needs. Quote
kschultz76 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 I've really enjoyed fishing with my EMTF, but have been finding myself wishing that it were shorter. Love slinging jigs with the Tour Versatile because of the accuracy I can achieve due to the 7'0" length. I'm hoping that the Spec R is just a shorter EMTF. That would be a near perfect rod for most of my fishing needs. I have the TV as well, love it for heavy cover and heavier jigs. I wanted the Diablo or EMTF for the lighter weights that I struggle to pitch and cast as well with the TV. I went with the DSR because while I've lusted after the EMTF the length is just not good for me. I don't want to disappoint but I've heard from several people the DSR isn't a shorter EMTF exactly, it's a slightly different taper and just not quite as fast. Since I've never handled the EMTF I can't compare them. However the DSR was well endorsed by Gary at TTT for my needs. Quote
ccr425 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 I will probably grab a Spec R soon. I'm extremely pleased with all of my XX rods, so the Spec R shouldn't disappoint. From the pictures I've seen it looks to have purple guide wraps. Can anyone confirm this? Quote
Solution SNK Posted February 23, 2015 Author Solution Posted February 23, 2015 Heard back fro Gary.... I've been fishing the rod quite a bit since introduction and it's a really fine stick. Extremely versatile, has good backbone, good sensitivity, and will have no issue at all with the jigs you've described. The tip is somewhere between fast and moderate fast. It's no impediment when fishing a jig for me, but the added versatility is great. I've fished down to a 1/4 oz jig/trailer with it, no problems at all. It's also a great spinner bait and chatter bait type rod, among many other uses. Quote
kschultz76 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 My DSR arrived with the same wrap colors as my TV and SS rods... Green, purple, and a bit of gold as I recall. Quote
kschultz76 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Heard back fro Gary.... I've been fishing the rod quite a bit since introduction and it's a really fine stick. Extremely versatile, has good backbone, good sensitivity, and will have no issue at all with the jigs you've described. The tip is somewhere between fast and moderate fast. It's no impediment when fishing a jig for me, but the added versatility is great. I've fished down to a 1/4 oz jig/trailer with it, no problems at all. It's also a great spinner bait and chatter bait type rod, among many other uses. If you pull the trigger be sure to let us know what you think. Quote
ccr425 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Sounds like what I'm looking for. Was hoping the wraps would be green and match the rest of my rods. Quote
SNK Posted June 25, 2015 Author Posted June 25, 2015 Well finally, after all this time, I ordered the Diablo Spec R. Unfortunately it will not arrive until early August. Pretty excited to give it a go when I receive it. I want to thank everyone for their input! Planning on pairinga Curado or Chronarch 50e on it. Quote
kschultz76 Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 Argh that's a long hard wait but I'm sure it will be worth it. I have mine paired with a Met 13 and love it, but also fished it a bit with my Scorpion 1001 XT and it pairs well with both those reals. It's really well balanced in my opinion with either reel. Quote
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