Question For The Megabass Rod Guys

[Jon G]

Lately I've been wanting to try a new rod. As much as I love my current gear I'm starting to get a little bored and want something new to tinker with. I see a lot of guys lately have been using the Megabass rods and I want to see what all the hype is about. 

 

The rods I'm considering are the Orochi XX and the Orochi X4. I plan getting one of these to use for jigs. I'm leaning more on the XX because I see more guys using that than the X4. How are the XX and X4 sensitivity compared to the Dobyns DX rods? (these are the rods I usually use)

 

 

 

 

**Edit: I just did more research and looks like the X4 is more suited for reaction baits. So I'm heavily leaning on the XX now**

[ibobpeb]

I fished the XX and DX side by side for a few days. The sensitivity was about equal there in terms of detecting bottom structure, fish bites, rocks and weeds. However I give the edge to XX because it just feels nicer in the hand and more comfortable. I don't know exactly what it is, perhaps the smaller diameter cork handle? Or maybe the better craftsmanship? The XX just feels more refined. There's nothing wrong with the DX though.

 

In fact you picked two of the most well balanced rods in the market and won't go wrong with either. Most other manufacturers rods' fulcrum is between 8" to about 11" (the balance point measured from middle of the reel seat to the end of the rod")- which is a big mistake and causes the rod to be tip heavy. When you measure Dobyns and Megabass rod's balance point, it's between 5" to 6". 

 

I compared my St Croix rods to my Dobyns and I've sold most of my St Croix. I only have left my Legend Elite ML for white bass fishing. Now I'm about to sell off my Dobyns rods and replace them with Megabass. They're just that d**n good. 

 

Side note: The X4 rods are tip heavy and unbalanced, if you care about that then go for the XX.

[Chris186]

I have an XX, the tour versatile. It's plenty sensitive and stout. I have never used a Dobyns so I can't comment on it, but I think you will love the XX.

[Silas]

I don't have the XX Megabass. But I DO have 4 (X4 ) rods

Rattle Viper Technical game with Steez 103 for wacky worms, Texas Rig, flukes

Black Elseil with Megabass IS73C for medium cranks, Pointers and 110s. Really versatile

Hedgehog with Aldebaran or Steez for small plastics and wacky worm.

Egly Go Go (X4) with Steez 100

The reason I bought them is because they are (to me) as much works of art as they are fantastic rods.

I am impressed in all ways with the rods.

I also have a Dobyns 703 with a Steez on it and it ALSO is a fantastic rod. It is very close to the X4s but I prefer the craftsmanship of the X4s. They are both about as sensitive for bottom baits.

I don't buy that the X4 rods are only moving bait rods although they excel at it.

As I said I cannot comment on the XX series since I don't have one. But I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

A good lower price JDM rod would be the Jackson Trickster, which I have, but do not really compare to the X4s. It is just different ( in a good way)

[kickerfish1]

Correct, the X4 line of rods is typically more versatile due to their tapers. They can still fish jigs fine but they wouldn't be a first choice. The Orichi XX line of rods has great feel. I have two and also fish the Champ Extremes. The Orichi XX is a more sensitive rod in my hands. I wouldn't buy another Champ Extreme unless they redesigned them. They balance well and have good feel but the blank isn't all that lively to the tune of $300+.

Not sure what sized jigs you toss but the EMTF is a good choice unless you fish heavy jigs, in dense cover, for better than average bass.

[Jon G]

I fish 3/8-3/4 oz jigs mainly 1/2oz though. How is the cork on the XX?

[kickerfish1]

Man, the EMTF is a rod that should handle all of that well. The cork is average but in 2 years The rod hasn't pitted on me after sealing it with U40. My jig fishing weight classes are the same as yours when you include trailer weight.

What can the EMTF do?

Chatterbaits

Spinnerbaits

Small paddle tail swimbaits

Rage rigs

Weightless plastics

Texas rigs

Bottom jigs like brush or football

Swim jigs

Maybe KSchultz will see this and reply. He has a good knowledge of these rods and has a few. I talked to Gary at the Tackletrap before pulling the trigger. This was the model he noted as one of the best jig rods and feel rods in the lineup. I have thought about getting a second because of the rods uses.

[Jon G]

What about the Diablo Spec R? I have two 744s a 745 and a 743 so I want something a little shorter lol. I love long rods but I'm considering selling some of my longer rods and get a few shorter ones

[Logan S]

I've got a XX EMTF, it's my 3/8 and 1/2 jig rod.  I use a different rod for 5/8 and up, but it could probably handle it as long as you stick with 3/4 and under.  This is for open/deep water jig fishing, which I do a lot of.  Having said that, you could probably do anything with this rod, its extremely versatile....Cork and reel seat are high quality and comfortable and it balances perfectly with any reel I've put on it.  It loads great for long casts.  It is very sensitive and the backbone is solid...It has that 'connected' feel when setting the hook, even on long casts in 15-20 feet of water.

 

I don't have any Dobyns to compare to, but I have Legend Elites and Legend Tournaments and the XX is better than both of those series.  Nearly all of my rods are Legend series St Croixs, but after getting this XX I don't think I'll be buying anything else moving forward.  I just can't decide which model is my next addition, the DSR, Jerkbait, and Perfect Pitch are all calling my name .

 

[kickerfish1]

What about the Diablo Spec R? I have two 744s a 745 and a 743 so I want something a little shorter lol. I love long rods but I'm considering selling some of my longer rods and get a few shorter ones

 

Is the drive for a shorter rod based upon rod locker issues, transportation issues, or personal preference? I am not really sure what length would suffice as shorter? The Tour Versatile may be an option though I can't speak to how this rod fishes. Maybe ask Gary if he has a recommendation? Member KSchultz has the Diablo Spec R so he may be able to help there.

[Jon G]

Is the drive for a shorter rod based upon rod locker issues, transportation issues, or personal preference? I am not really sure what length would suffice as shorter? The Tour Versatile may be an option though I can't speak to how this rod fishes. Maybe ask Gary if he has a recommendation? Member KSchultz has the Diablo Spec R so he may be able to help there.

Just want some shorter rods lol. I'm picky I guess lol. Honestly I would most likely use this rod for 3/8oz football jigs in 10-15' of water and possibly bladed jigs up shallow 

[kschultz76]

The XX rods are flat out awesome and compare very well sensitivity wise to my St Croix Legend Xtreme rods.

X2 on what Kickerfish1 said about contacting Gary at the Tackle Trap for help, he will absolutely steer you in the correct direction.

That said here's my two cents, for the weight jigs you primarily throw, and especially if you throw them into any cover they will recommend the Perfect Pitch. I've not handled it but talked to Gary about it quite a bit. I e been told it is very well balanced and has the most traditionally fast taper of any of the XX lineup and is the best dedicated jig rod in the lineup. I've read and heard that the EMTF isn't ideally suited for fishing jigs over 1/2 oz but Kickerfish has experience with that rod and has weighed in so I'd consider his feedback. The Xheavy Jig and Work also seems to meet your specs, but I've been told the Perfect Pitch does all the same things, some better, and is more balanced.

I have the Diablo and so far love it. I think it is and will be one of my favorite rods. I got to be more of a dedicated jig and worm rod for lighter jigs/trigs in moderate cover. Gary helped me confirm it would work well for my needs and it's still versatile enough to do all the things Kickerfish listed for the EMTF and even throw lipless and squarebills in a pinch. Unfortunately I haven't had a ton of on water time with because my we just had a baby and I'm not fishing much. Some have said its just a touch not moderate then the EMTF. Some have said its taper is more like the Spinnerbait Special but having both I totally disagree, the SS is def in more moderate, has a softer tip and a bit less power in my hands. I'm not sure if the Diablo would handle the 3/4 oz jigs too well, for that weight I'd definitely pick up my Tour Versatile. The TV is another 7' rod you may want to consider that has the power to meet your needs. I use it for Carolina rigs, frogs, heavier trigs/jigs, and heavier cover fishing with success.

I love my XX rods and I'm sure one of them will suit your needs if you want to try them. The build quality and finish are too notch and as good as they come. You may want to ask Gary about and look into the Jackson Rods Super Trickster series, The Tackle Trap is the first US distributor if these JDM rods and. I've read some great things about them. I believe they have a couple 7' or 6'10" rods that may suit your needs.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with and how you like it. Oh and fair warning...you can't own just 1 Megabass rod.

[kschultz76]

 I just can't decide which model is my next addition, the DSR, Jerkbait, and Perfect Pitch are all calling my name .

I have the DSR and JS, they are great choices. The JS is a LOT of fun for jerkbaits, top water, and small 1/4 and 3/8 cranks. DSR is also a joy to fish with. The Perfect Pitch is next on my list to purchase.

[kickerfish1]

Maybe just take this info and call Gary and see what plan would be best to get you the right rod. If you needed to you could sell the Champ Extreme that overlaps what your new rod would handle. Should help make the rod more affordable as well.

[MediumHeavy]

You would do really well with the X4 Super Orochi. It would handle 1/2oz jigs, plastics, squarebills, etc. That's what I used it for.

 

I prefer the X4 sticks over the XX, personally. Either way, once you go MB you won't want anything else. The only reason I don't have any MB sticks is because I've built my own rods. However, I kinda wish I never sold my X4 Rattle Viper Technical Game. That one is magical.

[masterbass]

For 3/8-3/4 jigs, I'd go for the perfect pitch.  It's also a very fine frog rod.  But if you're throwing 3/8 jigs and bladed jigs, then I'd take close look at the diablo spec r and it would give your line up some versatility.  I'd call Gary for sure though.  He will steer you in the right direction.

[kschultz76]

For 3/8-3/4 jigs, I'd go for the perfect pitch.  It's also a very fine frog rod.  But if you're throwing 3/8 jigs and bladed jigs, then I'd take close look at the diablo spec r and it would give your line up some versatility.  I'd call Gary for sure though.  He will steer you in the right direction.

That's why I got the Spec R for 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 jigs plus trailers, similar trigs, and chatterbaits, swim jigs, rage toads... I felt like the TV was just a little too heavy to be comfortable under that 3/8 threshold.