Megabass Destroyer USA rods

[bigfruits]

Has anyone fished any of these yet? What do you think? Particularly interested in the Daemos and FMJ.

[WRB]

I remember picking up a Megabass Destroyer rod off a tackle display back around 1998 to 2000 and was shocked at the price. Until that moment Loomis GLX was the most expensive over the counter rod I knew of. Asked the tackle shop owner about the Megabass rods and he said Aaron Martens is using them and he was sponsored by this shop back then. 

My point is this rod isn't that new and you should be able to get several replies from anglers who own them.

Tom

[Yudo1]

I assume you're talking about the newly released 2017 version. I think you'll get more feedback from the guys over on tackle tour. From all accounts they are awesome.  The valdiva and javelin look interesting.

[bigfruits]

yeah, sorry, I was referring to the new version. thanks.

[fishballer06]

Gary at the Tackle Trap talks very highly of them.

[evilcatfish]

There is a big thread devoted to these over on Tackle Tour.  Beautiful rods and it sounds like nothing but positive feedback from folks so far. I was seriously considering a Destroyer but think I'm leaning towards one of the new Orochi XXX rods now

[LuckyHandsINC.]

Unfortunately I don't have either of the models you listed, but I do have the Valdivia. 

Its a great rod. Very sensitive well balanced and of course looks great. There has been lots of positive feedback on these rods, including the models you asked about.

 

I think a good way to sum up my thoughts on this rod is, I sold an NRX to fund this rod and I'm completely happy with my decision. No regrets at all.

[Yudo1]

7 minutes ago, LuckyHandsINC. said:

Unfortunately I don't have either of the models you listed, but I do have the Valdivia. 

Its a great rod. Very sensitive well balanced and of course looks great. There has been lots of positive feedback on these rods, including the models you asked about.

 

I think a good way to sum up my thoughts on this rod is, I sold an NRX to fund this rod and I'm completely happy with my decision. No regrets at all.

I know they look better than the NRX, but how does it compare in the sensitivity department?  They look like they are balanced better too.  Which NRX is this rod most similar to, 894, 895?

[bigfruits]

5 hours ago, evilcatfish said:

 I was seriously considering a Destroyer but think I'm leaning towards one of the new Orochi XXX rods now

 

which are you looking at? I like my 2 XX a bit more than the two XXX i bought, sold one and kept the rattle viper for jerkbaits and topwater over 1/4oz

[Yudo1]

8 minutes ago, bigfruits said:

 

which are you looking at? I like my 2 XX a bit more than the two XXX i bought, sold one and kept the rattle viper for jerkbaits and topwater over 1/4oz

The XX are hard to beat.  The perfect pitch and jerk bait special are heavily used in my arsenal.  The perfect pitch makes an amazing frog stick.  I'm not sure if I like the half cork/half foam handle on the xxx.

[bigfruits]

i have heard the same of the PP. i almost ordered one from the tackle trap but couldnt justify a dedicated frog rod. heard it has a great tip for working frogs and the backbone to pull them out. no slouch in the sensitivity department either for jig/worm.

 

i own the XX Flat Side and Diablo and i cannot see myself selling them. squarebill/lipless/med diving cranks on the FSS and heavier single hook moving baits on the DSR. 

[LuckyHandsINC.]

10 hours ago, Yudo1 said:

I know they look better than the NRX, but how does it compare in the sensitivity department?  They look like they are balanced better too.  Which NRX is this rod most similar to, 894, 895?

 

It seems almost blasphemous to say anything is a good as the NRX in terms of sensitivity. I will say though, it's certainly close and won't leave you wanting more. When it comes to balance and overall comfort the Destroyer wins by a landslide. The 894 always felt a little clumsy to me and is the rod I replaced with the Destroyer. I've never fished the 895 but the Valdivia has more power than the 894.

[evilcatfish]

13 hours ago, bigfruits said:

 

which are you looking at? I like my 2 XX a bit more than the two XXX i bought, sold one and kept the rattle viper for jerkbaits and topwater over 1/4oz

I was looking to get a Destroyer FMJ but got turned on to the XXX Chimaera, due to price as well as the fact the Chimaera is a few inches shorter. I might end up still getting the FMJ though, just wish I had more feedback from folks on the XXX series 

[bigfruits]

although I have not fished the Chimaera, I think the FMJ will be more sensitive and crisp.

 

there will be more Destroyer USA models released in the future, I hope a rod like the Chimaera is one of them, id buy it for sure.

 

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/video.html?pcode=MBDUSA#HeB42razu8U

[Cgrinder]

Very good chance I'll have the FMJ after Memorial Day. It's going to either complement or replace an NRX 853.

[evilcatfish]

23 hours ago, bigfruits said:

although I have not fished the Chimaera, I think the FMJ will be more sensitive and crisp.

 

there will be more Destroyer USA models released in the future, I hope a rod like the Chimaera is one of them, id buy it for sure.

 

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/video.html?pcode=MBDUSA#HeB42razu8U

This is one of my concerns, I'm afraid I'll get the Chimaera then they'll release a Destroyer in the same configuration. Naturally, I'll then want the destroyer too . Might just flip a coin between the FMJ and Chimaera and stick with the results lol 

[LuckyHandsINC.]

10 hours ago, evilcatfish said:

This is one of my concerns, I'm afraid I'll get the Chimaera then they'll release a Destroyer in the same configuration. Naturally, I'll then want the destroyer too . Might just flip a coin between the FMJ and Chimaera and stick with the results lol 

Have you given any consideration to the Bandersnatch from the JDM Destroyer series. It has very similar specs to the chimaera. When I found out my pre-order for the chimaera wouldn't be fulfilled with the first shipment I personally found the specs close enough to pay a little extra and went with the Bandersnatch. It's a very nice rod. I use it for spinnerbaits most but I could see it being used for jigs and t rigs as well.

[evilcatfish]

17 hours ago, LuckyHandsINC. said:

Have you given any consideration to the Bandersnatch from the JDM Destroyer series. It has very similar specs to the chimaera. When I found out my pre-order for the chimaera wouldn't be fulfilled with the first shipment I personally found the specs close enough to pay a little extra and went with the Bandersnatch. It's a very nice rod. I use it for spinnerbaits most but I could see it being used for jigs and t rigs as well.

I have looked at that one, as well as the others in the series. For my use, I'm not sure I'd like the mod-fast action on the Bandersnatch 

[bigfruits]

fished the Daemos and FMJ and they are both incredible. The Daemos is not like the XX Diablo, it is quite a bit faster.

 

Both have awesome sensitivity, very well balanced and light weight.. Only fished jigs on them but I plan on trying out some frogs and 1 oz swimbaits on the FMJ and single hook moving baits on the Daemos this wkend.

[kschultz76]

I have the FMJ and it's a gorgeous rod. I got it for jigs and trigs and I'm very happy with the range of weights it will cast. It's light and balanced and crisp/responsive. Feels very nimble in hand. Ive not had nearly enough time fishing with it yet. 

 

The Daemos and Addermine are on my wishlist. 

[evilcatfish]

Well, I'm expecting UPS to drop off an FMJ today, we'll see how it goes...

[bigfruits]

3 hours ago, evilcatfish said:

Well, I'm expecting UPS to drop off an FMJ today, we'll see how it goes...

 

i traded a NRX 873 for it and do not regret it at all.

[Yudo1]

15 hours ago, bigfruits said:

 

i traded a NRX 873 for it and do not regret it at all.

How does it compare power and sensitivity wise?

[bigfruits]

the FMJ is more powerful. i didnt get to drag jigs on rocks when i fished it on the Potomac but I will say the NRX is more sensitive in my hands. i had no problem detecting bites and both days i used the FMJ, they were sucking it up and staying put. it is a sensitive stick, no doubt. balance goes to the FMJ. and IMO the FMJ is way more comfortable to palm. hope to see a new NRX line with thinner foregrips soon.

[evilcatfish]

Got out briefly this afternoon after work with the FMJ and must say I'm impressed. Tossed a 3/8 jig and a t-rigged beaver and it handled both nicely using 16# sniper. As a guy who often fishes small waters out of a John boat or kayak, a versatile rod is a must for me, and I think this one fits the bill. Can see myself using it for spinners, bladed jigs, small swimmers and flukes in addition to its prescribed applications. I have a feeling this rod will be perfect for dragging worms this summer as well. 

 

*In full disclosure, I've nevered fished an NRX but d**n this FMJ is sensitive.