Shimano Zodias vs Megabass Levante?

[Dumbbassanglr]

Ok I just got 2 zodias 72 and 610 mh’s. They both feel lighter or at least much better balanced than my megabass tour versatile. I will try to report back about sensitivity later. The mb has plenty of sensitivity so it will be a good battle.

[Dumbbassanglr]

Ok I weighed the rods: 7’ mb tour versatile was 5.2 and the Zodias 7’2” mh was 4.4! Which is the same as the equivalent Expride! Megabass is a beautiful rod and after fishing them both the Megabass is also more sensitive but that may be because of its ultra stiffness which makes it harder to pitch and cast with. I’m going to sell the mb and keep the Zodias because it’s sensitive enough and more efficient to use for me. I hope this helps!

[CrankFate]

Sounds about right, since there is not much difference when you go up one level at this price point. Are the blanks for the Zodias and Expride even different?

[clemsondds]

On 4/8/2021 at 12:37 PM, Dumbbassanglr said:

Ok I just got 2 zodias 72 and 610 mh’s. They both feel lighter or at least much better balanced than my megabass tour versatile. I will try to report back about sensitivity later. The mb has plenty of sensitivity so it will be a good battle.

Hey how are you liking the rods?  Really thinking about pulling the trigger on the 6'10MH for a spinnerbait rod.  What do you think? 

[Dumbbassanglr]

8 hours ago, clemsondds said:

Hey how are you liking the rods?  Really thinking about pulling the trigger on the 6'10MH for a spinnerbait rod.  What do you think? 

I bought the 610 for flukes and the 72 for trigs. For those two techniques rod weight is super important to me so I like them a lot so far because they are super light and decently sensitive. I think the 610 would be a good spinnerbait rod. I think the levante is more sensitive but it’s a lot heavier.

[MontclairDave]

On 3/30/2021 at 8:25 AM, 00bullitt said:

One other thing to consider is the handle length. I like that the net gain in rod length is realized in the Levante when going longer whereas the Zodias will give you a 2.5" longer handle and 1.5" more in the tip going from the 6'10" to the 7'2". The blanks also get sizable larger in diameter near the handle on the Zodias and they are heavier feeling in the hand.

I LOVE the 6'10" Zodias rod. I have one for spinnerbaits and the other is my finesse jig/texas rig rod. Its light in the hand and the blank is thin and very sensitive. I like thin blanks! 

Have been eyeing the Zodias 6’ 10” Medium casting model for jerkbaits, small cranks and topwaters. But I am a kayaker and have heard the handle is a bit long. From your post, seems like that may be more of an issue for the 7’-plus Zodias? Just wondering how you think the 6’ 10” would handle out of a yak. 

[00bullitt]

The 6'10" handle is about the longest I would want in a kayak. The rod itself is extremely versatile. The longer Zodias are a no go for sure.

 Checkout the Megabass Levante 6'10" Jerkbait and 6'11" Flatside Special. They both have shorter than normal handles. Both a touch shorter than the Zodias 6'10".

[lunkerboss923]

I'm a little late to party, but I'm very interested in a Levante, I have one more spot to fill. I currently have a Tatula SV 7.3:1 or Chronarch MGL XG I'm trying to find a home for either of these reels. Any suggestions? 

[Spiritbro77]

I love my MB Tour Versatile. That's my go to jig rod. Sensitive and a good caster... To each their own. Right now I am contemplating either the Zodias 7'5" Heavy or the Levante Aklys ***-710LV as a pitching/punching rod I would also use for moderately sized swimbaits etc. I have a couple Levante's I really like but I also have a 7'5 MH Zodias I really dig too. Difficult decision. 

[jejenkyns]

On 3/30/2021 at 9:25 AM, 00bullitt said:

I have a few of each (all are current models):

Zodias 7'2" Heavy

Zodias 7'2" Medium

Zodias 6'10" Medium Heavy

Zodias 6'10" Medium

Zodias 7' Med/Light Spinning

Zodias 7' Medium Spinning

Levante Whipsnake 6'11" Spinning

Levante Tour Versatile 7'

Levante Flatside Special 7'

Levante Diablo Spec-R 7'2"

 

Both rods are awesome! Aside from cosmetics, they are nearly identical in their level of sensitivity. They weigh about the same all things being equal. Components are all Fuji and aesthetics on both are stunning. Both hit way harder in performance than their $200 price tag.

 

I would heavily advise being able to feel the rods before you buy them and understand the true power and action. MegaBass identifies their rods by "F" number which gives a decent indication of power, but they are still very under rated. Meaning a broomstick has more flex than some of their rods. Shimano is very similar and their rating system is worse and more ambiguous.

 

Anything over an F5 in the Levante starts to feel like a pool cue in my opinion and in the Zodias they are about 1.5 power more than stated.

The Levante Flatside Special which they list as an F4.5 Medium "Regular" Action is my chatterbait rod. It has a good tip and nice firm action with bend in the right part of the blank. I would NEVER throw a flatside crank on it.

The Whipsnake spinning rod is a great action for a general purpose spinning rod. They list it as an F3 Light "Extra Fast". Its more of a Medium/Light. It is in between my Zodias Medium/Light & Medium. I ended up with the Medium Zodias because I took the power & action at face value and ordered it online. Was not at all what I wanted, but has turned out to be a fantastic spinning rod for jerkbaits and flukes. Yes, I have started using spinning rods for those techniques on ultra clear lakes to get the extra 20-25' of casting distance without any negative affect casting into the wind. The Levante Shakyhead rod is listed as a an F3.5 Med/Light "Fast" and is heavier than my Zodias Medium.

 

One other thing to consider is the handle length. I like that the net gain in rod length is realized in the Levante when going longer whereas the Zodias will give you a 2.5" longer handle and 1.5" more in the tip going from the 6'10" to the 7'2". The blanks also get sizable larger in diameter near the handle on the Zodias and they are heavier feeling in the hand.

I LOVE the 6'10" Zodias rod. I have one for spinnerbaits and the other is my finesse jig/texas rig rod. Its light in the hand and the blank is thin and very sensitive. I like thin blanks! 

 

The Levantes have about a 14-14.5" handle on most all of their rods whereas the Zodias have a 14" on their 6'10's and a 16" on their 7'2's.

I prefer the shorter 14-14.5" handle lengths for most of my rods.

 

A few of the rods I listed I don't use much as the actions just were not what I wanted being ordered online and I typically don't go through the hassle to return them as I will eventually find a use for them. The 7' Tour Versatile was the first Levante I bought. I got it and it was wayyyyy too stiff. I was so disappointed! The Flatside Special was the Power/Action I wanted by feel and why I now have that one (The Tour Versatile is rated an F6 and the Flatside Special is an F4.5) . Same with my Zodias 7'2" Heavy. Feels like a broomstick but turned out to be a good frog rod although it does not have the best tip to cast with. Ended up with the 7'2" Medium as it is the Power/Action that I was truly looking for for.

 

I have a well stocked store rather local to me (Hammond's Fishing) that now has them all in stock and I started buying them there rather than buying online.

 

In short, I like them both....ALOT! Price is great and the performance level is above what you pay for them. I do not recommend buying based on the stated Power/Action. Identify the technique and what you want and go find one to feel first. 

 

I also have Shimano Poison Adrena's and Loomis GLX & NRX for comparison of maximum sensitivity and overall weight. I use my Zodias and Levante the most.

 

 

I've read over this post a number of times. I'm looking for a spinning rod to cover finesse applications, primarily dropshot, ned, neko, but possibly wacky worms, light lipless/balsa cranks and even jerks etc. Basically trying to decide between whipsnake, shakeyhead and ML zodias... sounds like the Shakeyhead is out. Judging by rating the whipsnake is the lighter, and therefor prefered rod, but you say the ML zodias is actually the lighter rod? Just bought a MH Zodias casting rod 2nd hand and it is far heavier/stiffer than I imagined, feels like a H to me..... figured I can sell it for what I paid for it if I don't like it but this made me a bit hesitant to order the ML zodias (plus the specs would indicate it to be the stiffer/heavier rod. Thoughts?

1 minute ago, jejenkyns said:

I've read over this post a number of times. I'm looking for a spinning rod to cover finesse applications, primarily dropshot, ned, neko, but possibly wacky worms, light lipless/balsa cranks and even jerks etc. Basically trying to decide between whipsnake, shakeyhead and ML zodias... sounds like the Shakeyhead is out. Judging by rating the whipsnake is the lighter, and therefor prefered rod, but you say the ML zodias is actually the lighter rod? Just bought a MH Zodias casting rod 2nd hand and it is far heavier/stiffer than I imagined, feels like a H to me..... figured I can sell it for what I paid for it if I don't like it but this made me a bit hesitant to order the ML zodias (plus the specs would indicate it to be the stiffer/heavier rod. Thoughts?

Also, I hold my spinning rod between pinky and ring so the zodias grip seems more suited to me... but I could adjust. I just fear the zodias being too stiff and overpowered for my intented applications.

[padon]

5 hours ago, jejenkyns said:

I've read over this post a number of times. I'm looking for a spinning rod to cover finesse applications, primarily dropshot, ned, neko, but possibly wacky worms, light lipless/balsa cranks and even jerks etc. Basically trying to decide between whipsnake, shakeyhead and ML zodias... sounds like the Shakeyhead is out. Judging by rating the whipsnake is the lighter, and therefor prefered rod, but you say the ML zodias is actually the lighter rod? Just bought a MH Zodias casting rod 2nd hand and it is far heavier/stiffer than I imagined, feels like a H to me..... figured I can sell it for what I paid for it if I don't like it but this made me a bit hesitant to order the ML zodias (plus the specs would indicate it to be the stiffer/heavier rod. Thoughts?

Also, I hold my spinning rod between pinky and ring so the zodias grip seems more suited to me... but I could adjust. I just fear the zodias being too stiff and overpowered for my intented applications.

I have zodias casting rods which i really like .dont have any spinning model. However i can tell you for the techniques you listed the whipsnake is fantastic. great drop shot ned and light neko rod. i even use mine for texas rigged drop shot with thin worms and light wire hooks. weights up to 1/4 ounce.

[00bullitt]

Quick update on two of my Levante rods; Whipsnake (spinning) and Jerkbait Special (casting). Both broke recently. They fell within the first year free replacement for breaking (basically anything goes). Both rods broke in the same location and in the same manor. 2" of tip section snapped off landing fish; not boat flipping......holding pressure on them while holding rod in right hand and bending down to lip them at edge of boat. Nothing out of the ordinary and the same way I do it with any of the other 30 rods I have.

 

I love the Levante series of rods. Ultra sensitive and comfortable and a great price point and they look stunning. 

 

The replacement process was not too bad. I filled out the online form and uploaded a copies of my receipts. Response was delayed because apparently MegaBass was having some technical issues with their form server. They emailed and asked me to resubmit. I did and then it was approved to send back (on my dime might I add). This process took a little over a week. They did mention that I could cut the rod in half to reduce shipping charges (all pieces must be returned). I did and here is a little hack to help you out; UPS and FedEx charge dimensional weight for lengths over 48". Charges by UPS for 49" in length was $36.11. Charges for 48" was $13.66. 

 

Once the rod was received by MegaBass, it took about 3 weeks before I received tracking info. They shipped it via FedEx of which the package was lost over the Holidays as they shipped it 15Dec and I still do not have them. Waiting on further resolution from the shipper (Megabass).

 

The Levante rods are phenomenal in my opinion, but given the headache I have gone through, I don't know that I will buy any more. I've been fishing for 40 years and I can count on one hand the number of rods I have broken. I remember each and every one of them. Two of them are these MegaBass rods. The others were a Favorite Sick Stick (my fault I might add as I closed it in my rod locker) a Castaway and an All Star Titanium (both on hook sets). Those were all replaced over the counter where they were purchased.

 

Anyway....just wanted to update here on my experience. Looking very forward to getting them both back as they were very welcome sticks in the arsenal.

[Dumbbassanglr]

My levante whipsnake is more sensitive than my expride ml was. If the Zodias is anything like the expride then it will be pretty soft compared to the whipsnake which is a much faster action which helps for casting and I think sensitivity as well.

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

My local shop is having a sale and I can get a Levante for $249 all in or a zodias for $279/$289 all in. This particular rod will be my jig and t rigged rod. At first I was going to get the braillist, but then maybe the pitch perfect was more the speed I'm aiming for and now I'm thinking about a zodias. I do own one other Levante but my nicest Shimano rod is an Intenza. And I must say I much prefer the Levante between those two but I feel like maybe I should try a zodias now? $40 won't break the bank but it would maybe be nice to use that on the reel. Anyone wanna help me make a decision?

[padon]

for that price you could get an expride from tackle warehouse. that rod is superior to both. oh nevermind your in canada.

[TNBankFishing]

5 hours ago, IneedAnewScreenName-98161861 said:

My local shop is having a sale and I can get a Levante for $249 all in or a zodias for $279/$289 all in. This particular rod will be my jig and t rigged rod. At first I was going to get the braillist, but then maybe the pitch perfect was more the speed I'm aiming for and now I'm thinking about a zodias. I do own one other Levante but my nicest Shimano rod is an Intenza. And I must say I much prefer the Levante between those two but I feel like maybe I should try a zodias now? $40 won't break the bank but it would maybe be nice to use that on the reel. Anyone wanna help me make a decision?

What size weights will you be throwing and what type of cover? 

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

2 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

What size weights will you be throwing and what type of cover? 

Maybe upto 1oz, pretty thick nothing crazy.

[TNBankFishing]

2 minutes ago, IneedAnewScreenName-98161861 said:

Maybe upto 1oz, pretty thick nothing crazy.

Perfect pitch. 
 

I have a Brailist and PP in the Orochi line and the PP is much stouter. If you were a 3/8ths to 3/4 I would say Brailist. The Tour Is also a solid choice but it isn’t as special to me. 

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

12 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

Perfect pitch. 
 

I have a Brailist and PP in the Orochi line and the PP is much stouter. If you were a 3/8ths to 3/4 I would say Brailist. The Tour Is also a solid choice but it isn’t as special to me. 

In all honesty I think I would most likely be throwing 3/8 to 1/2 on the regular. Only bump that up occasionally. I was questioning the braillist because of it's length. I do prefer a shorter rod for flips and pitches. My main lakes I fish I rarely cast and drag a football or a wobble head which is what my research has said the braillist is best for. That being said the guys at Tactical Bass'n swear the braillist is THE best jig rod period (not in the Levante line of course) . I feel like I want the braillist but for my needs the pitch perfect is more what I'm looking for?

[TNBankFishing]

45 minutes ago, IneedAnewScreenName-98161861 said:

In all honesty I think I would most likely be throwing 3/8 to 1/2 on the regular. Only bump that up occasionally. I was questioning the braillist because of it's length. I do prefer a shorter rod for flips and pitches. My main lakes I fish I rarely cast and drag a football or a wobble head which is what my research has said the braillist is best for. That being said the guys at Tactical Bass'n swear the braillist is THE best jig rod period (not in the Levante line of course) . I feel like I want the braillist but for my needs the pitch perfect is more what I'm looking for?

Being comfortable fishing will help you fish faster and more confidently. If the Brailist is too cumbersome that’s ok. 
 

Comparing the Brailist to the PP is a little tough as they have a very different feel on the water. 
 

The Brailist is absolutely a great pitching rod, and mine balances well with a reel between 7 and 8 oz. It also doubles as a good football and swim jig stick. It doesn’t shine in heavy structure as it’s a MH stick through and through. Really shines between 3/8 and 3/4 oz. It is not a heavy cover monster. 
 

The PP is a versatile heavy powered stick.You can toss 3/4 oz tungsten with a beaver into cover and you’ll pull the fish out. Good sensitivity and balance. It also does a great job with big paddle tails and frogs. 
 

I own a FMJ, Legend X MH, and have owned the Tour Versatile. The TV is the only XX I’ve ever sold. 
 

 

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

3 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

Being comfortable fishing will help you fish faster and more confidently. If the Brailist is too cumbersome that’s ok. 
 

Comparing the Brailist to the PP is a little tough as they have a very different feel on the water. 
 

The Brailist is absolutely a great pitching rod, and mine balances well with a reel between 7 and 8 oz. It also doubles as a good football and swim jig stick. It doesn’t shine in heavy structure as it’s a MH stick through and through. Really shines between 3/8 and 3/4 oz. It is not a heavy cover monster. 
 

The PP is a versatile heavy powered stick.You can toss 3/4 oz tungsten with a beaver into cover and you’ll pull the fish out. Good sensitivity and balance. It also does a great job with big paddle tails and frogs. 
 

I own a FMJ, Legend X MH, and have owned the Tour Versatile. The TV is the only XX I’ve ever sold. 
 

 

Thanks so much for your words, I cant decide what will fit my needs more. But you definitely helped. 

 

I got a Shimano Intenza last year or the year prior, it's a 7'2 H, I could be off on the length. I've only had a frog tied on there and it's been nice, I get fatigued if I use it for more then an hour or so. Feels heavy. If I really want to focus on frog'n, t rigs, and jigs what do you think I should do? Like use the Intenza for frogs and t rig and get a braillist as my dedicated jig rod? I do like the idea of the pp for t rigs and frogs tho.

[TNBankFishing]

If you have a heavy I’d 100% go Brailist. I’d suggest filling out the major spots in your lineup before upgrading a specific technique. My first big spend was a jig rod, then medium powered caster, medium spin, and finally heavy casting. Once I had everything covered with versatile sticks I moved to technique specific gear. 

 

The jump between the Intenza and Levante will be significant in hand. The Intenzas are solid if not flashy, and it will serve you well. The Brailist will hold down the jig spot until you’re ready to jump into enthusiast level gear. The difference between a Levante Brailist and Destroyer FMJ is a lot closer than most folks will admit. 
 

EDIT: Do not spend big money on a frog rod. You will see the strikes, you don’t need anything fancy. 

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

1 hour ago, TNBankFishing said:

If you have a heavy I’d 100% go Brailist. I’d suggest filling out the major spots in your lineup before upgrading a specific technique. My first big spend was a jig rod, then medium powered caster, medium spin, and finally heavy casting. Once I had everything covered with versatile sticks I moved to technique specific gear. 

 

The jump between the Intenza and Levante will be significant in hand. The Intenzas are solid if not flashy, and it will serve you well. The Brailist will hold down the jig spot until you’re ready to jump into enthusiast level gear. The difference between a Levante Brailist and Destroyer FMJ is a lot closer than most folks will admit. 
 

EDIT: Do not spend big money on a frog rod. You will see the strikes, you don’t need anything fancy. 

Ok so now that we have that narrowed do you think braillist over the similar zodias model?

 

Btw this is great great help! Thank you!

[jejenkyns]

On 5/9/2021 at 8:53 AM, 00bullitt said:

The 6'10" handle is about the longest I would want in a kayak. The rod itself is extremely versatile. The longer Zodias are a no go for sure.

 Checkout the Megabass Levante 6'10" Jerkbait and 6'11" Flatside Special. They both have shorter than normal handles. Both a touch shorter than the Zodias 6'10".

These are the three rods I'm looking at for my next purchase. Basically for jerkbaits and topwaters, possibly even small chatterbaits.. Thoughts on the actions of these?

On 1/2/2022 at 1:35 PM, Dumbbassanglr said:

My levante whipsnake is more sensitive than my expride ml was. If the Zodias is anything like the expride then it will be pretty soft compared to the whipsnake which is a much faster action which helps for casting and I think sensitivity as well.

Just bought the whipsnake. I wish I could have had them both in hand before choosing but sometimes you just have to weigh your gut against the impressions of kind strangers. ?

On 1/2/2022 at 12:29 AM, padon said:

I have zodias casting rods which i really like .dont have any spinning model. However i can tell you for the techniques you listed the whipsnake is fantastic. great drop shot ned and light neko rod. i even use mine for texas rigged drop shot with thin worms and light wire hooks. weights up to 1/4 ounce.

Thank you for your thoughts. I went with the whipsnake!

[TNBankFishing]

50 minutes ago, IneedAnewScreenName-98161861 said:

Ok so now that we have that narrowed do you think braillist over the similar zodias model?

 

Btw this is great great help! Thank you!

I own two 2015 model Zodias’ and they are great sticks for the money. 
 

If Shimano had improved the guide train or materials at all in the Zodias reboot I might lean towards them. They didn’t. If you can pick up a 2015 for 30-40% off I’d go that route. 
 

Dollar for dollar at any price I prefer Megabass. This doesn’t mean there aren’t fantastic rods made by tons of companies, and I own a multitude of brands. Something about how MB builds, and provides their unique take on fishing gear resonates with me. 
 

Buy the Brailist, but don’t blame me if it starts a tackle addiction you can’t shake.