Megabass Orochi

[Joe_w1234]

Hey everyone. I'm looking at getting a new jig rod in the future, a decently all purpose rod for Jigs, Spinnerbaits, Keitechs, Texas Rigs, that kind of stuff. I've got a Megabass sponsorship and like their rods, (I have a Levante Diablo and an Orochi jerkbait special that I love) but I see the Orochi has at least 3 different models that stand out to me as jig rods. 

There's the Tour Versatile, the Perfect Pitch, the Braillist, and also the Extreme Mission Type F. Can someone help me differentiate between these? 

Thanks!

[Joe_w1234]

Edit: saw on TW reviews that these rods break easily?? Is that something to be concerned about?

[TNBankFishing]

I would not. The models which had issues were the Destroyer Warhammer and the old model Levantes. And even then you’re hearing a vocal minority. I own at least 7 models across US and JDM lines and have broken one stick using a pro style hook set on a log. 
 

In the Orochi line there are three rods you can use for jigs, but they are all a little different in applications. What types of jigs and what cover do you fish? 

[Joe_w1234]

14 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

I would not. The models which had issues were the Destroyer Warhammer and the old model Levantes. And even then you’re hearing a vocal minority. I own at least 7 models across US and JDM lines and have broken one stick using a pro style hook set on a log. 
 

In the Orochi line there are three rods you can use for jigs, but they are all a little different in applications. What types of jigs and what cover do you fish? 

Sounds good. I got a little worried for a second. 

 

We're just dealing with normal jigs, probably around 1/2 ounce, flipping wood, riprap, vegetation, all that stuff. Plus 1/2 ounce spinnerbaits, a variety of texas rigs, and probably some other stuff like that. I realize I'm not giving you much to match to a specific technique-style rod. Thanks!

[TNBankFishing]

The three jig rods are the Brailist, Tour Versatile, and Perfect Pitch. 
 

At a half oz I’d lean towards the Brailist. It excels at 3/8 and 1/2, and is a fantastic swim jig rod. It also does well in half oz and lower t-rigs. The only negative is it isn’t the lightest, being 7’5. 
 

The perfect pitch is also very good, and anything heavier cover or 5/8ths and above I’d favor it. Be aware the PP is NOT a punching rod. Neither of the sticks should be used with an oz tungsten and full size punch bait. 
 

The EMTF is a moving bait rod and lacks the sensitivity and power of the others. 
 

I own both the Brailist and PP in the Orochi line, and the EMTFs cousin the Javelin in the 17 Destroyer. 
 

[FryDog62]

My opinion here but it’s pretty well known the breakage issues with the Levante a couple years ago. But I do think the Orochi is a bit fragile too. I snapped about 5 inches off on the Braillist and then a Perfect Pitch during casts with lures approx half the weighted rate. Made me leery.
 

So when Megabass re-did the Levante last year, I opted for a Perfect Pitch in that line. Like it just as well as the Orochi and my confidence is higher given that it has been re-done and hopefully got the bugs worked out. 

 

[Pogues2300]

I own orochi perfect pitch and flatside special and caught pretty good sized muskie on both on multiple occasions. As far as the models you mentioned tactical bassin loves the brailist, have a friend who also really loves it for half ounce jigs. 

[TNBankFishing]

Rods will break. We’re talking about carbon sticks with a massive amount of abuse layered on them. It’s not just casting, catching, and boat flipping. It’s rapid weather changes, being stored in rod lockers, and getting smacked around inside trucks. 
 

I feel like I’ve heard the same types of horror stories on Dobyns, Loomis (except NRX), and St. Croix. 
 

In the end if the company will take care of you for an entire calendar year no questions asked I’m on board. Comparing MB to others I’m happy to not pay fees in the first year. If a rod snaps 2 years into ownership it’s impossible to say what the cause is. I’ve snapped an Expride and Shimano gave me the run around. I’ve broken a Lews cheapie and they were awesome. 
 

I fish from a kayak and I fish tournaments 2+ times a month from April through October. I’m my mind my gear will break at some point, and I’m ok with it. Means I get to buy more   Some folks really think a stick with metal guides should handle all kinds of abuse for a decade. My advice for those folks is never spend more than your comfortable losing.  
 

 

[Dens228]

I own and use all three you mention. 

I use the Tour Versatile is my t-rig plastics but I wouldn't hesitate to use it for jigs up to 1/2 oz.

I use the Braillist for most of my jigs, 3/8 and up, I use 3/8 jigs 99% of the time anyway.

I use the PP for spinnerbaits but could also use the Braillist comfortably. 

As a 4th I use a Spec R for swim jigs, chatterbaits.  But I could use the Braillist for those too. 

I've yet to break an Orochi.........

[TNBankFishing]

37 minutes ago, Dens228 said:

I own and use all three you mention. 

I use the Tour Versatile is my t-rig plastics but I wouldn't hesitate to use it for jigs up to 1/2 oz.

I use the Braillist for most of my jigs, 3/8 and up, I use 3/8 jigs 99% of the time anyway.

I use the PP for spinnerbaits but could also use the Braillist comfortably. 

As a 4th I use a Spec R for swim jigs, chatterbaits.  But I could use the Braillist for those too. 

I've yet to break an Orochi.........

Knock on wood! One thing I forgot to mention is the Brailist does well with football jigs as well. The length lets you still set the hook hard on deeper rock points. 
 

Really the Brailist is an amazing MH stick with great sensitivity and a decently fast tip. 

[Boomstick]

I know that Matt Allen loves the Brailist for 3/8oz and 1/2oz jigs. If I was looking for a rod to throw jigs on, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. The EMTF might as well be named the moving bait special, but you're not going to be using that for 3/8oz+ jigs. If I was going to look for one rod to do all of these techniques almost equally well, I think I would go with the Tour Versatile though.

[Joe_w1234]

Thanks everyone! Looks like the Brailist is the way to go. Hopefully I'll be able to snag one around Christmastime. 

[NathanDLTH]

Here’s the skinny and I think you’ve made a good choice with the Braillist. I’ve own several Megabass rods from Levante all the way up to P5 Destroyer. Of all the rods I’ve used, I’ve only broken two, both were my fault and I should of handled the situations better. First was the headlock on the reel seat, overtorqued it and broke it on my Orochi XXX Destruction and then on my Orochi XX Tour Versatile I snapped the tip off after getting my frog stuck in a tree. I’m not overall hard on my rods, but I am a bank buster so they are treated like safe queens. The ride around in the back of my 4Runner and still haven’t had a rod snap like a few people have experienced. Rods break, the down side Megabass have a three year warranty. First one is covered by them, next you pay 60% of cost, third I believe is retail. This is one of the downsides when buying Megabass rods used or even new. 
Current Megabass rods:

Levante Perfect Pitch

Levante EMTF

Orochi XX Enforcer

Orochi XX Whipsnake

Triza Grilz

Triza Dragoon

P5 Destroyer TB

 

Ive had: 

Orochi XX

Braillist

Tour Versatile

Jerkbait Special

Flat Side Special

 

P5 Destroyer

Super Destroyer

Wind Buster

 

Bottom line-if you’re gonna abuse your gear get the Levante line, if you take care of it get the Orochi. Breaks happen. Our equipment is man made, which means we can break it just as easily. Above all: it’s fishing, have fun. You don’t need a line up like mine to enjoy it. 

[Joe_w1234]

21 minutes ago, NathanDLTH said:

Here’s the skinny and I think you’ve made a good choice with the Braillist. I’ve own several Megabass rods from Levante all the way up to P5 Destroyer. Of all the rods I’ve used, I’ve only broken two, both were my fault and I should of handled the situations better. First was the headlock on the reel seat, overtorqued it and broke it on my Orochi XXX Destruction and then on my Orochi XX Tour Versatile I snapped the tip off after getting my frog stuck in a tree. I’m not overall hard on my rods, but I am a bank buster so they are treated like safe queens. The ride around in the back of my 4Runner and still haven’t had a rod snap like a few people have experienced. Rods break, the down side Megabass have a three year warranty. First one is covered by them, next you pay 60% of cost, third I believe is retail. This is one of the downsides when buying Megabass rods used or even new. 
Current Megabass rods:

Levante Perfect Pitch

Levante EMTF

Orochi XX Enforcer

Orochi XX Whipsnake

Triza Grilz

Triza Dragoon

P5 Destroyer TB

 

Ive had: 

Orochi XX

Braillist

Tour Versatile

Jerkbait Special

Flat Side Special

 

P5 Destroyer

Super Destroyer

Wind Buster

 

Bottom line-if you’re gonna abuse your gear get the Levante line, if you take care of it get the Orochi. Breaks happen. Our equipment is man made, which means we can break it just as easily. Above all: it’s fishing, have fun. You don’t need a line up like mine to enjoy it. 

Thanks, that helps a lot. Planning on taking great care of it just like my jerkbait special ??

[Bandersnatch]

Emtf!! Don't believe those that say it's a moving bait rod, they clearly haven't used it. I've got $700 rods and the emtf is irreplaceable. I was throwing a half oz jig on, 20ft grass lines during the summer. Fantastic chatterbait rod, Texas rig rod, spinnerbaits, think mbr. It's amazing. No, it's not a nrx jwr rod but it doesn't try to be. It's one of the most versatile rods I've ever used. 

[Scott804]

I would go Perfect Pitch for your described uses. Can't go wrong with the Brailist either though. Both fantastic rods.