Favorite Megabass Destroyer P5 rods?

[Cody28]

Recently picked up the Megabass Destroyer P5 FMJ and Addermine rods in a large fall sale at my local shop. Never thought I would take the plunge, but very happy I did. Just curious, what are your guys’ favorite rods from this line? 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

Debating buying the JDM 110 Stick but can't get much feedback on it.   Trying to replace a 6'3 MH F Daiwa Steez from 20 years ago that was the perfect Jerkbait rod. 

 

 

[FishTank]

I have been liking the Kasumi Six Eleven. I use it mainly for small cranks and jerkbaits but it also works well for finesse spinnerbaits and softplastic. 

[Cody28]

10 hours ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Debating buying the JDM 110 Stick but can't get much feedback on it.   Trying to replace a 6'3 MH F Daiwa Steez from 20 years ago that was the perfect Jerkbait rod. 

 

 

Hook Up Tackle has a ton of Megabass jerkbait rod break downs. If you haven’t checked out their YouTube page I’d start there. 
 

Tactical Bassin (who normally stay true to the Expride 610 over all other jerkbait rods no matter the price) said the 110 stick has the perfect action like the expride, but in a more expensive rod.
 

I have also heard the 110 stick is best for lighter jerkbaits (1/4 to 3/8, but can handle 1/2) and the 110 special does much better with full size 1/2 oz and above, but not as good below 3/8.
 

I’m currently using the St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass jerkbait rod and really can’t see myself upgrading. It’s perfect to me. I mostly fish the 110 Jr. + 1 or the regular 110. 

[KP Duty]

14 hours ago, FishTank said:

I have been liking the Kasumi Six Eleven. I use it mainly for small cranks and jerkbaits but it also works well for finesse spinnerbaits and softplastic. 

I'll second this...I bought a second Kasumi a few months ago.

[Msl819]

10 hours ago, Cody28 said:

Hook Up Tackle has a ton of Megabass jerkbait rod break downs. If you haven’t checked out their YouTube page I’d start there. 
 

Tactical Bassin (who normally stay true to the Expride 610 over all other jerkbait rods no matter the price) said the 110 stick has the perfect action like the expride, but in a more expensive rod.
 

I have also heard the 110 stick is best for lighter jerkbaits (1/4 to 3/8, but can handle 1/2) and the 110 special does much better with full size 1/2 oz and above, but not as good below 3/8.
 

I’m currently using the St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass jerkbait rod and really can’t see myself upgrading. It’s perfect to me. I mostly fish the 110 Jr. + 1 or the regular 110. 

What’s the name of the LTB model? 

[Drew03cmc]

10 hours ago, Cody28 said:

Hook Up Tackle has a ton of Megabass jerkbait rod break downs. If you haven’t checked out their YouTube page I’d start there. 
 

Tactical Bassin (who normally stay true to the Expride 610 over all other jerkbait rods no matter the price) said the 110 stick has the perfect action like the expride, but in a more expensive rod.
 

I have also heard the 110 stick is best for lighter jerkbaits (1/4 to 3/8, but can handle 1/2) and the 110 special does much better with full size 1/2 oz and above, but not as good below 3/8.
 

I’m currently using the St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass jerkbait rod and really can’t see myself upgrading. It’s perfect to me. I mostly fish the 110 Jr. + 1 or the regular 110. 

For some reason, I think they might be on the take from Shimano, but with regards to Megabass jerkbait rods, I have the Orochi XX Jerkbait Special and it's nice on bigger baits, but also makes a great fluke rod. I also have an Orochi X4 Rattle Viper Technical Game and it's a spectacular jerkbait rod up to a 110. I also use the RVTG for weightless soft baits, topwaters, etc. It's currently running 10lb P-Line CX on it. 

[Scud_Muffin]

Favorite models:

-Oneten Stick

-Windbuster 

-Oneten Special 

 

In that order. Oneten Stick is incredible but as mentioned above it’s best for lighter up to about 110+1 and Berkeley Stunna, both of which I think it handles beautifully. Jackall Rerange, Pointer 100, and Ito Shiner are all doable but I prefer on the Special. But I can go all the way down to X-Nanahan on the right reel (something like the Alphas SV TW or similar). I also love love love it for very finesse crankbaits.
 

Windbuster I throw a big mix of lures, especially soft plastic bottom contact baits but also some hardbaits, like finesse topwater. If I’m willing to throw jerkbaits or crankbaits on braid, it does great. It would do great with moving baits on straight fluoro too. 
 

Oneten Special is better with those larger jerkbaits all the way up to the 3/4 oz jerkbaits. But I actually prefer the lighter jerkbaits for the most part so this rod ends up with braid as my topwater, fluke, and believe it or not I kind of like it for some lighter bottom contact so long as I have braid on. It’s really great. With fluoro it doubles as my favorite squarebill rod. 
 

Honorable Mentions:

-Madbull is super fun as an all purpose moving bait rod, can also do a bit of worming with braid

-Tequila Baccarac for heavier jigs, smaller to mid sized swimbaits, dock fishing, etc. Super versatile but I rarely go that heavy unless it’s a shallow lake with tons of gnarly cover. 
-Valkyrie 71MH (not p5 but I super love this rod and had to include it) for all things moving bait, especially crankbaits but also chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits 

-whippet is my favorite trout spinning rod I’ve ever had, mostly ultralight up to Oneten JR. 

 

For dedicated bottom contact in baitcasters, I tend to prefer STEEZ over P5–though they are fairly similar. 
 

For P5, my favorite models are often ones that are great for both hard baits and soft plastics. The 110 stick is so ridiculously perfect that it’s my absolute favorite even though it’s 100% just a hard bait rod.

[softwateronly]

I only have the Tequila Baccarac, super versatile and a lot of fun.  I think it does almost everything well, but it's my favorite for slow rolling 1oz spinnerbaits, spro chad shad, bacca burrito, and magnum flutter spoons. 

 

scott

[AlabamaSpothunter]

1 hour ago, Scud_Muffin said:

Favorite models:

-Oneten Stick

-Windbuster 

-Oneten Special 

 

In that order. Oneten Stick is incredible but as mentioned above it’s best for lighter up to about 110+1 and Berkeley Stunna, both of which I think it handles beautifully. Jackall Rerange, Pointer 100, and Ito Shiner are all doable but I prefer on the Special. But I can go all the way down to X-Nanahan on the right reel (something like the Alphas SV TW or similar). I also love love love it for very finesse crankbaits.
 

Windbuster I throw a big mix of lures, especially soft plastic bottom contact baits but also some hardbaits, like finesse topwater. If I’m willing to throw jerkbaits or crankbaits on braid, it does great. It would do great with moving baits on straight fluoro too. 
 

Oneten Special is better with those larger jerkbaits all the way up to the 3/4 oz jerkbaits. But I actually prefer the lighter jerkbaits for the most part so this rod ends up with braid as my topwater, fluke, and believe it or not I kind of like it for some lighter bottom contact so long as I have braid on. It’s really great. With fluoro it doubles as my favorite squarebill rod. 
 

Honorable Mentions:

-Madbull is super fun as an all purpose moving bait rod, can also do a bit of worming with braid

-Tequila Baccarac for heavier jigs, smaller to mid sized swimbaits, dock fishing, etc. Super versatile but I rarely go that heavy unless it’s a shallow lake with tons of gnarly cover. 
-Valkyrie 71MH (not p5 but I super love this rod and had to include it) for all things moving bait, especially crankbaits but also chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits 

-whippet is my favorite trout spinning rod I’ve ever had, mostly ultralight up to Oneten JR. 

 

For dedicated bottom contact in baitcasters, I tend to prefer STEEZ over P5–though they are fairly similar. 
 

For P5, my favorite models are often ones that are great for both hard baits and soft plastics. The 110 stick is so ridiculously perfect that it’s my absolute favorite even though it’s 100% just a hard bait rod.

I was already sold after some heavy research on this rod, but this was fantastic information.....thanks!     Review after review talk about how special the 110 stick is, and how it feels in the hands........I'm looking for that wow factor in the hands when you pay $500 for a rod.    Jerkbaiting has always been my favorite way to catch them so I'm about to "Treat Yo Self" ?

 

This rod isn't made in Japan even though it's the JDM Destroyer series, correct?  That's still mind boggling to me, but it is what it is.  

 

ETA:  my jerkbait reel is the OG Steez......and I was using the OG Steez 6'3 MH F with it.   The greatest finesse crank, jerk, topwater setup I could ever dream of.    I have a feeling this new 110 Stick will be like the Steez rod but with better parabolic action so hopefully even better.      

[Scud_Muffin]

6 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

I was already sold after some heavy research on this rod, but this was fantastic information.....thanks!     Review after review talk about how special the 110 stick is, and how it feels in the hands........I'm looking for that wow factor in the hands when you pay $500 for a rod.    Jerkbaiting has always been my favorite way to catch them so I'm about to "Treat Yo Self" ?

 

This rod isn't made in Japan even though it's the JDM Destroyer series, correct?  That's still mind boggling to me, but it is what it is.  

If memory serves I believe mine had a Made in Vietnam sticker. I tend to mentally prefer Japanese made too, but honestly I just don’t care if it’s made in Vietnam to JDM standards because I think they are better made with better components than the other rods in my collection. It’s hard to see anything wrong in the construction, which I can’t say for the more expensive Loomis rods which sometimes come with misaligned guides/threading despite the higher price point. 
 

Wherever they are produced, they know what the heck they are doing. If I had to pay another $100 for Japanese made instead I’d save the money. 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

Just now, Scud_Muffin said:

If memory serves I believe mine had a Made in Vietnam sticker. I tend to mentally prefer Japanese made too, but honestly I just don’t care if it’s made in Vietnam to JDM standards because I think they are better made with better components than the other rods in my collection. It’s hard to see anything wrong in the construction, which I can’t say for the more expensive Loomis rods which sometimes come with misaligned guides/threading despite the higher price point. 
 

Wherever they are produced, they know what the heck they are doing.

Thanks!   Yeah that's where my Levante was from, and the USA P5 series in my local store has made in Vietnam stickers.

 

You're right though, the most beautiful Bass rods I've seen are from Megabass, they are flawless on appearance.   

 

Rod market has really changed over the last 20 years, back in the day it was unthinkable to not have a premium rod made in the US or Japan.   

 

Nothing better than Japanese Bass tackle imho, you just feel a little extra special when you buy JDM ?

[Cody28]

11 hours ago, Msl819 said:

What’s the name of the LTB model? 

St. Croix LBTC 68MXF “Jerkbaits” 

10 hours ago, Scud_Muffin said:

Favorite models:

-Oneten Stick

-Windbuster 

-Oneten Special 

 

In that order. Oneten Stick is incredible but as mentioned above it’s best for lighter up to about 110+1 and Berkeley Stunna, both of which I think it handles beautifully. Jackall Rerange, Pointer 100, and Ito Shiner are all doable but I prefer on the Special. But I can go all the way down to X-Nanahan on the right reel (something like the Alphas SV TW or similar). I also love love love it for very finesse crankbaits.
 

Windbuster I throw a big mix of lures, especially soft plastic bottom contact baits but also some hardbaits, like finesse topwater. If I’m willing to throw jerkbaits or crankbaits on braid, it does great. It would do great with moving baits on straight fluoro too. 
 

Oneten Special is better with those larger jerkbaits all the way up to the 3/4 oz jerkbaits. But I actually prefer the lighter jerkbaits for the most part so this rod ends up with braid as my topwater, fluke, and believe it or not I kind of like it for some lighter bottom contact so long as I have braid on. It’s really great. With fluoro it doubles as my favorite squarebill rod. 
 

Honorable Mentions:

-Madbull is super fun as an all purpose moving bait rod, can also do a bit of worming with braid

-Tequila Baccarac for heavier jigs, smaller to mid sized swimbaits, dock fishing, etc. Super versatile but I rarely go that heavy unless it’s a shallow lake with tons of gnarly cover. 
-Valkyrie 71MH (not p5 but I super love this rod and had to include it) for all things moving bait, especially crankbaits but also chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits 

-whippet is my favorite trout spinning rod I’ve ever had, mostly ultralight up to Oneten JR. 

 

For dedicated bottom contact in baitcasters, I tend to prefer STEEZ over P5–though they are fairly similar. 
 

For P5, my favorite models are often ones that are great for both hard baits and soft plastics. The 110 stick is so ridiculously perfect that it’s my absolute favorite even though it’s 100% just a hard bait rod.

I’ve heard a lot of people say they go Steez or NRX+ for bottom contact specific then use P5 for moving. But online and from my local shop I’m hearing people state that the new FMJ has taken over that role for them. They no longer feel like they need to go outside of the line. Definitely was part of my reasoning for purchasing it, but I don’t have the others for personal comparison. 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

22 hours ago, Cody28 said:

Hook Up Tackle has a ton of Megabass jerkbait rod break downs. If you haven’t checked out their YouTube page I’d start there. 
 

Tactical Bassin (who normally stay true to the Expride 610 over all other jerkbait rods no matter the price) said the 110 stick has the perfect action like the expride, but in a more expensive rod.
 

I have also heard the 110 stick is best for lighter jerkbaits (1/4 to 3/8, but can handle 1/2) and the 110 special does much better with full size 1/2 oz and above, but not as good below 3/8.
 

I’m currently using the St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass jerkbait rod and really can’t see myself upgrading. It’s perfect to me. I mostly fish the 110 Jr. + 1 or the regular 110. 

You were right about those youtube videos, lots of very specific videos, watched a few hours worth earlier this evening and it cleared everything up for me.  Thanks again.  

[Cody28]

2 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

You were right about those youtube videos, lots of very specific videos, watched a few hours worth earlier this evening and it cleared everything up for me.  Thanks again.  

No problem! 

[Rodney Smith]

Anyone use the Mark 56?

[Scud_Muffin]

7 hours ago, Cody28 said:

St. Croix LBTC 68MXF “Jerkbaits” 

I’ve heard a lot of people say they go Steez or NRX+ for bottom contact specific then use P5 for moving. But online and from my local shop I’m hearing people state that the new FMJ has taken over that role for them. They no longer feel like they need to go outside of the line. Definitely was part of my reasoning for purchasing it, but I don’t have the others for personal comparison. 

For bottom contact P5s, I had the x-bites and it was good but I preferred the 7’3 Utility Player Steez as an ultra versatile MH for bottom contact but also single hook moving baits. 
 

i had the FMJ too and that one is stellar. But for what I wanted, the 72 H Steez Power Pitch had more tip on it and I feel is a more versatile stick. I prefer the FMJ to its NRX equivalents because in my hands the NRX rods are just too fast/stiff for my personal tastes. Those NRX have electric sensitivity but I prefer the fighting/casting/versatility of a fast rod that can bend deeper. The FMJ literally feels like a JDM version of the NRX 873 or 894 to me since it’s very fast and stout, yet has a deeper bend than those rods tend to when fighting a fish. But I’m on a kayak or walking so a softer tip helps with casting and versatility; for me the 72 H Steez PP is just a better fit. I really liked that FMJ and it was tough to decide to sell it for the PP. 
 

My needs are a bit different than everyone else’s though since I’m not on a bass boat and value the ability to bring less rods to do more stuff over most other factors. Hence why I like the P5/Steez so much as they are great for that. 

[jejenkyns]

21 hours ago, Scud_Muffin said:

Favorite models:

-Oneten Stick

-Windbuster 

-Oneten Special 

 

In that order. Oneten Stick is incredible but as mentioned above it’s best for lighter up to about 110+1 and Berkeley Stunna, both of which I think it handles beautifully. Jackall Rerange, Pointer 100, and Ito Shiner are all doable but I prefer on the Special. But I can go all the way down to X-Nanahan on the right reel (something like the Alphas SV TW or similar). I also love love love it for very finesse crankbaits.
 

Windbuster I throw a big mix of lures, especially soft plastic bottom contact baits but also some hardbaits, like finesse topwater. If I’m willing to throw jerkbaits or crankbaits on braid, it does great. It would do great with moving baits on straight fluoro too. 
 

Oneten Special is better with those larger jerkbaits all the way up to the 3/4 oz jerkbaits. But I actually prefer the lighter jerkbaits for the most part so this rod ends up with braid as my topwater, fluke, and believe it or not I kind of like it for some lighter bottom contact so long as I have braid on. It’s really great. With fluoro it doubles as my favorite squarebill rod. 
 

Honorable Mentions:

-Madbull is super fun as an all purpose moving bait rod, can also do a bit of worming with braid

-Tequila Baccarac for heavier jigs, smaller to mid sized swimbaits, dock fishing, etc. Super versatile but I rarely go that heavy unless it’s a shallow lake with tons of gnarly cover. 
-Valkyrie 71MH (not p5 but I super love this rod and had to include it) for all things moving bait, especially crankbaits but also chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits 

-whippet is my favorite trout spinning rod I’ve ever had, mostly ultralight up to Oneten JR. 

 

For dedicated bottom contact in baitcasters, I tend to prefer STEEZ over P5–though they are fairly similar. 
 

For P5, my favorite models are often ones that are great for both hard baits and soft plastics. The 110 stick is so ridiculously perfect that it’s my absolute favorite even though it’s 100% just a hard bait rod.

Hey there. 

 

You sound like you've handled alot of p5 and Steez rods! Ever had a chance to use the Super Destroyer and Targwt Sniper by chance? Going back and forth between these rods.

[jejenkyns]

On 9/30/2023 at 12:34 PM, KP Duty said:

I'll second this...I bought a second Kasumi a few months ago.

what are you using yours for? I've always been curious about this rod, along with the pop X stick. Cheers!

[Scud_Muffin]

1 hour ago, jejenkyns said:

Hey there. 

 

You sound like you've handled alot of p5 and Steez rods! Ever had a chance to use the Super Destroyer and Targwt Sniper by chance? Going back and forth between these rods.

I’ve only handled them in a store but they both definitely hit the “great variety of uses” category. I wish I could offer you better info, but the target sniper in particular really spoke to me and is on the list of rods to get. My impression was that the super destroyer felt a little beefier, like a lighter mini tequila baccarac while the target sniper reminded me of a shorter version of the 73 MH Utility Player. Wish I could be of more help but without having fished them I’d take my impressions with a grain of salt. 

[jejenkyns]

2 minutes ago, Scud_Muffin said:

I’ve only handled them in a store but they both definitely hit the “great variety of uses” category. I wish I could offer you better info, but the target sniper in particular really spoke to me and is on the list of rods to get. My impression was that the super destroyer felt a little beefier, like a lighter mini tequila baccarac while the target sniper reminded me of a shorter version of the 73 MH Utility Player. Wish I could be of more help but without having fished them I’d take my impressions with a grain of salt. 

That is quite helpful actually, thank you!

[AlabamaSpothunter]

I'd love to get the Pop-x rod, I love that category of rods right above BFS.

 

Got a screaming deal on the 110 Stick I just ordered, anybody in the market give Dance's Sporting Goods a call.  

[KP Duty]

26 minutes ago, jejenkyns said:

what are you using yours for? I've always been curious about this rod, along with the pop X stick. Cheers!

I use them for small moving baits.  I'm sure it would do well with topwater, but I use a little shorter rod for that.  Buying a 2.5 power megabass rod labeled as a 'slow' tapered rod was a gamble at the time.  The blank is actually crispy with a seemingly fast tip, but with a slower transition to full power.  

[AlabamaSpothunter]

16 minutes ago, KP Duty said:

I use them for small moving baits.  I'm sure it would do well with topwater, but I use a little shorter rod for that.  Buying a 2.5 power megabass rod labeled as a 'slow' tapered rod was a gamble at the time.  The blank is actually crispy with a seemingly fast tip, but with a slower transition to full power.  

Yeah Megabass doesn't make it easy on the US consumer......having a USDM and JDM P5 Destroyer lineup really confuses things if you read the action/power ratings on the rods.

 

The JDM uses "slow" where I would normally expect fast.   

 

Buying rods is still the hardest part of tackle selection for myself.   Every single rod's action is different, there are just no standards hardly in the rod universe.

 

That Pop-X sounds money, bet it feels so good in the hand.  Put a little Steez CT70 on it.....perfection I bet. 

[jejenkyns]

5 hours ago, Scud_Muffin said:

I’ve only handled them in a store but they both definitely hit the “great variety of uses” category. I wish I could offer you better info, but the target sniper in particular really spoke to me and is on the list of rods to get. My impression was that the super destroyer felt a little beefier, like a lighter mini tequila baccarac while the target sniper reminded me of a shorter version of the 73 MH Utility Player. Wish I could be of more help but without having fished them I’d take my impressions with a grain of salt. 

Hey Scud,

 

I actually thought of another question. I was going through some old threads and I noticed you either have or have handled a Steez Sensor rod. If you had to translate that rod into a MB power what would you rate it? Like a 4.5 or so? Maybe a 5?

 

Just trying to get some context.

 

Thanks!