Favorite Megabass Destroyer P5 rods?

[softwateronly]

20 hours ago, jejenkyns said:

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!

 

Just my perspective, I'm sure Scud will have better info...

 

I've only handled the x-bites in store (far too many times), but it does play in the same ballpark as the sensor.  I think a 4.5-5 guess is right on for the sensor.  The sensor has a real light tip though, limits bottom contact weights for me when fishing cover, which is similar to what I've heard about the x-bites.  Open bottom 1/2oz feels fine, in cover 3/8oz can feel like I have no control when working my bait free of weeds.  Love it as a mojo rig, finesse t-rigs, and shakey head rod.  In a pinch, more than decent blade, spybait, and small underspin rod.

 

scott

[Scud_Muffin]

On 10/1/2023 at 6:28 PM, jejenkyns said:

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!

I haven’t owned this one but I’m somewhat familiar. It is very nicely capable of flinging light baits; it’s billed basically as the ultimate Shakyhead casting rod and it seems right on the money for that. As for power, I have trouble nailing down a number because a Windbuster is 3.5 and it doesn’t feel too far from that. Its definitely not as much power as my Mad Bull 5 power. So maybe 4-4.5, leaning 4. 
 

Again this is not a rod I have fished so keep your dump truck of salt on hand to take with the advice. This is just my impression based on handling and talking to someone who enjoyed theirs. 

[Bandersnatch]

The tachyon shaft. It’ll make you laugh like a little kid when setting the hook. So much fun 

[TheBaitMonkey]

4 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

The tachyon shaft. It’ll make you laugh like a little kid when setting the hook. So much fun 

d**n, I wanted to try one out when they came out but have held the monkey off since I don’t need another jig specific rod - now I know one’s gonna end up in my cart during the upcoming iced up lake season because of this specific comment ? 

 

What all do you use it for?

[Bandersnatch]

23 hours ago, TheBaitMonkey said:

d**n, I wanted to try one out when they came out but have held the monkey off since I don’t need another jig specific rod - now I know one’s gonna end up in my cart during the upcoming iced up lake season because of this specific comment ? 

 

What all do you use it for?

1/4-1/2 jigs 

same for Texas rigs 

skipping six inch senkos under the darkest docks and wenching them out 

light Tokyo rigs 

swim jigs 

[Cody28]

On 10/2/2023 at 9:47 PM, TheBaitMonkey said:

d**n, I wanted to try one out when they came out but have held the monkey off since I don’t need another jig specific rod - now I know one’s gonna end up in my cart during the upcoming iced up lake season because of this specific comment ? 

 

What all do you use it for?

There is a used one currently available at American Legacy Fishing for $340 I believe 

 

I know this is basically a whole new topic but thought I’d try here first before creating a new thread. 
 

Are the power ratings on the JDM and USA rods a totally different system? I was browsing Megabass’ website and realized that the F6 FMJ (USA) is listed as medium heavy and the F5.5 X-Bites (JDM) is listed as a heavy. Confused I am. 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

Welp I'm already looking at getting another JDM P5 😁.......the FMJ for an all around jig/t-rig setup.

 

Got the 110 Stick in on Thursday and put about 15 fish on it on Friday afternoon with 110jr/110jr+1....and it'll see heavy usage this week.  

 

The weight, balance, and primary action is nothing short of perfection for 3/8th-1/2oz Jerkbaits.     Need a 5lb+ fish to evaluate the secondary action, but this rod is amazingly parabolic, has a super deep bend all the way to the first guide, but has that lightning quick tip.    

 

The aesthetics and intricacy of the design is a touch above any other rod I've laid hands on.   This was true for even the Levante Shakyhead I bought last year.  You feel special with a MB rod in your hands, they make sure of that.   

 

This rod isn't for everybody for sure, but for those who truly love to fish the Jerkbait...i.e. you have it in your hand for hours during the day, then the money is well spent imho.   Nothing can tax you outside of A-Rigging/chunking big baits like Jerkbaiting for hours on end, this rod was truly designed to feel effortless when applying the technique.

 

It's made in China though, hard to get over that aspect for the cost, but I wanted the best jerkbait rod I could find, and this was the pick after solid research.  It is what it is as they say.   

 

5 Stars on the rod, and 5 stars for Dance's Sporting Goods where I bought it.   

[Cody28]

On 10/8/2023 at 10:56 PM, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Welp I'm already looking at getting another JDM P5 😁.......the FMJ for an all around jig/t-rig setup.

 

Got the 110 Stick in on Thursday and put about 15 fish on it on Friday afternoon with 110jr/110jr+1....and it'll see heavy usage this week.  

 

The weight, balance, and primary action is nothing short of perfection for 3/8th-1/2oz Jerkbaits.     Need a 5lb+ fish to evaluate the secondary action, but this rod is amazingly parabolic, has a super deep bend all the way to the first guide, but has that lightning quick tip.    

 

The aesthetics and intricacy of the design is a touch above any other rod I've laid hands on.   This was true for even the Levante Shakyhead I bought last year.  You feel special with a MB rod in your hands, they make sure of that.   

 

This rod isn't for everybody for sure, but for those who truly love to fish the Jerkbait...i.e. you have it in your hand for hours during the day, then the money is well spent imho.   Nothing can tax you outside of A-Rigging/chunking big baits like Jerkbaiting for hours on end, this rod was truly designed to feel effortless when applying the technique.

 

It's made in China though, hard to get over that aspect for the cost, but I wanted the best jerkbait rod I could find, and this was the pick after solid research.  It is what it is as they say.   

 

5 Stars on the rod, and 5 stars for Dance's Sporting Goods where I bought it.   

I believe the P5 rods are made in Vietnam which has become a great place for manufacturing quality. At least mine were. Not sure about JDM version. 
 

Would rather Japanese made, but this is much better in my eyes than made in China. 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

7 minutes ago, Cody28 said:

I believe the P5 rods are made in Vietnam which has become a great place for manufacturing quality. At least mine were. Not sure about JDM version. 
 

Would rather Japanese made, but this is much better in my eyes than made in China. 

Agreed, my USDM Levante series was made in Vietnam, sadly the JDM P5 I just bought had a "made in China" sticker on the heel.   They must have to put those stickers on by law or something, never understood why companies would go out of their way to illuminate that fact.   

 

That said, this rod is incredible in every aspect sans country of origin.  

[Cody28]

13 hours ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Agreed, my USDM Levante series was made in Vietnam, sadly the JDM P5 I just bought had a "made in China" sticker on the heel.   They must have to put those stickers on by law or something, never understood why companies would go out of their way to illuminate that fact.   

 

That said, this rod is incredible in every aspect sans country of origin.  

That’s crazy to me that the JDM rods would be made in China while the US rods are not. Weird that they wouldn’t be made in the same factory/country for consistency and convenience 

[Scud_Muffin]

They moved from China to Vietnam as I understand. The Oneten Stick is the last rod in the P5 lineup I would ever sell. 

[Cody28]

On 10/14/2023 at 10:31 PM, Scud_Muffin said:

They moved from China to Vietnam as I understand. The Oneten Stick is the last rod in the P5 lineup I would ever sell. 

Sell me on it please lol. I’ve narrowed it down to a few. I’m looking at picking up one of the following. 
- OneTen Stick

- Dark Sleeper 

- Madbull

 

That being said I do really like my current jerkbait rod, just keep hearing awesome stuff on the 110 stick I’m getting fomo. 

[Scud_Muffin]

18 minutes ago, Cody28 said:

Sell me on it please lol. I’ve narrowed it down to a few. I’m looking at picking up one of the following. 
- OneTen Stick

- Dark Sleeper 

- Madbull

 

That being said I do really like my current jerkbait rod, just keep hearing awesome stuff on the 110 stick I’m getting fomo. 

Honestly it’s kind of tough to describe, it just feels perfect. It taps without bending a ton but then loads way deep to fight the fish. It slings baits further than its size would indicate. I use alphas sv tw on it with 8 lb test so I can even throw X-Nananahans on it, up to 110+1s. It’s not my fav for bigger style ones like the pointer 100 and above but it still manages that one fine. 
 

It’s just perfect for me but it’s also a bit polarizing since it’s short and slow action. Check out a certain Arizona shop’s videos on the tube for lots of breakdowns on the rod (the guys known for Megabass videos that for some silly reason I can’t say the name of on a fishing enthusiast forum)

[Darth-Baiter]

My favorite rod coincides with my favorite technique.  Light bottom contact in the form of tx-rig, free-rig, or jig….and even a weightless senko rigged weedless.   I love it and the rod that I chose as “the one”. 
 

well, I broke the one:(

 

im in the middle of sorting this all out, but I will buy another one right away if it all goes sideways. 
 

the X-Bites. 
 

 

[WRB]

^^^^should be warranty replaced^^^^^ if you are the original buyer.

Tom

[Darth-Baiter]

That’s the plan afoot!