By Tim Carini
Special To BassFan
BassFans are well aware of Megabass and its quality hard baits like the Vision 110. However, many may not be familiar with the company’s rods which feature the same level of craftsmanship, detail and technology.
The Orochi XX line of rods features this cutting edge technology with “X” pattern wrapping of carbon in multiple directions and multiple layers. In layman’s terms, this makes for a stronger and lighter blank that also reduces blank twist. The result is more raw power transferred from the angler to the bass or lure.
At ICAST last summer, Megabass introduced six new technique specific models to the Orochi XX line. I was fortunate enough to test out two of them over the past few weeks – the Swingfire baitcasting rod and Ronin spinning rod.
Swingfire
The Swingfire rod was designed for small- to medium-sized crankbaits, the ones an angler uses for shallow power-fishing techniques. Everything from a SPRO Little John to Lucky Craft 2.5 and even a Series 5 crank, although that’s the upper limit for this particular model. What sets this rod apart from others is the blank construction, a glass/graphite hybrid.
With this rod, an angler gets the best of both worlds from both materials. The tip is fiberglass, allowing an angler to cast long distances even with the lightest crankbait and enough forgiveness to ensure the hook doesn’t pull out of a bass as it dives near the boat for one last charge. The graphite backbone gives an angler the power, sensitivity, and light weight that we have all been accustomed to. Feeling every rock or brush pile limb was no issue with this rod as it is very sensitive. Personally, I liked the longer handle as well, as it fits perfectly under my arm for added support when cranking all day long.
Having grown up in the age of graphite, all fiberglass rods feel awkward to me. I need to slow the speed and force of my cast down to compensate for the slower action and the casting accuracy is diminished. With the Swingfire, neither was an issue due to the graphite which makes up the lower 70 percent or so of the rod. My natural casting motion didn’t have to change and the rod was very accurate and placed each cast next to the available shoreline cover. This rod is a shallow crankbait fisherman’s dream come true.
Specs
> Megabass Orochi XX Swingfire (model F5-72XXG)
> Length: 7’2”
> Action: Regular
> Lure Weight: 3/8 to 1 oz.
> Line Weight: 10- to 25-pound
> MSRP: $289
Ronin
This spinning rod is a great all-around rod for various techniques, perfect for the angler who doesn’t want to spend the money for multiple rods. While it was designed for jerkbait fishing, this rod will easily work for shaky heads and skipping docks and many other techniques.
Its 6-foot, 8-inch length is perfect for casting jerkbaits and more importantly working them without slapping the water or side of the boat. The fast action allows for more power of each movement of the rod to be transferred to the bait, making that Vision 110 really dance. The shorter length of the rod makes it great at skipping docks as well, with pinpoint accuracy. With its fast action, the rod has plenty of backbone to pull a bass out from under dock. While testing some other products, I used this rod for a shaky head as well and had no problems hooking those finicky little spotted bass, even at the end of a long cast.
Specs
> Megabass Orochi XX Ronin (model F4-68XXS)
> Length: 6’8”
> Action: Fast
> Lure Weight: 1/4 to 3/4 oz.
> Line Weight: 4- to 16-pound
> MSRP: $285
Overview
While each Orochi XX rod is designed for a specific technique, all rods contain some of the same features in detail and craftsmanship.
One thing I noticed immediately was the rounded cork butt on the end of the rods. Finally, a rod that will not leave my abdomen all bruised on those days when hook setting and fish fighting are non-stop, an all too rare occurrence.
It’s that attention to detail on which Megabass has built its reputation. The super smooth one-piece cork grips feel amazing on the hand and, personally, I like the one-piece grips versus a split grip, especially when casting with two hands. Even the small caliber tangle free alconite guides worked perfectly as they are not as “micro” as micro guides, which tend to freeze up much quicker in colder conditions.
If you’re in the market for a new rod, the Orochi XX lineup is definitely one to consider. While it’s not the cheapest out there, it’s not the most expensive either. It’s a great value for the level of craftsmanship, attention to detail and some cutting edge technology.
The new models will be available later this week at the BassFan Store (see gallery below for additional images).
