kschultz76

There now a bunch of MB Orochi XX rods available under the 200 price point right now. No better deal or rod then that to me under 200.

Spools nor the gear sets on those reels are interchangeable. I’m not sure if you bought just a Tat SV spool if it will swap into a normal Tat CT, not sure if the magnets in the side plate are different to accommodate the AIR brake.

If you decide on something report back and let us know how you like it!

Fish what you’re comfortable with and what works for you. Wasn’t that long ago that 6’ and 6’6” rods were the norm. If you’ve tried 7’ and it’s not for you then don’t waste your money on something that isn’t what you want.

Yep works great to clean up cork handles. Add some U40 to keep them clean and holding up once clean. Be cautious what what else you use them, like don’t clean the exterior of reels with them. I’ve seen them affect the finish on painted panels on appliances before.

While functionally that may not cause you any issues, I wouldn’t be satisfied with such poor quality on a rod build, especially at that price. This wrap quality issue on the NRX line is pretty well documented. I recently read a post on another forum that when Loomis has been asked about these quality issues by a dealer they “consider it within tolerable specs.” I recently got a new GLX and the wraps are much much cleaner on that rod then what you’ve pictured. But I think the epoxy work could be better on the threads, it doesn’t overlap the threads onto the blank as well as it probably should. But the epoxy work is very neat and clean, and not excessive. Ultimately you have to decide if you can live with what you’ve received. If not nothing to lose by contacting your retailer to try and resolve it.

I think the Fuji model is the FK, it’s that fully split casting reel seat. Same one that’s on the current Legend Xtreme line. I absolutely loathe it and personally wouldn’t take a rod built with it for free.

Save 60-80 bucks more and get two brand new Daiwa Tatula CTs if you need two reels. I have 3 Chronarch CI4+ reels and they’re great reels. But for 150 I’d be more inclined to buy a brand new Tatula SV over a used Chronarch CI4+.

If you’re interested in the St Croixs they have the 6’6” MH/F Avid X on their online store discounted to 130. My guess is they’re discontinuing that model. They also have all the previous generation of LTBs discounted there including the 6’8” MH/F, but that reel seat on those is love it or hate it.

Understand your discomfort with longer rods completely, I was the same way a couple years ago and have changed my view and experience. But not going to try and change your mind or comfort here. What at is max comfortable length for you? Anything sub 7’0”? Like would a 6’10”work? And what weight range of jigs and trigs are you wanting to handle with this stick? Heres a few rods that may fit the bill for you. I have no hands on experience with any of them. But I’ve been very happy with my Megabass Orochi xX rods and have read some good feedback on the Orochi XXX series. The triple XXX are JDM but when bought from the Tackle Trap my understanding is they are backed by Megabass USA’s warranty policy. http://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1066_2409_2410&products_id=10655 http://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1066_2409_2410&products_id=10654 Again no personal experience with ALX but heard lots of good reviews of them here. In their Enox series they have a couple sub 7 foot options. You can these 20 percent off on TW right now. http://www.alxrods.com/product/cyclone/ Any St Croix 6’6” MH/F like the Avid or Legend Elite should work for your needs as well. I have an older 6’6”LTB with cork split grips and it’s got plenty of power for your purpose. Shimano alos has an Expride 6’8” MH/F that may fit the bill as well. If if you decide to go to 7’0” then you have a lot more great options. If you can push to 7’2” a Megabass Orochi XX Perfect Pitch is a killer heavy cover xheavy powered jig rod as well as frog rod. Good luck

Awesome that’s great feedback. I think my sights are set on the Zillion at this point. Nothing wrong with the Tatula but would like to see what the Zillion can do.

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. I know all about the frames and differences in features. Feedback on performance differences is what I’m looking for to help in decision making.

I’m right debating whether I add another Tatula SV TW or try a Zillion SV TW. Do you own or have used both? I’m looking for direct comparisons between each. I’ve read that the Zillion offers a bit better distance with less effort but haven’t heard that it offers less controlled casting. I’ve just realized how amazing my Tatula SV TW on the right rod will sling a 1/4 oz squarebills crankbait or 1/4 oz popper with incredible control. I wouldn’t mind extra distance but don’t want to lose the control with those light lures. I need to to add a reel or two to my kit and the Tatula is a 7 ratio so going to add one of the two in a 6 ratio for small cranks and topwater.

In the higher end bracket I have a MB 2017 USDM Destroyer FMJ and Addermine, a 2016 version Loomis GLX 844 MBR, and a St Croix Legend Xtreme 6’8” MXF spinning rod (previous gen with cork grips). I have ave a bunch of MB Orochi XX rods, a couple Helium 3s, a St Croix LTB, a St Croix Avid, and a KLX. Currently my favorite stick that just love is the Addermine, it’s truly a functional work of art to me, and the taper and power are fantastic. I’ve not fished it nearly enough but I know it’s going to be a very versatile rod with the “it” factor. Despite wanting to be better with some other techniques I catch a lot of my fish on finesse and this rod is perfect for it and even handles larger soft plastics like 5” Senkos. The FMJ is again a work of art, but I’ve had limited time to fish, and may never fish enough heavy cover jigs to do it justice. This is one purchase I question bc I jumped into it wanting it with knowing if I needed it. Hoping next year I’ll have more opportunity to make myself fish with it and get comfortable with it. The GLX 844 MBR is a recent purchase that I want more time with, but already with the small amount of time I had on the water I think it’s going to be a favorite. The taper is really easy to cast and pitch with, and the taper handles various weights really well. Balance and weight are fantastic and I’m an a huge of the reel seat and full cork grip. I see an 843 MBR in my future. I like all all my Orochis quite a lot, the only one I don’t love is the Tour Versatile. It’s heavier and less balanced then the others and find it’s taper and power a bit awkward to cast with for some reason. I love the full cork grips on these rods and the quality of construction. My two Helium’s are fantastic. Super lightweight balanced and clean simple builds. I think they are two of my best casting rods, the blanks and tapers are just really supple. They’re right up there with my Diablo spec R and GLX for casting ease and accuracy. I’ve sold off a couple St Croixs that just weren’t right for me, and have one more LTB that will get moved on. I’ve also sold off a Dobyns I didn’t care for. What I’ve learned is not to splurge on the highest end rods unless I know exactly what I want that rod for and am confident it’s going to be what I wanted. I think for me the sweet spot of performance and value is in the $200-300 range. I’ve realized investment in versatile rods is better for me and gives me more flexibility. I also like trying different brands and seeing what they have to offer, early on I spent a lot on one manufacturer bc they were good deals, and I’ve found lots of other rods I like better then those I’ve moved on. At this point this is a hobby and passion that is far more about what I want then what I need.

Helium 3 at the current sale prices is a lot of rod for a great price. You won’t find it lacking for sensitivity or other performance factors. That’s a better investment then buying some of the enthusiast higher end rods until you dial in what’s you really want in a rod. Investing in the kayak will do a lot more to open up your fish catching potential then a more expensive rod will. I have ave some nice high end rods, they’re beautiful. Some of them I love and will get a lot of use out of. Others I occasionally regret because they just won’t get used enough and I should have learned more about the rod and my needs before diving in. Enjoy the new outfit!

What techniques do you want to use the rods for and do you have a budget in mind? There have been some great deals to be had on the Orochi XX line lately. I suspect im going to be adding a Zillion SV TW to my stable soon as well.

Kistler is also running their pick your own discount sale right now. You can get 40% off any instock Zbone stick that’s priced $499. Might be worth considering as well since they’re using NFC blanks.

The body of the Zillion SV TW is the same body/frame as the Tatula CT frame. So it’s more compact and smaller in hand. The Zillion SV though varies from all the Tatula CT variants in that it has a free floating spool, zaion handle side plate, and more CR bearings. I’m no expert but I think as stated above the spool in your 1st gen Zillion tWS is not interchangeable with enough Zillion SV TW. I have a stable table full of Shimanos, 1 Tatula SV TW, and now I’m trying to decide if I’m going to get one more Tatula SV TW or try out the Zillion SV TW. I’m not done with Shimano this all, but I like these Daiwas enough to have a couple and add some versatility.

Thanks for that post, that article was a good read. I had learned some of that a long time ago, only some of it. This was a great bit of knowledge.

Here’s this: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewedgerods705.html that review indicates they run on the light side of their ratings. I recall similar feedback from early buyers of the First Strike rods on other forums. The deals look good, even tempting, especcially because I’ve really liked my Kistler rods built on NFC blanks. But it says all over Edge’s site that everything is out of stock and you need to allow 3-5 weeks for delivery. While I have zero experience with Edge and don’t want to bad mouth them I do recall a lot of people who ordered the first round of the First Strike rods having a ton of issues with order fulfillment and some were less then pleased with the final product. Of of course I have given Kistler a try despite the bad press they’ve received in the past and had no issues with their service or product. If if you give it a try be sure to let us know how it works out.

I wouldn’t characterize that as “issues”. It was documented as required maintenance in the instructions, and is just part of maintaining any reel made by Shimano with that generation of SVS. Some folks see it as an inconvenience and that’s fair. Certainly it’s extra maintenance when compared to VBS equipped reels or any of Daiwas Magforce variants. I have a stable full of Shimanos, and one Tatula SV TW. That Tatula really impresses and has me thinking of getting another. But I won’t replace all my Shimanos because there are advantages and disadvantages to the Tatula and my Shimanos. Adding the Tatula has added some versatility and capability to my arsenal. For what the OP is looking for I think a Tatula SV TW is worth strong consideration or a Daiwa SV 103 if you want a bullet proof tank.

Sorry to here folks who have shelled out that kind of coin aren’t as happy as they’d like to be and deserve to be. Fortunately these weren’t on my radar, they are too rich even for my blood.

I’m sorry but your information on the Megabass warranty is incorrect. All Megabass rods distributed by Megabass USA in the US and sold by authorized retailers carry a full warranty with Megabass USA. That includes the entire line of Orochi XX rods, as well as the Levante series, and 2017 USDM Destroyer series. https://megabassusa.com/megabass-three-year-rod-warranty/

Agree with RichF, Helium 3 when they’re on sale is a great rod and a good deal. I’ve just never used their H or 5 power. But have read they’re good for 1/2 oz jigs.

No experience with these rods but have been looking at one for a friend. Tackle Tour recently did a review on one of them you may want to check out.