kschultz76

Just showed back order, no indication of an expected ship date.

What Orochi XX do you already own? Are you talking 1/4 oz total weight, or 1/4 oz jig plus trailer?

I'm curious too, ordered of the 7'2" MH/R for cranks as well. I needed a second crank rod and have a spare reel. The price was too good not to try. I've been debating picking up two others but then I have to guy by reels and expand my rod rack. But these will be great for guests no spares.

Don't do it, I don't think the county or state prison systems have fishing clubs! But at this rate I may have to take up ice fishing. I've got another baby on the way and March/early April were my fishing windows this year.

I have three Chronarch CI4+ reels and just got a Metanium. I can tell you that out of the box the Met is a noticeable step above the Chronarchs. And that's saying something bc the Chronarchs are also impressive. My Chronarchs are on their way back from a cleaning and super tuning so will see how they perform now. I never serviced them new and everyone seems to agree they benefit greatly from a good servicing. They're both great reels and they both fit great on my Orochi XX rods, very comfortable. I got the Met to pair with my new Diablo Spec R and they just go together perfectly for me.

If we all stand outside with hair dryers running will it melt the ice!?!?

I think you may be right I just looked up the specs on the *** spinning rod listed. It's a heavier stick then I thought.

You've got a lot more covered there then you think. For example your jig rod could cover trigs including creatures, crigs, swim jigs, chatterbaits, even some top water presentations possibly. Your soft plastics spinning can cover a lot of lighter presentations as well.

Sounds like a great deal. I got two for trout fishing from cabelas when they were on sale last weekend. They are very nice and these prices are a real steal.

I have two....St Croix Legend Extreme 6'8" m/XF spinning (recoil guides version). Amazing soft plastics rod, love fishing weightless senkos on it. Second would be the Megabass Orochi XX, and while I just got it I think it's the Diablo Spec R, it just has that "it" factor and its apparent already it will serve a lot of purposes very well. But in that price range I would highly recommend St Croix Legend Elite or Extreme rods if you like more conservative/traditional domestic sticks. If you like are interested in something different with that JDM look and really versatile performance I highly recommend the Orochi XX.

Sacrilege! You could have spent more and opted to stick to a modest budget for your tackle purchase? And you call yourself a bass fisherman?!?!

Congrats new gear is always exciting. I think it's why I keep choosing new stuff to get even if I don't need it. Recently got a new rig myself and can't wait to fish it, but in south NJ the water is too solid still!

Honestly not sure you could go wrong with an NRX or an MB. I love my Orochis. But just do what we all end up doing - don't decide and get both!

I have several Orochi XX rods and they have no more filler then my other cork rods and they're holding up fine. Really the only way you're going to avoid that is to get something with non cork grips.

Base your purchase on your budget and your needs. I have quickly found myself sucked into the world of enthusiast gear. Do I need it? Heck no, but heck if I don't enjoy it. For me the only spinning reel I'd likely buy would be the current Stradic CI4+ version. I have one and love the crazy lightweight power and refinement. I've fished with a Sustain and I'd take the Stradic over the Sustain any day, and I always want the 'better' thing. The Symmetre is a good reel and well reviewed if it fits your budget buy with confidence. If budget is no factor then as much as I also like my FJs cause they are great, I'd tell you skip it and get the Stradic CI4+. Now if you're really on a budget and want a quality smooth real at a killer price go get the Pflueger Supreme on clearance from Cabelas for $60. I prefer Shimanos generally and find their line management to be the best I've used but this deal on the Supremes is hard to beat. I've tried lots of Different spinning reels and for me nothing beats the CI4+. Good luck! Edit: looks like the Supremes are back to $80 at Cabelas again.

I picked up two 25 size for trout fishing. Great deal!

Well it's a bit above the stated price range but right now it's the MB Orochi XX Diablo Spec R. It's a 7'2" MH/F, but a really versatile taper that makes it a great multipurpose stick. I just got it and looking forward to really fishing it this spring.

If you pull the trigger be sure to let us know what you think.

My DSR arrived with the same wrap colors as my TV and SS rods... Green, purple, and a bit of gold as I recall.

I have the TV as well, love it for heavy cover and heavier jigs. I wanted the Diablo or EMTF for the lighter weights that I struggle to pitch and cast as well with the TV. I went with the DSR because while I've lusted after the EMTF the length is just not good for me. I don't want to disappoint but I've heard from several people the DSR isn't a shorter EMTF exactly, it's a slightly different taper and just not quite as fast. Since I've never handled the EMTF I can't compare them. However the DSR was well endorsed by Gary at TTT for my needs.

Sure did, but the recliner puts up a better fight!

Ok this first photo is a comparison of the Diablo to the Spinnerbait Special. The Diablo is the upper rod. This one is a comparison of the Diablo to the St Croix LTB 6'6" MH/F. Again the Diablo is on top. By no means is this a scientic way to get a really accurate measurement of the tapers but it should everyone an idea how the Diablo loads. At least personally I can and feel it load and get into the backbone a good bit faster then the SS, and it just doesn't load as deep into the blank. Again I think the visual confirms my feeling that it is just almost but not quite as fast as the LTB. But the length differences make a true apples to apples comparison hard to achieve. Hopefully this helps in some way.

Thanks for the response Kickerfish. Having just gotten the rod I interested to hear any feedback I could on it. I definitely would not describe as being close to Xfast or on the really fast end of the fast spectrum. But in my hands it really handles faster and more powerful then the Spinnerspait Special which is med fast. I totally agree it's still got a really versatile taper, it's not just a dedicated bottom contact stick. I've actually read posts elsewhere that someone compared it to the action and feel of an NRX 893, but again it's just something I read. What I heard from Gary about it and some detailed posts on another forum made me decide it would work for me and try it. So far I'm pleased and I think it's going to do what I need it to. If I get a chance and can figure how to I'll take some pictures of it under load.

I will add that Gary has suggested the EMTF to me a couple times but he understands I can't transport something that long. If you can handle the extra length it's a great rod from what I hear.

Kickerfish1 have you handled or fished with the Diablo yet? I got to spend more time outside today practice casting the Diablo. Right now in my hands it really doesn't feel "moderate" by any means. When I spoke with Gary he said it was only very slightly slower then the EMTF and he didn't feel I was losing anything with it compared to the EMTF. It's specs are identical to the EMTF except the length. I was concerned when I first got it testing the taper that it was more med-fast but more time with it has so far put those fears to rest. Casting and pitching outside today with 3/8 and 1/2 practice plugs paired with a Met and 12 lb Pline Floroclear it was a dream. I was able to get accurate easy roll and side arm casts as well as nice easy accurate pitches. I really enjoyed it. I will admit and preface that with the fact that I haven't had it on the water yet, so don't know what it will be like checking a jig in the water or setting a hook. But it is def more powerful and quicker then my Spinnerbait Special and I've fished light jigs and trig creatures on that without a struggle. To the op one thing is for sure, much of this is subjective and as always if you can get your hands on it before you buy that's the best way to know what you're getting.