Bransid

"Light" for my purposes here is a weightless 5" worm. You're casting with the Curado K?

2 internals on 2 off, outside adjustment knob usually at halfway or less. Spool tension according to lure weight. I have tried all internal brakes off but have been hit with some of the worst backlashes of any reel I have used. 2 on seems to work great for me in this regard.

Thoughts between these two combos: 1) Orochi xx DSR with a Tatula CT (20 or 30 lbs braid) - typically have worms on, sometimes weightless. Also spinnerbaits and lighter cranks. As versatile as the rod is it has a worm on it most of the time. 2) Fred's Magic Stick with Curado 200k, 65lbs braid - punching/pitching, casting into heavy cover, frogging, some other top water. I like the Curado K better than the Tatula, but have had trouble with "lighter" lure casting (weightless worms, etc.) on the Curado. I use the Orochi more than the Magic Stick, but like the Curado better than the Tatula. Would you guys stick with how these are rods are currently setup, or would you swap the reels? Or, could the Curado's lighter tackle casting distance be improved through better setup or calibration?

I think I'm going to choose the DSR. Tough choice! I will be fishing with whatever this (new) rod is, along with Fred's Magic Stick (frogging, pitching, and punching), and the Shakeyhead (which is nice to fish with for finesse stuff), the most. I will likely grab the Lew's Crush Combo last (I just like the sensitivity in these other rods and find them more enjoyable to fish with). Considering that, it's basically a decision of whether I want to get the TV (which would likely replace the function of the Crush entirely), or get the DSR, which will not work quite as well in heavier cover - but will throw weightless plastics fine (even though I'll probably do this quite a bit with the Shakeyhead). The question is - should I "round out" my collection, or "replace" the Crush with a better rod. I very rarely fish spinnerbaits and chatterbaits, and feel that a moving bait like this probably does not need the sensitivity that some of the more finesse-dependent techniques benefit from (like bottom contact, or a weightless worm). Paralysis by analysis.

Thanks for the reply. Mainly looking to use it for soft plastics, texas rigs, and some jigs. You think it'd be decent enough for this even though the other rods are "recommended" or "highly recommended" according to MB?

Right - the Braillist's upgraded blank and increased sensitivity would certainly set it apart from the Lew's Crush Combo (which I don't find particularly sensitive), even though they have identical company-represented powers and tapers, while the Braillist is rated to throw slightly heavier lures (1oz vs. the Crush's 3/4oz).

I should have mentioned - I fish almost exclusively from a boat, and do not mind longer rods. I'm attracted to the braillest because of how much I enjoy bottom contact fishing - but then (and this is based off of Megabass' technique specific chart, found here) I worry may be excluding other techniques that I throw periodically - some spinnerbaits/chatterbaits, and topwater stuff (ploppers, treble hooked rapalas). Although I never seem to have any luck with spinners, or the plopper for that matter. Had I been given the option to to upgrade after breaking the DSR before I bought the Magic Stick, I probably would have got the Perfect Pitch. That said - it sounds like you would recommend the Braillest over the DSR for my purposes, and I appreciate your input.

I recently purchased a Megabass Levante DSR, and the first time I had a fish on, the tip broke. I sent the item back to Megabass for a warranty, and they are out of all Levante rods through October, and offered to upgrade me to an Orochi for $50. Here are my current setups: 1) Lew's Mach Crush Combo (MH/F) - currently use with t-rigs and unweighted plastics, mainly. Once new MB will probably be reserved for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits 2) Genesis II Irod Fred's Magic Stick w/ Curado K - for frogging, pitching, and light punching 3) Megabass Shakeyhead w/ BG 2500 4) Lew's Speed Stick w/ President XT 2500 I'll pair the new Orochi likely with either the Curado K or a Daiwa Tatula that I have. I would really like this rod to be a t-rig, soft plastic, smaller jig rod. I would likely have a light weight t-rig tied up most of the time. Considering the versatility of the DSR - that is why I initially chose it. Should I stick with the DSR in the Orochi series to fill this gap? Or, should I grab the Braillest, Tour Versatile, or Perfect Pitch? All of which (according to MB) are "highly recommended" or "recommended" for t-rigs, whereas the DSR was just "applicable" to that presentation. I enjoy bottom contact stuff - but a few of the lakes that I fish frequently are pretty darn soft and silty, with tons of vegetation. Usually a weightless senko in these situations, or I'll pitch into really heavy cover with something a bit more stout. Thoughts? Would the DSR be the best rod to "round out" my current quiver? I've been forbidden by the wife from purchasing any more gear this year - and would like to round out my collection. Thank you! One thing I am slightly worried about - is whether braid to leader connection knots will fly through the guides on the Orochis. I don't always use a leader, but do sometimes tie on fluoro for clearer water presentations. I typically just go braid to lure, though.