Im getting serious about dropshotting and I'm looking to upgrade my current dropshot rod (abu Garcia veritas) to something in the $300- range. So my question is, I have the opportunity to buy a phenix ultra mbx for $200 from a friend who is sponsored. The other option is the American legacy fishing rod trade in program. I could trade in the veritas and get a megabass orochi xx ds rod for around $200 also. What do u guys reccomend?

I dont own the Phenix rod you are considering just a Recon 714 which doesnt help much. I do however own the Orochi XX EMTF and the shakey head spinning rod. The sensitivity of both are very good at the price point. Build quality is great and the filler issue isnt as bad as some make it out to be. I think the shakey head rod is outstanding for drop shot rigs and finesse presentations where the drop shot rod would be more of a one trick pony. My shakey head rod fishes a touch slower than most 3 powered spinning rods.

I have heard nothing but good things about Phenix UMBX rods and sure they are terrific. The Megabass would allow you the opportunity to get your feet wet in the lower end exotic market without paying a fortune. Performance wise I am sure they would be close.

Aaron Martins sponsored by Megabass, who in finesse bass fishing is promoting Phenix?

Tom

I've fished both rods and prefer my Dobyns DX702 sf over all. Wanting to try the new zillion rods also. If you do have to choose between those two, megabass is they way I'd go.

Aaron Martins sponsored by Megabass, who in finesse bass fishing is promoting Phenix?

Tom

If they were getting free rods, anyone would.

Who's on a Pro Staff is the last reason I would buy any product. I can't speak for the finished rods but Phenix makes some nice blanks. 

I've fished both rods and prefer my Dobyns DX702 sf over all. Wanting to try the new zillion rods also. If you do have to choose between those two, megabass is they way I'd go.

Well I have another question for you guys. How does the megabass compare to the dobyns champion (702)?

Well I have another question for you guys. How does the megabass compare to the dobyns champion (702)?

Don't know about the megabass, but the dobyns 2 power is a great finesse rod. 

In my hands and in the hands of many guys that fish the Champion Extremes and the Orochi XX rods the sensitivity is better on the Orochi XX rods. How much better I couldn't tell you but it is noticeable using 12# tatsu and a jig on the same bottom composition.

Problem is everyone senses things differently so there will be variation among all 3 rod series in question. Until someone comes with a cut and dry weigh to measure sensitivity like say horsepower it will always vary among users.

Who's on a Pro Staff is the last reason I would buy any product. I can't speak for the finished rods but Phenix makes some nice blanks.

Aaron has been using Megabass rods since he was 20 and had to purchase them and he is the best finesse bass angler.

Phenix rods was a west coast mfr back in the late 90's, went out of business. Phenix name was bought and the new Phenix rod company no longer manufactures rod blanks, they are no longer made in the USA to the best of my knowledge.

Tom

IMHO Dobyns DX rods are over rated.  My kistler KLX rods are every bit as sensitive if not more than the DX rods.  Another option would be something from the 13 *** line.  Over @ TT people speak VERY favorable about these rods, especially in comparison to the dx line up. Again this is my opinion.

 

You could have a custom rod for around that price point...  I just built a drop shot rod on a HM MHX blank for myself and really like it.  I'm currently doing research to build another one this time using a batson eternity2 blank.

Oh Tom.