10 hours ago, Chughes37 said:

Alright you guys talked me into the orochi xx. So emtf for 1/2 oz and above and jig & worm for 3/8 and under???

Up to 3/8 or under 1/2 oz go EMTF. For 1/2 oz and above the feedback I’ve always heard is that the Perfect Pitch is the way to go. The Tour Versatile will also handle 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs and I have this rod. While it’s a good rod I just don’t think it has the same feel as my other Orochis and I’d go Perfect Pitch first. 

 

If if you want the best scoop on the Orochi rods give Gary a call at the Tackle Trap. 

 

I have the Spinnerbait Special and it’s a very versatile rod but I would not suggest it for specific jig duty. It will handle small jigs in a pinch. But for specific jig fishing the EMTF or Diablo Spec R even are better choices.  The SS is a truly med fast taper that’s crisp and powerful. For me it doesn’t pitch as well as I’d like for jig fishing and has a deeper flex on the hook set then I’d like. My HE3 MH is certainly much faster taper then the SS. 

 

Let us know how it turns out. 

3 hours ago, Yudo1 said:

    I'm confused because you say kistler rods are too moderate for jigs but then suggest the spinner bait special? OP, the kistler helium3 is amazing for jigs IMO. If you go the orochi xx route, I'd get the emtf for 3/8-1/2. It will handle both. If you are looking for a rod for heavy cover get the perfect pitch. This rod has some tip and can cast as well as pitch 1/2oz+ and also can double as one of the most amazing frog rods too.

 

    When considering a jig rod, you have to consider weight of lure, line weight and amount of cover.

All the Kistlers I have used have a slower taper than the Megabass Orochii XX Spinnerbait Special. Do you even own the rod? The Spinnerbait Special taper although stated as a Med-Fast is much more like a Fast. He is looking for a rod for 1/4 to 3/8 oz jigs thats why I recommended it to him since he was already set on the EMTF for 3/8 oz and up.

 

He also wanted the Orochii XX. The EMTF will be too much rod for a 1/4 oz finesse jig. The only other rod in the lineup is the SS that is suited for this. It is a very versatile rod.

18 hours ago, byram bassturd said:

Megabass XX 25% off when you put it in the cart.

https://www.tacklesupplydepot.com/product-p/parent-megabass-orochixxemtfc.htm

Has any on confirmed they’re an authorized MB USA retailer and the MB USA will honor the warranty? If they are then that’s certainly a good deal. 

 

Edit: answered my own question they are listed on MB USA site as authorized dealer. 

The Orochii XX lineup is being phased out. That's the reason everyone is discounting so heavily.

Don't discount the Kistler rods as being inferior to Loomis. Most of them are built on Gary Loomis's Edge blanks. 

6 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Don't discount the Kistler rods as being inferior to Loomis. Most of them are built on Gary Loomis's Edge blanks. 

I absolutely agree with you. I have owned many KLX and Zbones and think they are great, but the experience I have had with the 3 and 4 power Zbones, I prefer them as moving bait rods. For bottom contact, I prefer the G Loomis XF taper and also the increased sensitivity of the NRX over the Zbone.

10 minutes ago, kschultz76 said:

Has any on confirmed they’re an authorized MB USA retailer and the MB USA will honor the warranty? If they are then that’s certainly a good deal. 

Well answered my own question. They’re listed on the MB USA site as an authorized dealer. 

36 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

All the Kistlers I have used have a slower taper than the Megabass Orochii XX Spinnerbait Special. Do you even own the rod? The Spinnerbait Special taper although stated as a Med-Fast is much more like a Fast. He is looking for a rod for 1/4 to 3/8 oz jigs thats why I recommended it to him since he was already set on the EMTF for 3/8 oz and up.

 

He also wanted the Orochii XX. The EMTF will be too much rod for a 1/4 oz finesse jig. The only other rod in the lineup is the SS that is suited for this. It is a very versatile rod.

I must admit I am finding your opinions a bit contradictory but they’re your experience and opinions and you’re entitled to them. 

 

My experience and opinion differ though on the Spinnerbait Special and I’ve had one for years. It to me is most definitely a true med fast taper, but it has a power and crispness that keep it from feeling like a typical moving bait rod. Makes it versatile for a variety of applications. It’s my favorite heavy cover squarebill rod. I’d agree it will handle a 1/4 finesse jig with a light wire hook especially in sparse cover. Step up to a normal 3/8 oz jig with a heavy hook and it would not be my go to choice. Sure in a pinch it’s will handle that 3/8 oz jig if you need one rod for a lot of techniques, but in my time with it I’ve learned I don’t prefer for that application. The rod is in my opinion a very unique taper like a lot of MB rods do super versatile. 

 

I have ave two Kistler HE 3 rods - 7’1” MH/XF and a 7’0” L-MH/F. Both of these rods in my experience have a faster taper then the Spinnerbait Special though I don’t think the L-MH possesses the same power, and neither has the same crispness that the Orochis have. For true 3/8 jigs the MH 4 power HE is great and does well in my experience. I’ve only recently gotten the L-MH but I think for finesse jigs round the 1/4 oz mark it will do well. 

 

I also have a KLX CRT MH ModFast. Great treble hook bait rod and a taper not dissimilar to that of the Spinnerbait Special, but it doesn’t have quite the same power and definitely not near as crisp. It feels less refined and you can tell it’s not in the same price point as the Orochi. 

 

The OP set out looking for two jigs rods around the $260 price point. Generally GLX, NRX, and Zbones are going to exceed that mark a bit unless you find that just right sale. OP also stated 3/8 and 1/2 jigs in the first post. 

 

For the deal that was posted from TackleSupplyDepot you can’t go wrong with the Orochi XX series, do your research to determine which will be best for you. Based on what I’ve heard and read from some sources I trust, and my own hands on experience with some of the Orochi rods I’d be looking at the EMTF and the Perfect Pitch if I was looking only at the Orochi line. The Tour Versatile and Jig n Worm could be alternates to the PP and the TV will handle 3/8 jigs no problem as well as 1/2 oz and a bunch of other stuff. The TV states med fast but it doesn’t fish that way to me and is mighty powerful. I would be getting a PP but instead I got an FMJ and an MBR 844 for my needs. The SS will add versatility for a lot of moving baits and finesse jigs, and some other stuff in a pinch. 

 

I also truly think the Kistler HE3 line up has a ton to offer at your price point and for your needs, and for the around 3/8 oz I’d go 4 power MH and around 1/2 oz I’d expect the 5 power Heavy to be a good choice. However the MB tapers are so unique it’s hard I compare them directly to the HE3 series or anything else. 

 

Good luck and let us know what you’re end up with and how you like it. 

55 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

All the Kistlers I have used have a slower taper than the Megabass Orochii XX Spinnerbait Special. Do you even own the rod? The Spinnerbait Special taper although stated as a Med-Fast is much more like a Fast. He is looking for a rod for 1/4 to 3/8 oz jigs thats why I recommended it to him since he was already set on the EMTF for 3/8 oz and up.

 

He also wanted the Orochii XX. The EMTF will be too much rod for a 1/4 oz finesse jig. The only other rod in the lineup is the SS that is suited for this. It is a very versatile rod.

Well I re-read all of the op's post and I see no mention 1/4 finesse jigs. He clearly asked about 3/8 and 1/2+. I own a stable of megabass, Loomis and kistler rods. The spinner bait special can do a lot of things but if I was throwing 3/8 jigs I would choose a different rod. As I stated earlier get the emtf and perfect pitch.

4 hours ago, Yudo1 said:

    I'm confused because you say kistler rods are too moderate for jigs but then suggest the spinner bait special? OP, the kistler helium3 is amazing for jigs IMO. If you go the orochi xx route, I'd get the emtf for 3/8-1/2. It will handle both. If you are looking for a rod for heavy cover get the perfect pitch. This rod has some tip and can cast as well as pitch 1/2oz+ and also can double as one of the most amazing frog rods too.

 

    When considering a jig rod, you have to consider weight of lure, line weight and amount of cover.

^^^ I'm thinking the same thing. I just looked at tackle warehouse, they have it labeled as a jig a spinnerbait rod. Like you said, I'm skeptical

1 minute ago, Chughes37 said:

^^^ I'm thinking the same thing. I just looked at tackle warehouse, they have it labeled as a jig a spinnerbait rod. Like you said, I'm skeptical

TW is the only place that mentions jig in the name of the Spinnerbait Special. MB only labels it the Spinnerbait Special. 

We all have differing opinions. I think the Perfect Pitch will be too much rod unless he is fishing super heavy cover, which he never said he was. He said in cover and open water situations.

 

He stated he wanted two rods to me and wanted them in the XX series. One for 3/8 and under and another for 1/2 and up. He clearly stated this in his opening post:

 

3/8 and under and maybe a 765 for my 1/2 oz and up. Thoughts? 

 

I suggested the SS as a choice as he said 3/8 and under. If he threw a finesse jig around 1/4 oz the others would be too much. I never recommended a SS for heavy cover just as a more finesse jig rod that can double as a moving bait rod.

 

For bigger jigs i suggested the Jig N Worm or EMTF.

 

Maybe the Heliums are different, but my 4 power Zbone isnt my first jig rod choice. My hookups significantly increased switching from a Zbone 4 power XF to a NRX 853C. I used the Zbone as a reference as I don't have experience with the Helium other than in store. Just my opinion.

 

I have seen a few recommend the TV but it's a MedFast too.. I believe I never contradicted myself, but I may have explained poorly. Good luck on your selection. Rod choice is very tough as everyone has preferences regarding power, action, brand. Best of luck. Tight lines.

 

Kistler at the 260 dollar price point is incredibly hard to beat. While I agree the Megabass O series rods are phenomenal at the 300 dollar price point if you look to push the buck another 40, at 300 dollars Mike at DVT can get you quite a setup. I got my soft plastics rod built by him for around 325, with a few extra features you don't particularly need to have that could have quite easily cut the cost down on what the rod ran me. I could feel a fish breathing on a lure. Personal preference though.

On October 27, 2017 at 7:16 PM, Chughes37 said:

Looking to upgrade my jig rod, I mainly throw 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs both in open water and cover. So I think I need two different rods. I have my eye on a dobyns 735c FH for my 3/8 and under and maybe a 765 for my 1/2 oz and up. Thoughts? 

Dobyns DX744C would good choice for both if 1 rod works for you, over your budget.

Dobyns DC 735C will work for you within your budget.

Excellent company and customer service.

Tom

I just purchased an orochi xx emtf for my 1/2 oz and above. Now I'm shopping for a rod for my 3/8 oz and below

13 minutes ago, Chughes37 said:

I just purchased an orochi xx emtf for my 1/2 oz and above. Now I'm shopping for a rod for my 3/8 oz and below

Can you describe a little more in depth of what you are looking to do. Are you fishing open water or flipping docks? Do you think you will fish more finesse jigs with this rod since you already heave a EMTF? It all depends on these factors.

 

Did you want to stay within the XX lineup or go with another brand?

According to the Megabass USA website:

 

The Megabass Orochi XX F5-610XX Spinnerbait Special is a great choice for the angler who prefers a smaller, lighter rod, with the power and versatility to perform numerous tasks. The medium-fast taper is ideal for precision casting of ½ oz. and ¾ oz. spinnerbaits, but also finesse jigs, Texas rigs, crank baits, top waters and jerkbaits. The Megabass Orochi XX F5-610XX Spinnerbait Special offers the power to move stationary hooks like jigs, yet the bend and length to offer forgiveness for cranking and jerking.

 

Ultimately, this comes down to how light of lures you are looking to throw as well as how heavy of jigs. If you want to throw 1/2-3/4 oz jigs in cover then yes you need the Perfect Pitch. If you want to throw more finesse jigs for under 3/8 oz in open water go with the SS.

 

 

21 minutes ago, Chughes37 said:

I just purchased an orochi xx emtf for my 1/2 oz and above. Now I'm shopping for a rod for my 3/8 oz and below

The emtf is your 3/8 and under rod and now you need 1/2 and above. The emtf can also fish 1/2oz especially in open water. The perfect pitch is fully capable of 1/2 and up. It has the tip to not only pitch but cast as well. And if you fish in cover it has serious backbone.

1 hour ago, Yudo1 said:

The emtf is your 3/8 and under rod and now you need 1/2 and above. The emtf can also fish 1/2oz especially in open water. The perfect pitch is fully capable of 1/2 and up. It has the tip to not only pitch but cast as well. And if you fish in cover it has serious backbone.

Won't the emtf have too much back bone for a 1/4 oz jig?

4 hours ago, Chughes37 said:

Won't the emtf have too much back bone for a 1/4 oz jig?

Don't forget your trailer weight.  For reference, a Zoom Ultra-Vibe Speed Craw is about 1/4 oz.  I don't have hands-on experience with the EMTF but have done a fair amount of research, and for what it's worth most say a 1/2 oz jig + plastic trailer is pushing the upper limits of the EMTF.

8 minutes ago, Bent said:

Don't forget your trailer weight.  For reference, a Zoom Ultra-Vibe Speed Craw is about 1/4 oz.  I don't have hands-on experience with the EMTF but have done a fair amount of research, and for what it's worth most say a 1/2 oz jig + plastic trailer is pushing the upper limits of the EMTF.

That's a great point! I will definitely have to do some more research. 

On 10/28/2017 at 2:07 PM, Stephen B said:

The problem with Kistlers are although they say they have an extra fast taper it's more of a Medium-Fast (softer rod). My preference for bottom contact is a faster taper. I get much better a hookup percentage. I have the 3 and 4 power Zbone. I think the Kistlers make versatile rods but aren't my first choice for bottom contact. 

Definitely not the Helium 3s.  I just got a 7' heavy for myself and a 7'3 heavy for my dad.  They definitely have extra fast tapers and are incredible for jigs 3/8 to 3/4 oz.