I haven't seen a lot of reviews for these rods, so I thought I would offer my opinion on the 7'3 MH Zilla that I bought. For reference I will compare it to my 7'4 Avid X that I have since I bought them both for the same purpose, jigs and T rigs. The fit and finish of the Zilla is clean and basic.It is definitely not as flashy as an avid x, if you can call the avid flashy. The guides are straight, the wraps are good and now excess epoxy to be had. It has semi micro guides like the avid x which are nice. The Eva foam handle is comfortable but I find the foam a little stiff for my liking. I find the Zilla to be a true MH with a generous amount of tip to launch lighter baits. I had no problem throwing a 1/4 T rig with the Zilla, but I haven't tried anything lighter than that. The avid x seems to struggle with a 1/4 T rig, as the tip is stiffer. I really like the handle length on the Zilla, infact all the Alpha Angler rods have the same handle length, at 10" respectively. The handle thickness is slimmer than the avid x which I like, its more comfortable to fish with for me. I decided to test the sensitivity using 3/8 oz jigs since that is the low end of the weight range for both rods. Just like with the T rig, the Zilla casted the jig better than the Avid X. Not light years better, but noticeable. Using the same reel, same line and same jig fishing in the same spot, the Avid X gets the nod in sensitivity. The Zilla is still plenty sensitive, just not as much as the Avid X. That kind of surprised me since the Zilla is a lighter rod with a softer tip. The Avid X is more crisp if that make sense.

 

Overall, the Zilla is a really nice rod, but it didn't blow me away. They market it as a multipurpose rod, which I can totally see. Im going to keep the Avid X as my jig rod, im going to try the Zilla for single hook moving baits next which I think it should excel at. I like to have a rod for jigs and also one for T rigs, im really looking hard into the Poison Adrena for a T rig rod as well as some others, maybe an ALX or something else in the $250-$350 range.

Not a ALX fan. In the 250-350 dollar range, Expride, Poison Adrena, Megabass Orochi XX, IMX Pro. The Ark Reinforcer and Miller Rods are ones that look interesting as well that I haven't tried.

Thanks for the write up. I've looked at the Zilla rod but never pulled the trigger because I couldn't find much information. Seems like there might be better options out there. For your t-rig rod, I would ecommend the Edge Black Widow. They're on sale right now below $300. Very sensitive rods and they look pretty dang good too. Another great option is the rep sample Legend rods at Tackle Trap. Won't find a better deal than those right now. 

44 minutes ago, JLewis134 said:

Not a ALX fan. In the 250-350 dollar range, Expride, Poison Adrena, Megabass Orochi XX, IMX Pro. The Ark Reinforcer and Miller Rods are ones that look interesting as well that I haven't tried.

I second the Expride, Poison, and Orochi XX. All great rods. 

I wonder if St.Croix knows the Tackle Trap is selling discounted rods and calling them rep samples.

I understand Loomis/Shimano wasn't too happy about that strategy.

They are a outstanding rod however and it is a great buy.

Edit, got ALX and Alpha mixed up. ALX did respond to my emails. Alpha did not.

Edited April 10, 20206 yr by Michigander

1 hour ago, Michigander said:

Edit, got ALX and Alpha mixed up. ALX did respond to my emails. Alpha did not.

At the price, Shimano, Megabass, Daiwa, G Loomis is the way to go. Don't ask me why as I buy too much lol. I was left with a feeling of something to be desired with ALX so I sold them.