Just looking to get some opinions on my 2026 lineup. Looking to downsize from 12 combos down to 6 or 7 while upgrading the quality. Looking to go more versatile and less technique specific to bring the total number down.

What I'm thinking so far.

Spinning

P5 Destroyer WindBuster / Tatula MQ LT- Ned rigs, dropshot, weightless senkos, Free rig, and Finesse Jigs

Casting

Expride 6'10" Medium / Metanium MGL-Jerkbaits, poppers, and Flukes

P5 Destroyer Madbull/ Metanium MGL- Crankbaits, swim jigs, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwaters

GLX 844 MBR/ Zillion TW HD-Jigs, T-rigs, Single hook reaction in heavier cover, and Frogs

Phenix classic BFS 7'1"/ Curado BFS- Bfs stuff

Orochi XX launcher/ Curado 200M- Deep cranks, Sub 2oz Glides and swimbaits

Levante Leviathan/ Curado 300k-Swimbaits, Glidebaits, A-Rig

Eventually want to replace the Orochi xx and Leviathan with a Conquest 905 MBR/ Antares MD. Also upgrade to an Alderbaran BFS from the Curado BFS. But that will probably have to wait until later in the year or next year.

Any thoughts and opinions would be appreciated before I start pulling the trigger on some of these I don't already have

I picked up a GLX 844 MBR a little while ago and have found it to be a very versatile rod. In addition to the lures you mentioned I also really like it as a spinnerbait / grass piece rod as well as for throwing 6" flukes or skinny dippers. Sometimes I'll switch over to a 5/0 flashy swimmer with a skinny dipper on it.

Also have a 6'10 jerkbait setup that I like. Can't really say I'd use that for anything else.

Don't really have much experience with the other options you mentioned so can't speak to those as much. In my case I also have a Dobyns 725 heavy fast rod rated up to 1.5oz for larger spinnerbaits that can also be used for swimbaits and frogs. Seems like I might be into crankbaits a bit more and you might be into larger swimbaits a bit more as I have a few cranking setups but not sure if the lures you throw line up to what I'm doing...but that said I personally have a 736cb glass that I use and really like for bladed jigs and 6xd type lures. The closest I have to that madbull would probably be a 705cb that I like for lipless cranks, squarebills and topwater although I don't like it as much for mid to deep stuff like a 5xd so I actually just picked up a 706cb for those. I'm also in a kayak so tend to like shorter rods and am betting I'll be able to use that 706cb for 6" magdrafts (with the treble hook) and the mini a-rig that I like to throw.

My opinion: you won't catch anymore fish with more expensive equipment than what you now own. More time fishing with what you have will help you catch more fish.

So one thing that stands out to me...

I own two Windbusters, love them for smaller jerkbaits, smaller topwaters or throwing smaller Keitechs with lighter weight jig heads, etc... I don't really fish small crankbaits, all my crankbait fishing is done with a P5 Javelin, but if I did want to throw a small crank, the Windbuster would be great for it. This is a really really great rod for cold water jerkbait fishing, not too aggressive, really allows you to finesse the action of these baits on lighter line and lighter hooks...

To me, it is one of the worst rods you could ever buy for bottom contact, anything. I truly don't understand how or why anyone would ever suggest this model for such things.

Food for thought.

P.S. For spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, big topwaters, etc... P5 Daemos is King, would not be my choice for crankbaits though... If you wanted to do all those things and crankbaits, I would look at the X10 Bandersnatch by MegaBass if I was you... Cheaper than the P5 series too.

Be careful with MegaBass rods, they are addicting. LOL

6 minutes ago, Peninsular said:

So one thing that stands out to me...

I own two Windbusters, love them for smaller jerkbaits, smaller topwaters or throwing smaller Keitechs with lighter weight jig heads, etc... I don't really fish small crankbaits, all my crankbait fishing is done with a P5 Javelin, but if I did want to throw a small crank, the Windbuster would be great for it.

To me, it is one of the worst rods you could ever buy for bottom contact, anything. I truly don't understand how or why anyone would ever suggest this model for such things.

Food for thought.

P.S. For spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, big topwaters, etc... P5 Daemos is King, would not be my choice for crankbaits though... If you wanted to do all those things and crankbaits, I would look at the X10 Bandersnatch by MegaBass if I was you... Cheaper than the P5 series too.

Be careful with MegaBass rods, they are addicting. LOL

Appreciate the feedback. I've heard great things about the wind buster for bottom contact sensitivity. It's interesting to here your opinion considering you own 2. I might have to reconsider that one and go with a G loomis rod instead. I personally don't like the thicker rods from that organic material of the x10 so I kind of ruled them out. I have heard great things about Daemos and while I will occasionally be throwing cranks on it it will be primarily single hook reaction baits. I do really like the carbon fiber handle on the Madbull though. Ya I know all about the megabass bug that's kind why I'm going down this road. Own several of the Levante line and a couple Orochis XX. Want to experience that P5 destroyer line now. Again appreciate you taking the time to give your input it gives me a few more things to think about.

27 minutes ago, OkobojiEagle said:

My opinion: you won't catch anymore fish with more expensive equipment than what you now own. More time fishing with what you have will help you catch more

Doesn't really have anything to do with catching more fish. I enjoy the gear and trying new things and I have the ability to do it.

1 hour ago, Brian11719 said:

I picked up a GLX 844 MBR a little while ago and have found it to be a very versatile rod. In addition to the lures you mentioned I also really like it as a spinnerbait / grass piece rod as well as for throwing 6" flukes or skinny dippers. Sometimes I'll switch over to a 5/0 flashy swimmer with a skinny dipper on it.

Also have a 6'10 jerkbait setup that I like. Can't really say I'd use that for anything else.

Don't really have much experience with the other options you mentioned so can't speak to those as much. In my case I also have a Dobyns 725 heavy fast rod rated up to 1.5oz for larger spinnerbaits that can also be used for swimbaits and frogs. Seems like I might be into crankbaits a bit more and you might be into larger swimbaits a bit more as I have a few cranking setups but not sure if the lures you throw line up to what I'm doing...but that said I personally have a 736cb glass that I use and really like for bladed jigs and 6xd type lures. The closest I have to that madbull would probably be a 705cb that I like for lipless cranks, squarebills and topwater although I don't like it as much for mid to deep stuff like a 5xd so I actually just picked up a 706cb for those. I'm also in a kayak so tend to like shorter rods and am betting I'll be able to use that 706cb for 6" magdrafts (with the treble hook) and the mini a-rig that I like to throw.

Appreciate the feedback. The 844 is one I'm really looking forward to I've heard great things. Ya I'm not huge on crankbaits. I fish a lot more single hook reaction baits than I do cranks. But want something that is still capable but I know it won't probably be as good as a dedicated cranking rod. I do have a Dobyns Sierra 734 currently and it's a great rod but looking to go all G Loomis, Shimano, and megabass this time. Again thanks for taking the time to give me your input.

1 hour ago, BigBassBlake said:

Appreciate the feedback. I've heard great things about the wind buster for bottom contact sensitivity. It's interesting to here your opinion considering you own 2. I might have to reconsider that one and go with a G loomis rod instead. I personally don't like the thicker rods from that organic material of the x10 so I kind of ruled them out. I have heard great things about Daemos and while I will occasionally be throwing cranks on it it will be primarily single hook reaction baits. I do really like the carbon fiber handle on the Madbull though. Ya I know all about the megabass bug that's kind why I'm going down this road. Own several of the Levante line and a couple Orochis XX. Want to experience that P5 destroyer line now. Again appreciate you taking the time to give your input it gives me a few more things to think about.

For bottom contact, it's a very tip heavy rod that just doesn't have the performance as other even much cheaper rods...

I think why it gets praised is, it's a taper that does a lot of things pretty well, so for the dealers that want to find ways to "sell" something, they try and throw as much stuff in there they can to make it logical for you to buy it... That's my thoughts anyway because ever since I bought my first one, I initially fished it with a Ned rig and a tube, then drop-shotting, which full disclosure, I hate drop-shot fishing, but I really did not like the rod for that sort of stuff, at all.

Absolutely love it for the other stuff I mentioned though, why I bought a second one. It did take a bit for me to like the grip, but after some use it grew on me and I like the grip just fine nowadays.

Lot of personal preference in this stuff, but my P5 FMJ is an awesome bottom contact rod, would LOVE to see MegaBass do a slightly less powerful version of that rod in a spinning rod format, would be amazing I am sure...

Good luck!

i have a windbuster also. i like it for bottom contact such as free rig ,shakeyhead ,small texas rig light finesse jigs etc. its not a good dropshot rod or ned rod etc. too stout of a tip. the addermine may be more to your liking.

1 hour ago, Peninsular said:

For bottom contact, it's a very tip heavy rod that just doesn't have the performance as other even much cheaper rods...

I think why it gets praised is, it's a taper that does a lot of things pretty well, so for the dealers that want to find ways to "sell" something, they try and throw as much stuff in there they can to make it logical for you to buy it... That's my thoughts anyway because ever since I bought my first one, I initially fished it with a Ned rig and a tube, then drop-shotting, which full disclosure, I hate drop-shot fishing, but I really did not like the rod for that sort of stuff, at all.

Absolutely love it for the other stuff I mentioned though, why I bought a second one. It did take a bit for me to like the grip, but after some use it grew on me and I like the grip just fine nowadays.

Lot of personal preference in this stuff, but my P5 FMJ is an awesome bottom contact rod, would LOVE to see MegaBass do a slightly less powerful version of that rod in a spinning rod format, would be amazing I am sure...

Good luck!

Thanks again. I was hoping the Wind buster was going to be similar but nicer version of the levante shakeyhead I already own since they are both 3.5 powers just with a little extra length but might have to do some more research on that one now and find a different option. The FMJ was really intriguing I was going back and forth between that and the 844 mbr.

1 hour ago, Don Preller said:

i have a windbuster also. i like it for bottom contact such as free rig ,shakeyhead ,small texas rig light finesse jigs etc. its not a good dropshot rod or ned rod etc. too stout of a tip. the addermine may be more to your liking.

Appreciate the response. I was looking into the addermine as well might be a better option.

I would say the same as @Don Preller about the Windbuster. I like it and its very versatile but for small finesse stuff, its not the rod for me. I like the Loomis NRX+ 842 SJR. There are plenty of other rods but this one does a lot of stuff for me, including shakey heads, neko rig, drop shot, and even small jerkbaits. Also, on the reel, if you want an upgrade, take a look at the Shimano Twin Power. Its as smooth as the Stella and Exist but at a much lower price.

As far as the rest goes I'll just go in order......

I haven't been a big fan of the Expride. Some guys really like them though. My preference is any of the P5 jerkbait rods but the Z-Crank is my favorite. It handles the 110jr just the way I like it and I can use it for cranks and topwater. The Metanium is a great choice on reel.

I don't have the Madbull. I'm not a big fan of the carbon grip. Not a deal breaker for me though but I prefer cork. I would look at Loomis' IMX Pro line for a big crankbait rod. For chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimjigs I like the NRX+ BJR rod and maybe the P5 Daemos. For reels, Calcutta Conquest 100 for crankbaits and the Metanium for the rest.

I have an older 844C GLX and its a great all around. I use it for jigs and topwater. The Zillion HD is also an excellent choice.

On BFS rods, my thoughts are over the place. I would pick the weight of lure you're going to use the most and go from there. On the reel, the Aldebaran is great and has brought in a lot of fish for me but the Conquest BFS is my favorite.

The Orochi XX Launcher, I have only tossed this one around on a buddy's boat. I didn't care for the handle and the feel of it. At that time, I liked my Valkyrie 7'1" H better. If I was choosing a new one, the Super Seven Eleven has been on my radar. I would put a Daiwa Steez A II on it.

For the swimbaits and glides I throw, the Mark 56 would be my choice. I am also using a Valkyrie for those baits currently and a Tatula 300 but would love a Conquest MD here instead. Also one I would like to upgrade.

With all that, I probably use these three rods the most and they are pretty much bait specific....

P5 Kasumi Six Eleven (I own two)

Loomis NRX+ 894c JWR (favorite jig rod)

Loomis NRX+ 872s JWR (favorite Senko rod)

7 hours ago, Peninsular said:

Be careful with MegaBass rods, they are addicting. LOL

Nonsense.

Ok, maybe just a little.

49 minutes ago, FishTank said:

I would say the same as @Don Preller about the Windbuster. I like it and its very versatile but for small finesse stuff, its not the rod for me. I like the Loomis NRX+ 842 SJR. There are plenty of other rods but this one does a lot of stuff for me, including shakey heads, neko rig, drop shot, and even small jerkbaits. Also, on the reel, if you want an upgrade, take a look at the Shimano Twin Power. Its as smooth as the Stella and Exist but at a much lower price.

As far as the rest goes I'll just go in order......

I haven't been a big fan of the Expride. Some guys really like them though. My preference is any of the P5 jerkbait rods but the Z-Crank is my favorite. It handles the 110jr just the way I like it and I can use it for cranks and topwater. The Metanium is a great choice on reel.

I don't have the Madbull. I'm not a big fan of the carbon grip. Not a deal breaker for me though but I prefer cork. I would look at Loomis' IMX Pro line for a big crankbait rod. For chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimjigs I like the NRX+ BJR rod and maybe the P5 Daemos. For reels, Calcutta Conquest 100 for crankbaits and the Metanium for the rest.

I have an older 844C GLX and its a great all around. I use it for jigs and topwater. The Zillion HD is also an excellent choice.

On BFS rods, my thoughts are over the place. I would pick the weight of lure you're going to use the most and go from there. On the reel, the Aldebaran is great and has brought in a lot of fish for me but the Conquest BFS is my favorite.

The Orochi XX Launcher, I have only tossed this one around on a buddy's boat. I didn't care for the handle and the feel of it. At that time, I liked my Valkyrie 7'1" H better. If I was choosing a new one, the Super Seven Eleven has been on my radar. I would put a Daiwa Steez A II on it.

For the swimbaits and glides I throw, the Mark 56 would be my choice. I am also using a Valkyrie for those baits currently and a Tatula 300 but would love a Conquest MD here instead. Also one I would like to upgrade.

With all that, I probably use these three rods the most and they are pretty much bait specific....

P5 Kasumi Six Eleven (I own two)

Loomis NRX+ 894c JWR (favorite jig rod)

Loomis NRX+ 872s JWR (favorite Senko rod)

Thanks for the response. Ya looking into the SJR and DSR loomis rods now as well as a couple other P5 spinning. Only reason going with a Tatula MQ LT is because I already have one I was going to move over. I have heard good things about the Twin power and I'll keep that on my radar for later on. Reviews on the Expride are hit and miss it seems people either love it or hate it. I love the looks of the carbon handle not sure if I'll like the actual feel. Im probably most excited about the 844 but was on the fence between that and an FMJ. Only worry is how the 844 will handle a frog. I'm up north so don't fish the thickest cover but do have some spots that get pretty gnarly. All of the BFS, Orochi launcher, and Levante Leviathan are carryovers I already currently own and while not perfect they get the job done for the time being but definitely will look into upgrading them down the line. My bread and butter is gonna be The jerkbait rod, the madbull, and the 844 MBR those or whatever I decide to go with will handle 80% of what I fish most. Appreciate you taking the time to let me know your thoughts.

Just throwing it out there - if you've fished with the 6'10" Medium Expride before? Its handle is approximately 2 inches longer than other jerkbait rods and it can be hard to adjust too if you've been using something else prior.

I'll also echo the Loomis MBR lineup for versatility... both the 844 and 843 are hard to beat IMO.

1 minute ago, FryDog62 said:

Just throwing it out there - if you've fished with the 6'10" Medium Expride before? Its handle is approximately 2 inches longer than other jerkbait rods and it can be hard to adjust too if you've been using something else prior.

I'll also echo the Loomis MBR lineup for versatility... both the 844 and 843 are hard to beat IMO.

Appreciate your input. I haven't fished the Expride yet and have heard that about the handle length. My current rod is listed with the same size handle so I didn't think it would be a problem. While I'm not the biggest guy I'm 6'2" so thought I could make it work. It hasn't been a problem on my current combo. Both the 844 and 843 intrigued me. I went back and forth on the 843 over the madbull but was thinking of the madbull for it being better with cranks. Even though I throw more single hook reaction than I do cranks.

On 1/14/2026 at 5:52 PM, BigBassBlake said:

Looking to downsize from 12 combos down to 6 or 7 while upgrading the quality. Looking to go more versatile and less technique specific to bring the total number down.

Well Sir, I think that is a lie I have told myself more times than I care to remember. In fact, I did it again just a few hours ago. I guess since I have employed that same cope myself, I tend to make assumptions that project my own feelings about such matters. If you were a close friend, I would say, "Brother, just buy it because you want it. You have the means. It's OK." They would probably have a witty comeback, we would laugh, and carry on like great friends do. But I don't really know you that well, and you're not me, so I'll just share a few thoughts on the gear you mentioned that I have some experience with.

On 1/14/2026 at 5:52 PM, BigBassBlake said:

Spinning

P5 Destroyer WindBuster / Tatula MQ LT- Ned rigs, dropshot, weightless senkos, Free rig, and Finesse Jigs

I wanted a Windbuster (the Orochi XX version) so, so badly and I was convinced it would be awesome for throwing weightless wacky Senkos. I was on a vision quest for a superior rod for that specific purpose. I had put hands on that Orochi XX Windbuster several times and went into the shop one day intent on walking out with it. I brought my Kage spinning reel with me just to double check that it would feel as incredible as I had convinced myself that it would. To make an already long story not quite as long, I found that the Windbuster felt tip heavy and had a relatively short butt section (which may have contributed to it feeling a bit tip heavy TBH). The P5 version may not feel the same, but I would buy another Windbuster without first verifying how it felt with a reel on it. Balance is high on my list of priorties.

A sidenote: I eventually discovered I love longer (7'6") hair jig type rods for WW Senkos and dropshot fishing in my neck of the weeds.

On 1/14/2026 at 5:52 PM, BigBassBlake said:

Casting

Expride 6'10" Medium / Metanium MGL-Jerkbaits, poppers, and Flukes

I have a 6'10 SLX M/XF for jerkbaits, poppers, etc. myself. Solid combo IMHO. With that said, whatever you do, wherever you go, absolutely do NOT put your hands on a P5 "One Ten Stick" unless you're prepared to plonk down. As good as the Expride is (and it is), it's not a P5 "One Ten Stick".

On 1/14/2026 at 5:52 PM, BigBassBlake said:

Phenix classic BFS 7'1"/ Curado BFS- Bfs stuff

Love the rod for BFS (I have the 7'4" version), but I have had two Curado BFS reels (still have one). I can't say the Curado BFS is a bad BFS reel, but I can say that IMHO, it isn't really a BFS reel AT ALL. It's a great, well built reel for throwing 3/8 oz baits on 8 lbs line, but that's not really what I think of as BFS, not even American style BFS. More like BFS-adjacent, and quite good at that, but I can buy a $100 +/- KastKing BFS reel that will walk all over the Curado BFS for actual BFS fishing with the Phenix Classic BFS.

You can get a JDM Aldebaran BFS for about $16 more than you'll pay for a Curado BFS stateside. I have the Aldebaran BFS and it is the real deal, with great build quality.

On 1/14/2026 at 5:52 PM, BigBassBlake said:

Orochi XX launcher/ Curado 200M- Deep cranks, Sub 2oz Glides and swimbaits

I don't know anything about that rod, but straight vanilla Curado 200's are great bang for the buck for that purpose. I have two 200K's. Good casting workhorses. Love 'em.

Cheers Brother. I think you have good taste in gear.

22 minutes ago, Big Hands said:

Well Sir, I think that is a lie I have told myself more times than I care to remember. In fact, I did it again just a few hours ago. I guess since I have employed that same cope myself, I tend to make assumptions that project my own feelings about such matters. If you were a close friend, I would say, "Brother, just buy it because you want it. You have the means. It's OK." They would probably have a witty comeback, we would laugh, and carry on like great friends do. But I don't really know you that well, and you're not me, so I'll just share a few thoughts on the gear you mentioned that I have some experience with.

I wanted a Windbuster (the Orochi XX version) so, so badly and I was convinced it would be awesome for throwing weightless wacky Senkos. I was on a vision quest for a superior rod for that specific purpose. I had put hands on that Orochi XX Windbuster several times and went into the shop one day intent on walking out with it. I brought my Kage spinning reel with me just to double check that it would feel as incredible as I had convinced myself that it would. To make an already long story not quite as long, I found that the Windbuster felt tip heavy and had a relatively short butt section (which may have contributed to it feeling a bit tip heavy TBH). The P5 version may not feel the same, but I would buy another Windbuster without first verifying how it felt with a reel on it. Balance is high on my list of priorties.

A sidenote: I eventually discovered I love longer (7'6") hair jig type rods for WW Senkos and dropshot fishing in my neck of the weeds.

I have a 6'10 SLX M/XF for jerkbaits, poppers, etc. myself. Solid combo IMHO. With that said, whatever you do, wherever you go, absolutely do NOT put your hands on a P5 "One Ten Stick" unless you're prepared to plonk down. As good as the Expride is (and it is), it's not a P5 "One Ten Stick".

Love the rod for BFS (I have the 7'4" version), but I have had two Curado BFS reels (still have one). I can't say the Curado BFS is a bad BFS reel, but I can say that IMHO, it isn't really a BFS reel AT ALL. It's a great, well built reel for throwing 3/8 oz baits on 8 lbs line, but that's not really what I think of as BFS, not even American style BFS. More like BFS-adjacent, and quite good at that, but I can buy a $100 +/- KastKing BFS reel that will walk all over the Curado BFS for actual BFS fishing with the Phenix Classic BFS.

You can get a JDM Aldebaran BFS for about $16 more than you'll pay for a Curado BFS stateside. I have the Aldebaran BFS and it is the real deal, with great build quality.

I don't know anything about that rod, but straight vanilla Curado 200's are great bang for the buck for that purpose. I have two 200K's. Good casting workhorses. Love 'em.

Cheers Brother. I think you have good taste in gear.

Appreciate the feedback. That's the exact reason I ended up on the windbuster. I thought it would be a great senko stick in my mind. Thinking now I'll have to find another option after hearing many of y'all's opinions. That's what I'm afraid of on the expride is it worth the money or for a little more do I go with Another P5. I love the phenix as well great rod for the money. I do regret buying the curado BFS for it but it was before I started dabbling in the JDM side of things so was only really comparing it to the US aldebaran and being my first taste of the BFS I wasn't ready to drop $400+ on a bfs reel. Ya you can't go wrong with curados in my opinion best bang for your buck. Appreciate your feedback.

Regarding the short butt on the Windbuster, it is definitely short, as it's designed for applications where the tip would be down for the most part. The material the blank is comprised of is very high-end with fast recovery, which makes it sensitive, but it's not designed to be used for tip up applications really at all. When used as designed, it's awesome, when not, it feels tip heavy for sure.

3.3" Keitech's, 110 Jr +1, Vision 110 Silent or Standard these are my favorite things to use the Windbuster for. Just picked up some Shimano Zumverno 95SP jerkbaits to try this year too, should be great on the Windbuster.

The stiffer tip on the Windbuster is really nice for subtle, short distance movements with a jerk bait as one typically employs in the cold. The slightly deeper flexing attributes of the blank work well to keep the small size 8 trebles, etc... stuck in the fish throughout the fight and won't bend out the stock outbarb hooks on the Vision 110. You can fish a jerkbait hard and fast on it, but when fish get in that sort of mood, I prefer a spinnerbait or crankbait, depending on scenario... or a 3.3" Keitech, the 3.8" version is fine too as long as you don't go crazy with jig head weight... It also works exceptionally well for fishing topwater poppers and casting them a long distance...

If you wanted a dedicated jerkbait rod for fishing hard & fast with 1/2 ounce or larger jerkbaits, or wanted to fish walk the dog style topwaters, the 110 Special would be my choice, but more technical, finesse type stuff, like spinning gear and lighter line, love the Windbuster.

8 hours ago, Peninsular said:

Regarding the short butt on the Windbuster, it is definitely short, as it's designed for applications where the tip would be down for the most part. The material the blank is comprised of is very high-end with fast recovery, which makes it sensitive, but it's not designed to be used for tip up applications really at all. When used as designed, it's awesome, when not, it feels tip heavy for sure.

3.3" Keitech's, 110 Jr +1, Vision 110 Silent or Standard these are my favorite things to use the Windbuster for. Just picked up some Shimano Zumverno 95SP jerkbaits to try this year too, should be great on the Windbuster.

The stiffer tip on the Windbuster is really nice for subtle, short distance movements with a jerk bait as one typically employs in the cold. The slightly deeper flexing attributes of the blank work well to keep the small size 8 trebles, etc... stuck in the fish throughout the fight and won't bend out the stock outbarb hooks on the Vision 110. You can fish a jerkbait hard and fast on it, but when fish get in that sort of mood, I prefer a spinnerbait or crankbait, depending on scenario... or a 3.3" Keitech, the 3.8" version is fine too as long as you don't go crazy with jig head weight... It also works exceptionally well for fishing topwater poppers and casting them a long distance...

If you wanted a dedicated jerkbait rod for fishing hard & fast with 1/2 ounce or larger jerkbaits, or wanted to fish walk the dog style topwaters, the 110 Special would be my choice, but more technical, finesse type stuff, like spinning gear and lighter line, love the Windbuster.

Ya I'm looking for a versatile bottom contact spinning combo. Mainly for neds and senkos but the ability to do other things. The online videos praised the windbuster as a do all even though it's designed as a hard bait rod. Thinking I might go with something like the 822 DSR instead. For the jerkbait rod I'm still between the expride or making the jump to the 110 special. Thanks again for your help.

37 minutes ago, BigBassBlake said:

Ya I'm looking for a versatile bottom contact spinning combo. Mainly for neds and senkos but the ability to do other things. The online videos praised the windbuster as a do all even though it's designed as a hard bait rod. Thinking I might go with something like the 822 DSR instead. For the jerkbait rod I'm still between the expride or making the jump to the 110 special. Thanks again for your help.

I prefer the 110 Stick over the 110 Special. Both were an upgrade over the long handled Expride, but I really like the 6’5” Stick better than the 6’10” Special. The tip never hits the water or gunnel and that rod keeps pinned so well.

I always thought I’d have to give up casting distance with a shorter rod, but I paired the 110 Stick with a Tatula Elite reel and easily got 10-20% more casting distance than I ever did with my Expride/Curado combo.

110 Stick is best of both worlds for me - shorter for jerking, but the reel gives all the distance you’ll ever need.

14 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

I prefer the 110 Stick over the 110 Special. Both were an upgrade over the long handled Expride, but I really like the 6’5” Stick better than the 6’10” Special. The tip never hits the water or gunnel and that rod keeps pinned so well.

I always thought I’d have to give up casting distance with a shorter rod, but I paired the 110 Stick with a Tatula Elite reel and easily got 10-20% more casting distance than I ever did with my Expride/Curado combo.

110 Stick is best of both worlds for me - shorter for jerking, but the reel gives all the distance you’ll ever need.

I prefer a longer rod. I like 6'10"-7'2" for most things.

50 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

I prefer the 110 Stick over the 110 Special. Both were an upgrade over the long handled Expride, but I really like the 6’5” Stick better than the 6’10” Special. The tip never hits the water or gunnel and that rod keeps pinned so well.

I always thought I’d have to give up casting distance with a shorter rod, but I paired the 110 Stick with a Tatula Elite reel and easily got 10-20% more casting distance than I ever did with my Expride/Curado combo.

110 Stick is best of both worlds for me - shorter for jerking, but the reel gives all the distance you’ll ever need.

Ya the shorter length does worry me a bit. I prefer 6'10"-7'2" for most things

15 hours ago, BigBassBlake said:

I prefer a longer rod. I like 6'10"-7'2" for most things.

Ya the shorter length does worry me a bit. I prefer 6'10"-7'2" for most things

I did too, except now for jerkbaits with the Oneten Stick.

I started with the same thought as you -- I have purchased more/upgraded rods, yet seem to have kept the rods I had, funny how that happens :)

My first Megabass purchase was a Windbuster (paired with a Shimano Vanford) -- I have found it to be the most versatile rod I have and the rod I have in my hands the most -- my favorite technique with it is a free-rig, yet as describe by many others here, you can do a wide variety of things with it.

As mentioned, once you have a Megabass P5 you seem to start seeing them everywhere, and suddenly you have a number of them......(ie, I went from just the Windbuster to adding a Flyssa, then adding a Baby Plugging.....)

You are looking at/considering some very nice rods !

18 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

I did too, except now for jerkbaits with the Oneten Stick.

I'll look into it some more

16 hours ago, WaskaCrank12 said:

I started with the same thought as you -- I have purchased more/upgraded rods, yet seem to have kept the rods I had, funny how that happens :)

My first Megabass purchase was a Windbuster (paired with a Shimano Vanford) -- I have found it to be the most versatile rod I have and the rod I have in my hands the most -- my favorite technique with it is a free-rig, yet as describe by many others here, you can do a wide variety of things with it.

As mentioned, once you have a Megabass P5 you seem to start seeing them everywhere, and suddenly you have a number of them......(ie, I went from just the Windbuster to adding a Flyssa, then adding a Baby Plugging.....)

You are looking at/considering some very nice rods !

Ya I can of expect that might happen with the P5s but could have worse problems lol. I appreciate the input. I'm kind of on the fence about the windbuster now though after listening to some others opinions.