Re: Need a rod for a new-2-me reel. Budget increased.

[Drakestar]

Are the Orochi xx rods any good? I only have a 1st gen and an xXx and they are great.

I only have one, the F3.5 70XXS Shakyhead, and I think that one is great. Superior build quality, very sensitive (not top tier sensitivity, but very good), and surprisingly versatile. Main reason I went to a Destroyer for jigging was length - I wanted a shorter rod and the FMJ is 7'1" vs the Braillist's 7'5" - otherwise I would have gotten that as my 2nd Orochi XX and expected no regrets.

[new2BC4bass]

It'd be easier if your budget were higher

Jeez. I should have expected it. After reading all posts and some waffling on my part I have decided to up my budget to the $350 area. Instead of getting a very good rod, I might as well get a great rod. I would prefer an all around rod which is why I liked your suggestion of the KLX 7' Medium. Today is the last day to get 20% off any Kistler rod.

However, I am really liking the idea of an Adrena or the Reinforcer you mentioned. My research with the increased budget has lead me to look at such rods as the:

Witch Doctor Shaman 7'3" Med Lt Fast - 3/16-5/8 oz.
Kistler Helium 7' MF - 1/8-1/2 oz.
Ark Reinforcer 7'1" MXF - 1/16- 1/2 oz.
Phenix Ultra MBX 7' or 7'7" MLF - 1/4-5/8 oz.

Only thing I know about the Phenix is that many say it is a great blank.

I look forward to your (and others) recommendations at this budget level. Must admit that I am getting pretty excited.

[Cal]

Based on the stated versatility you'd like this new combo to have, I'd say it's a coin flip between the Helium and Reinforcer.

If you intend to fish more horizontal presentations, I'd go Helium. If vertical, the Reinforcer. This based on the tapers of each stick.... Reinforcer is Xtra-Fast.

[reason162]

I look forward to your (and others) recommendations at this budget level. Must admit that I am getting pretty excited.

Get an Adrena, you won't regret it.

[Thunderblack1984]

I would go after a MB Destroyer USA over the adrena or the Kistler. Check out Gary @ Tackle Trap or Summerland outdoors and get one you never will never want to upgrade. 110 special is a great stick.

[new2BC4bass]

I'm sure the Oneten is a great rod, but would increase my budget by another $50...about $120-$130 more than my original. Absolutely love the idea of the 6'11" Medium + Adrena, but feel it and the Oneten would require a spool change as I don't consider about 65 yards of 12# line quite enough. I do have a couple extra spools that will fit the Steez, but then what would be a good reel to take advantage of the I'ze SV105 spool?

And would putting the I'ze SV105 spool in another reel require me getting another $350 rod?

[Drakestar]

However, I am really liking the idea of an Adrena or the Reinforcer you mentioned. My research with the increased budget has lead me to look at such rods as the:

Witch Doctor Shaman 7'3" Med Lt Fast - 3/16-5/8 oz.
Kistler Helium 7' MF - 1/8-1/2 oz.
Ark Reinforcer 7'1" MXF - 1/16- 1/2 oz.
Phenix Ultra MBX 7' or 7'7" MLF - 1/4-5/8 oz.

Only thing I know about the Phenix is that many say it is a great blank.

Don't have that particular Phenix. I do have the K2 7'1" MLF, and have handled their new M1 a bit. Quality-wise, they're great, and the K2 blank is outstanding. If you've heard great things about that MBX blank I'd strongly consider the rod, with one big word of caution: Phenix rods typically fish lighter than other brands, and a ML is not going to be as universal as you might think. It's somewhere between a L and ML. I love that K2 MLF, and I've cast up to 1/2oz baits on it. But I consider it to be a true finesse rod. Dropshot, shaky head, spybait, 2 inch Dark Sleepers etc.: Awesome! But it won't be as universal as a Medium, I wouldn't throw any swimbaits, underspins, finesse jigs or swimjigs on it (unless they're super finesse, of course). If you're looking for a universal Phenix rod, target a MH.

The Kistler might be great or not - I've read posts saying that the NFC blanks below the Xray are good, but not great (the Xray blank is outstanding). And with Kistler, don't expect a rod that looks like anything fancy, it's a very barebones construction and won't look like a $300+ rod. If forced to choose between the KLX and Reinforcer, I'd lean towards the Reinforcer. (Keep in mind that this is only based on reading the Reinforcer review and owning an Zbone for an opinion on the build quality.)

[Cal]

Don't have that particular Phenix. I do have the K2 ...

See what happens when you show a willingness to increase your budget?

[bronzefly]

If you're at all considering a Megabass US Destroyer, I'd highly recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later. The Oneten is a great rod, highly versatile, shorter handle, and just a lot of fun to fish. Best of luck with your search regardless!

[froteur]

Don't have that particular Phenix. I do have the K2 ...

See what happens when you show a willingness to increase your budget?

[froteur]

However, I am really liking the idea of an Adrena or the Reinforcer you mentioned. My research with the increased budget has lead me to look at such rods as the:

Witch Doctor Shaman 7'3" Med Lt Fast - 3/16-5/8 oz.
Kistler Helium 7' MF - 1/8-1/2 oz.
Ark Reinforcer 7'1" MXF - 1/16- 1/2 oz.
Phenix Ultra MBX 7' or 7'7" MLF - 1/4-5/8 oz.

Only thing I know about the Phenix is that many say it is a great blank.

Don't have that particular Phenix. I do have the K2 7'1" MLF, and have handled their new M1 a bit. Quality-wise, they're great, and the K2 blank is outstanding. If you've heard great things about that MBX blank I'd strongly consider the rod, with one big word of caution: Phenix rods typically fish lighter than other brands, and a ML is not going to be as universal as you might think. It's somewhere between a L and ML. I love that K2 MLF, and I've cast up to 1/2oz baits on it. But I consider it to be a true finesse rod. Dropshot, shaky head, spybait, 2 inch Dark Sleepers etc.: Awesome! But it won't be as universal as a Medium, I wouldn't throw any swimbaits, underspins, finesse jigs or swimjigs on it (unless they're super finesse, of course). If you're looking for a universal Phenix rod, target a MH.

The Kistler might be great or not - I've read posts saying that the NFC blanks below the Xray are good, but not great (the Xray blank is outstanding). And with Kistler, don't expect a rod that looks like anything fancy, it's a very barebones construction and won't look like a $300+ rod. If forced to choose between the KLX and Reinforcer, I'd lean towards the Reinforcer. (Keep in mind that this is only based on reading the Reinforcer review and owning an Zbone for an opinion on the build quality.)

As Drakestar said, Phenix rods tend to run lighter. I have the UMBX 7’ MH and it fishes between a M and MH. I also hav ether K2’s and they seem to fish even lighter. I have a 715, a 765, and a 764.

I am also eyeballing that OneTen.

[white84z]

I have the Phenix UMBX 700L casting and it honestly fishes between a L and ML. Its a damn good shallow crank rod for me and also double for shaky head fishing. Absolutely love this rod.

[new2BC4bass]

Found what I consider a good deal on a used rod so I went with the Helium 3 7' M-XF. Price was even better if you bought two. So just for giggles I got the 7'3" Light MHF as well. Two used for the price of one new.

And I still haven't broken the $200 price point for a rod.

[fishonsc]

The most versatile rod I own is a Megabass F4-610K Black Elseil II Orochi XXX. Love this rod. I will throw just about anything with this rod. I have a Steez on it to. You can find it for under $300.

[Drakestar]

Found what I consider a good deal on a used rod so I went with the Helium 3 7' M-XF. Price was even better if you bought two. So just for giggles I got the 7'3" Light MHF as well. Two used for the price of one new.

And I still haven't broken the $200 price point for a rod.

Congrats! Post some impressions after you've fished them for a while!