I actually use cheap braid as backing on all of my reels and don’t use any tape or mono to keep it from slipping. I use 50lb 4 strand or whatever isn’t as slickly coated. No slipping that I can tell, just make sure you wind it on tightly.

I just picked up both recently and can say they aren’t the lightest sticks. The TV balances a little better than the J&W, but neither are terrible by any means. Both have a lot of backbone and are pretty true to their ratings, I’d say. So, the difference is in the taper, the J&W being faster than th...

Glad to get some insight from Kenichi, I had the opportunity to talk with him for a long time about the USA Destroyers the fall before they were released. He was great to chat with, showed pics and everything.

Thanks for posting! No problems with the sound on my ipad speakers.

Don’t think they’re available to the public just yet? But I’m also interested

Destroyer USA sticks were a classic release last year as well. I think more companies have released stuff at the classic over the past few years. I just figured there would be more than what we have heard thus far, though no complaint here. I like new casting rods the most out of any new releases, b...

I’m a little surprised we haven’t heard much about any other classic releases. Not just rods, but generally speaking.

GLoomis new E6X or a replacement for that series.

New Ark Tharp series.

13 Fishing Archangel Kaiju series, maybe?

And the new Megabass Oroch XX, obviously.

Wow, I guess I just don’t understand all the hate on a series of rods that aren’t even available yet? Just because they look similar to the JDM rods? Before writing them off, keep this in mind, from Megabass of America: “...the new Orochi XX draws inspiration from the Orochi xXx platform released in...

Finally, the time has arrived! Thanks for sharing all of the goods Mark and Gary! Based on the cosmetics, I’m surprised by how closely they resemble the XXX series. Same goes for blank material usage. However, to say these sticks are a rebadged JDM series is probably not giving MB enough credit. It’...

So, retailers are dropping the price on the Levante series. Discontinuing them or introducing new versions? Could we be seeing TWO new series from MB this year? Or has the floor of the new XX lineup been lowered to compete in the 200-250 demographic?

Personally, I hope it’s all true!!!!

I don’t really see the connection to the XXX line, since that whole series are JDM lengths and tapers. I wouldn’t compare any of the USDM lines to the JDM lines, as most are fairly different. The only connection would most likely be the reel seat which is the same as the Destroyer lines. Even if bla...

Looks like Luke Clausen left Megabass and is using Phenix Feather series rods this season.

Thanks, Mark!

Just three weeks til the classic, right? Let’s get some info!

Perfect Pitch is probably my favorite rod of any brand or series, ever. It handles so much for a heavy powered stick. Hoping that magic is not lost on the new model, as that is the first one I’d consider. Though, I’m curious about the new models for sure.