Are you open to other suggestions of brands/models that will add versatility to your kayak arsenal? Or you only looking for feedback on the specific ones you listed?

The Diablo Spec R is a super versatile stick and one of my favorites. I most often use it for swim jigs up to 1/2 oz plus trailer and just love it for that. But it can also throw spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, topwater, trigs up to 3/8oz as well as jigs up to 3/8oz, and even lipless cranks. Spinnerbait...

Is that last line satire? Gloomis rods are very plain in appearance when compared to a Megabass stick. Agreed, but at least the blanks are amazing :big grin: Maybe some of the Loomis higher end blanks are amazing. But the lower end like the E6X is a but ugly turd. Now if you want to talk ugly rods,...

It’s a great stick, very versatile and super light. Enjoy it!

I’d have to say Megabass Orochi XX Diablo Spec R, I love this rod, likely my most versatile stick. And I think the XX series were a great value and punched of there weight for sure.

389Maverick wrote:Handled a very early prototype, looked like a very promising rod!
It was also a new model

Tease!

M Perry wrote:The MB XX Spinnerbait Special is another great choice for squarebills especially around heavier cover.

Totally agree with that. Boated quite a few bass on Arashi 3 and KVD 2.5 s on that rod.

I will offer what comparisons I can, keep in mind when I’m comparing how powerful they are I’m still talking about finesse focused spinning rods so it’s relative. I have the Addermine, a St Croix LE 6’8” M/XF, and just got the XX Dropshot yesterday but haven’t fished it yet, and in the past I’ve had...

I’m battling the same decision. I already have a couple rods that probably overlap the EMTF, including a Diablo Spec R and a GLX MBR 844 and a Helium 3 4 power, but it’s been such a well regarded rod I’m really tempted to get one. I’ve held off because of its length, creates some storage and especia...

MediumHeavy wrote:Hoping they keep the full cork with a cork or EVA foregrip.

X2

Well the deals on the current version were too good to pass up. Courtesy of the crew at The Tackle Trap I’ve got the XX Dropshot Rod on its way! I’m sure whatever is in store with a new generation will be great. But hard to believe it’s gonna be so good to beat the deals on the current gen or make m...

Congrats and nice fish, that first fish on a new stick is always a good feeling.

But your reel has the handle on the wrong side

I’m gonna need a bigger boat!

I’m both excited to see what’s next and also horrified. I have a bunch of Orochi XX rods that I really enjoy, I don’t want to end up feeling like I need to upgrade them all to whatever is next! My rod rack is also full and I have more rods then I can reasonably take out at one time.

A bit under the stated budget but I'd also look at the Orochi XX Jerkbait Special and the Spinnerbait Special. Both are very versatile rods, and my Jerkbait Special handles 3/5oz Gunfish really well. But around cover I'd likely prefer the power of the Spinnerbait Special.