Megabass F4-69RSDti Orochi Evolution

[Sean04]

From what I have read, both the 2015 and the Original (2006?) are regarded as top tier drop shot rods. I am wondering what the main differences between the different years are. Is there a difference in sensitivity, blanks, stinger tip? Also, to any owners, how do they stack up sensitivity wise with X7's, NRX's, etc.

[jdbassman32]

I had the 2015 and it was a great DR rod. However, I like the NRX 822 DSR much more and sold the Megabass. I felt like the sensitivity was better on the NRX and the fear of breaking the Megabass scared me a bit. With the Loomis it is still made and can be replaced if broken.

[Sean04]

The stinger tip does scare me a little bit. When you first made a cast with the NRX, was it like "wow I have been missing details with the Megabass" or more refined as details that the Megabass picked up were just more clear with the NRX?

[jmb27]

I have both the 2015 Hedgehog and the NRX 822.

The stinger tip made me nervous at first--now, I don't worry about it, I just make sure that I don't take steep angles when fighting a fish. In fact, the rod's taper is interesting as after the hookset, it bends into some really strong backbone (more than the 822). The stinger tip feels like a spring to me and is almost like a strike indicator. Given that it is extra fast, it does allow for the quick response of lift and reel for drop shotting.

For sensitivity, I would give the nod to the NRX as its "harder" tip provides more instant feel versus the stinger tip being a "strike indicator" for me.

I think that both rods are excellent and if you like to drop shot or ned rig; either rod is terrific for those applications (as well as small senkos, light t-rigs, etc.

Perhaps, where the rods "separate" for some would be the NRX has a warranty and can be replaced where as the Hedgehog does not if you can find one.

[Sean04]

Thanks so much for the detailed response, seems like the hedgehog fits my needs perfectly. Considering this rod will be fighting some big smallmouth (hopefully), I think the extra backbone coupled with the price I can get the hedgehog at make it the right choice. Thank you both for the information!

[jmb27]

Thanks so much for the detailed response, seems like the hedgehog fits my needs perfectly. Considering this rod will be fighting some big smallmouth (hopefully), I think the extra backbone coupled with the price I can get the hedgehog at make it the right choice. Thank you both for the information!

One last thought--a smooth drag helps the stinger tip. Since the rod gets to the backbone quickly, a smooth drag helps those harder fighting fish and your putting less "pressure" on the tip. I use a Shimano Vanquish with 6 lb. flouro w/the Hedgehog setup.

Of course, a smooth drag helps you w/the fish w/any rod, but I think it matters more w/the stinger tip.

Again, I really like both rods and think both are awesome for drop shotting/ned rigs. The price for the rod and the warranty issue are what separates them for me.

[Sean04]

Do you think a 2500 certate would do the job? Or should I upsize to a 3000 for the better drag?

[jmb27]

Do you think a 2500 certate would do the job? Or should I upsize to a 3000 for the better drag?

I use a smaller reel for the Hedgehog--the Vanquish 2500. I'm not as familiar w/the Daiwa spinning reels. I'm sure that that model has a smooth drag. I choose the smaller reel due to all that I'm doing w/the rod is drop shot, ned rig and smaller senkos, so line capacity isn't an issue and the drag is smooth enough to handle any bigger fish.

I think that the choice of reels would come down to what else you might do with it.

[Sean04]

Sounds like a 2500 will get the job done. I appreciate the input! Thank you so much!