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Swimbait Rod Wars Installment #11: Deps Joins the Frey With one of Their Sidewinder Sticks
In our last installment of the Swimbait Rod Wars, we got caught by mistakenly trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
We're doing the same thing only this time, we know full well that we're asking this rod to do something for which it may not have been designed. Introducing the Deps Sidewinder HGC-77XR Dom Driver Flipping Edition. |
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Swimbait Rod Wars Installment #7 : The Megabass White Python
Some, myself included, would argue that most of what's exciting and new in terms of bass fishing reels originates overseas in Japan. Hence the affinity of many of our readers for what we refer to as JDM (or Japanese Domestic Market) products. |
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Bordering on Greatness: Shimano Japan's Final Dimension Bass Rods
If you, like I, were
looking forward to
something a little more
aggressively styled with
clean, new details from
Shimano's line of bass
rods debuted at ICAST
2007, then you might
want to keep reading and
see what the factory
over in Japan has been
producing for their home
market for the last
several years. |
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A Detailed Look at Two, Special Edition Zillions: The Daiwa/Deps ZDV Zillion and Zillion HLC
In the latter half of
2007, through a
partnership with Deps and through the efforts of their own version of skunk works, the I'ZE factory, Daiwa Japan produced two special edition Zillion reels that have taken flight with destinations to many a Tackle Enthusiasts' arsenal. |
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TackleTour's Legion of SuperTTuned SuperReels: Enabled by Office
ZPI
Join us on our journey
with eight great reels
and witness what fruit
our winter time superttuning efforts bear. Introducing TackleTour's Legion of SuperTTuned SuperReels!
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Swimbait Rod Wars Installment #3 : A Walk on the Exotic Side with Evergreen International's Balista
When we left our Swimbait Rod Wars last, our spirits were filled with renewed optimism thanks to the Best Value Award winning sticks from Okuma. We contrast that enthusiasm with a representative from the opposite end of the spectrum. Introducing the TMJC-74XXX Balista from Evergreen. |
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Something Wicked this Way Comes :
The Antares DC7
Over a year ago we
completed our in
depth review of the
premium positioned
Shimano Calais 4xD
DC. As we draw to a
conclusion this 2008
season we have some
fun as we take a
second look at the
Japanese version of
this "wicked" reel. |
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A Cranky Finesse Stick With Power: The Megabass F3 1/2-65GTC Hien Type-S
Megabass introduced
a set of graphite
cranking sticks to
supplement their
already successful
fiberglass cranking
line, the Tomahawk
GT3. We've spent a
full year getting to
know one of the rods
from this lineup and
as with most
products from this
company, the more we
use it, the more it
reveals itself to
us. |
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One Last Look At the Old Destroyer Line From Megabass : The 2006 F5-66X Bearing Down
The tide is changing now in 2007 as Megabass revamps the lineup with a new, standardized rear grip design. We take one last look at the old Destroyer line before this change takes place: Presenting the 2006 Megabass F5-66X Bearing Down. |
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Move Over BaitMonkey, There's a New Agent In Town and She Has Something to Behold: Evergreen International's Opus-1
Evergreen International has made its first foray into the
fishing reel
segment. That product? The limited run, uber-expensive
Evergreen Opus-1. |
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What a Difference The Blank Makes: The Nories Road Runner Voice 680H
Today, we take
another step back to
give Nories their moment in the sun with a look at their 680H, a rod featuring a higher modulus graphite blank but the same overall design, weight and balance as the HB680M. |
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Megabass's Own Mutant X-Rod, The Extraordinary and Limited Edition Diablo SB
This limited version of the Diablo featured Megabass's new slant bridge handle.
We were lucky enough to procure one of these sticks and had it sent over
directly from Japan: Introducing the Megabass Evoluzion F5 1/2-68XFti Diablo SB
(Slant Bridge). |
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The Makeup of a Flag Bearer:
A look back at the Shimano Stella SR 2000s
Why would I ever need to spend the extra bit of cash on the Stella when I was
perfectly satisfied with my Daiwa Certate? Well, as any good Enthusiast would
do, when presented with such a question in mind, I tossed aside these
reservations and decided to find out for myself. |
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Taking a Spin with the Evergreen International EsDrive
While our introduction to Evergreen International came by way of their Temujin Crossfire rods, it is no secret to the vast majority of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM)
tackle fans out
there that this
company also offers
several full lines
of bait products as
well. |
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Be Forewarned for Pure Evil Lurks Within : The All Purpose, All Species Megabass Mephisto
Invoking the
mythology
surrounding this
name that represents
one of the devil's
chief minions,
Megabass all but
acknowledges their
role in seducing the
weary angler to the
dark side. After
all, what self
respecting
Enthusiast can
resist an evil magic
wand that is known
by the name
"Mephisto". |
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Capping off Megabass's
Trio of Finesse
Application Spinning
Sticks: The Shabbler
In the Megabass line of spinning rods, there exists a trio of sticks that are considered to be the same basic tool only with different degrees of advancement, or as Megabass
refers to it,
evolution.Completing the
trilogy, today we return to the baseline rod of this trio, the F3-69XS Shabbler |
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Daiwa's Version of
the Little Black Dress:
The Exist 2004
Approximately two decades ago, Daiwa introduced us to their original Tournament Whisker series of spinning reels. Daiwa has since gone through a couple of generations worth of new designs like the former Hard Bodies and the current Real4 products. |
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Megabass Turns Their Sights on Trout With Their Very Elegant Pagani Line
Megabass, as their name implies, is best known for their insane offerings in the realm of bass fishing. But how does their particular
interpretation of the tackle world translate to other segments of the market? |
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Revisiting Evergreen International's Temujin Crossfire Rods : The TXFC-68MH Stallion
Evergreen's Temujin
Crossfire TXFC-66MR
Steed, did not fare too well in the shootout, but only because the rod's action did not match our expectations, based on the manufacturer specifications. Today, we look at the Steed's big brother, the TXFC-68MH, a heavier action stick with a bit more versatility. |
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Major Craft Delivers an Ultra-Light Stick Armed with an Extra-Fast Punch
In our effort to bring you the many stories within this diverse world of the tackle industry, we share with you now, our most recent adventure with an Ultra Light offering from Major Craft Japan. Introducing the Major Craft Toy II MSS-602UL, a two piece ultralight stick from Japan. |
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Continuing Our Look into Daiko Japan with Their Mid-Level Lineup, Gallet
We were so impressed with the BRSC68M from Daiko Japan we wanted to see what else
was offered. Instead of staying with their top-end product, we moved down a couple of steps looking for something less exotic and just a little more practical: the two-piece Daiko Gallet GLS-632L
spinning rod |
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Exotic
Practicality? The Reality That Defines an Oxymoron, Major Craft's Day's Season DC-644M
Looking for a rod that is portable, affordable and possesses a flavor of that
import rod allure? Major Craft is a growing Japanese rod manufacturer that
produces quality product at an affordable price.
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Introducing the Twain-esque Daiko Burroughs
Formerly in the
top three of the
Japanese market,
their business
model has taken
a drastic
change. What has
happened? We
took it upon
ourselves to
investigate by
acquiring a rod
from their
current top
lineup,
Burroughs, and
put it through
our usual
battery of
tests. |
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Know Their Steez, Daiwa Japan's New Flagship Low Profile Baitcaster
You can be sure
when a company
like Daiwa Japan
introduces a new
reel, there will
be an endless
amount of
anticipation
surrounding this
reel's debut. Introducing our review of the much anticipated Daiwa Japan TD-Z replacement, the Daiwa Steez Baitcaster. |
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Don't Get Stung by the Stinger Tip : The Megabass F4-69RSDti Orochi Evolution
Found only on
their exclusive
HedgeHog rods,
the stinger tip
is an
approximate
eight to nine
inch section of
tubular
graphite. The
intent is to
provide a true
extra-fast tip
section that
transfers into a
stronger than
normal backbone
to deliver
instant
hooksetting
without
sacrificing
sensitivity.
Confused? |
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There Can Only Be One: The 2006 TackleTour SuperCast Shootout
Earlier this
year, we
previewed our
2006 TackleTour
SuperCast
Shootout: a
promised battle
between four of
Japan's top rod
manufacturers.
The following
pages represent
quite possibly,
our most
detailed
shootout to date
culminating in
our 2006
SuperCast
Shootout winner. |
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Shimano's Next Generation Metanium XT
The
unprecedented
release of the
US Chronarch B,
prior to the
debut of the new
Metanium XT,
sent scores of
consumers into a
tailspin. It's
been a good year
now since all
the anticipation
has come and
passed, and it's
time to share
our thoughts on
the new Metanium
XT from Shimano |
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Megabass
Invokes the Spirit of a Dragon to Bring to Life their Fiberglass Cranking Stick
The word "Shiryu" as defined by Megabass USA, is Japanese for "purple dragon". But the dragon is also the symbol of springtime and what excites bass anglers and tackle enthusiasts more than early signs of their favorite season? How about a review of a F4-610GT3 Shiryu from Megabass. |
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Announcing the 2006 TackleTour SuperCast Shootout!
Announcing the
2006 TackleTour SuperCast Shootout, a battle between four of Japan's top rod
manufacturers. In the coming months, we will bring you the results of our
detailed field testing efforts, but for now, let's introduce you to the players
and see how they relate to one another in the lab. |
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Redefining the UL Market : The Uber-Ultra Light Daiwa Presso Baitcaster
Based on the venerable Pixy, but
marketed as a true ultralight baitcasting reel for trout, the Presso comes to us
in an even lighter overall presentation and shrouded in a black and orange color
scheme. |
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A Reel Novelty : The Abu Garcia EON Pro 3600C/3601C
Daiwa and Shimano are not the only manufacturers producing reels for exclusive
sale outside the United States. We acquired one such product that has been discontinued but can still be
easily found thanks to the likes of online auction houses. The very unique and intriguing Abu Garcia EON Pro 3600C/3601C. |
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A Spinnerbait
stick from Daiwa Japan, the Heartland-Z Hama Special
The fishing rod market is hotly contested within Japan and Daiwa reserves some
of their most intriguing product for their home market. We take a look at one
such offering, the Daiwa Heartland Z Hama Spinnerbait Special (HZ-6101HRB-ti). |
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Uncovering the Weapon of a Bass Pro: Megabass's 2005 F3-610DGS Aaron Martens Limited
Presenting the brand new, 2005 F3-610DGS Aaron Martens Limited from Megabass.
The split grip spinning rod with the unusual silver sleeve detail between the
rear grip and butt cap. |
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Power and Balance in a Burgundy Wrap : The Shimano Japan Scorpion G4
Straight out of Shimano Japan comes a rather intriguing product that shows
design and innovation is strong within Shimano's rod lines.... the captivating
interchangeable Scorpion G4 line of fishing rods. |
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TackleTour's 2005 SuperCast Championship : The Daiwa Millionaire I'ZE Light vs The Shimano Conquest 101DC
Take an in depth look at our two, 2005, ultimate, round baitcasting reels, The Daiwa Millionaire I'ZE Light 103L and the Shimano Conquest 101DC. |
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SuperCast Shootout Round 2 : Daiwa Millionaire I'ZE Light vs Daiwa Millionaire RinGa
In July, we brought you the first semi-final matchup in our 2005 SuperCast Shootout: the Conquest 101DC versus a supertuned Mörrum Ultra Mag S2.
Today, we bring you our second semi-final match, a sibling rivalry between two limited edition Daiwa Millionaire reels. |
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The 2004 & 2005 Limited Edition Daiwa Liberto Pixy Reels...is
there a casting advantage?
In late April of this year, the 2005 Limited Edition Pixy debuted sporting a
lighter Duralumin spool instead of the traditional GIGAS resulting in a reel that overall, is even lighter than its already feathery predecessors. How could this be possible? If true, how would it affect performance? |
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Before the TD
Luna existed there was the Daiwa Japan Millionaire Bay Casting Special
Before the new TD Luna existed Daiwa Japan had already offered anglers overseas
a robust souped-up version of their popular CV-Z reels
equipped with an externally adjustable MagForce V sideplate, corrosion resistant bearings, and a lightweight, Gigas
spool. |
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Round 1 of
the TT SuperCast Shootout: The Abu Mörrum Ultra Mag vs Shimano Conquest 101DC
2005 marks the year Tackle Tour has chosen to pay homage to the round baitcaster and launch our very own renaissance as we take four top end, overseas offerings from three different manufacturer's and shoot them out against one another in our very first Tackle Tour SuperCast Reel Shootout. |
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Prepare to be
Assimilated : The 2005 Alphas
Ito Ai
We've moved past our own initial disappointment with this reel's aesthetics and
have taken it upon ourselves to investigate whether or not 2005 Alphas Ito Ai
really does miss the mark or if something magical exists beneath the shroud.
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The discontinued but ever so brilliant Shimano Metanium MG
Concurrent with the
announcement of their, newly designed 2005 Metanium XT reels, Shimano Japan made it known that the very popular Metanium
MG was to be taken out of production. |
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"Fish with Mindfulness - Beware the Dark Side" : The Daiwa TD-Ito
We've received countless inquiries for further information on the fabled Ito.
With that in mind, this editor took one of the most prized items in his
collection out of its case and mounted it onto several different fishing rods.
Pull up a chair as we give you our true thoughts behind the 2003 TD-ITO |
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The Smooth Operator :
Daiwa's Real Four Engineered Certate 2000
In the middle of last year, Daiwa upped the ante with the introduction of
the Certate, the goal was to reduce unnecessary friction and vibration to
smoothly and efficiently translate every bit of mechanical energy in turning the
handle to the purpose of winding line onto the spool. |
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A Rod to Truly Make Your Collection : The Megabass Super Destroyer III
We thought we'd bring one in for a test run and see just what a signature series
rod direct from the US division of one of the most popular rod manufacturers in
Japan is all about. Introducing the F6-69X Super Destroyer III. |
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Enthusiast shootout, the Daiwa Alphas and Shimano Scorpion
Mg duel for the crown
At the close of 2004 we presented a heavyweight shootout between the flagship
enthusiast baitcasting reels. As a sequel to that stalwart battle, we decided to follow on with a match up that's slightly more attainable and a bit more relevant: the Daiwa Alphas versus the Shimano Scorpion MG. |
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Going neck and neck in
a enthusiast shootout, the Shimano Antares AR VS Daiwa TD-Z Type R+
An enthusiast super tuned shootout between two of the very best Japanese baitcasters, the Daiwa TD-Z 103ML Type R+ and Shimano Antares AR! The closest
shootout ever fought in TT history. |
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An Ultra-Light
Baitcaster Worthy of Serious Anglers - The Daiwa Liberto Pixy
Tired of the line twist issues inherent with spinning gear? Ever wish for just a
little more control while throwing finesse baits? Ever wonder what it’d be like
to fish 4lb test on a bait casting rig? Well, wonder no more. |
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The Makings of
an Import Legend - the Shimano Scorpion 1000/1001
For many tackle enthusiasts, it all starts here, the Shimano Scorpion 1000/1001.
Discussion forums throughout the internet praise this reel’s value and
performance, and at online auction houses, despite the reel’s import status,
sales are closed almost daily. |
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A truly exotic flipping rod, the very rare
Megabass F7-711X
Megabass Custom Rods of Japan has an almost legendary reputation and underground
following within the United States for insanely detailed, supremely, hand
crafted, very exclusive products. |
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The Extreme Collectibles for the Supreme
Enthusiast - Team Daiwa Limited Edition Reels
Daiwa Japan has, within the last couple of years, brought the hobby of
collecting fishing tackle to an entirely new level of obsession with limited
edition, supremely engineered, and elegantly crafted offerings. This article
gives an overview of two such offerings, the 2004 TD-Z Custom and 2003 Ito
Reels. |
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A decisive balance of might and refinement, the Shimano
Conquest 50
A little over a year ago,
TackleTour introduced you to the Shimano Calcutta GT series, we took a
closer look at the GT’s Japanese Market counterpart, and downsized our test with
the Shimano Conquest 51. Could this ultra light sized reel deliver when it
counts? You better believe it. |
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The Versatile Petite Purple Powerhouse, the Daiwa Alphas
Not in recent memory had the anticipated arrival of a new reel caused as much
Internet banter as that of the Daiwa Alphas. Targeted in size somewhere between
the top end Team Daiwa TD-Z 103H and the diminutive finesse reel Pixy, the
Alphas is Daiwa’s answer to the established legend from Shimano Japan, the
Scorpion 1000 series reel. |
