F5.5-75XX Braillist: Perhaps the most intriguing stick in the refreshed series is a brand new offering in the F5.5-75XX Braillist. Designed as a specialty bottom contact version of the EMTF, the Braillist features a slightly faster taper than the EMTF and the result is a stick that is especially adept at pitching presentations. I paired the new Braillist up with one of my Shimano Chronarch MGLs spooled with twelve pound Seaguar Tatsu fluorocarbon and tied a jig at the end of the line to see if I could uncover what this stick was all about.

Another prototype with a TBD release date.. a new flatsided squarebill from Megabass of America.

Once again thwarted by uncooperative fish, all I could really manage was to get a feel for the Braillist in casting and pitching scenarios. In these situations it behaved as expected - not really standing out one way or the other.

The new Orochi XX rods will feature the Ito Engineering Spiral Architecture Reel Seat.

Granted, I was only fishing a jig and in mostly open, off shore structure. Dragging that jig along the bottom revealed good sensitivity from the Braillist, but I really needed a fish or two to cooperate in order to reveal the strength behind this stick. More time is definitely needed with this rod perhaps on the California Delta instead.

This reel seat affords a lot of exposure to the blank while also guiding your fingers comfortably around the bottom of the reel.

Overall, there are 15 models in this refreshed lineup. Many are carry overs, some are blends, others are new and unique. Megabass of America explains each model uses a different blend of low-resin raw graphite together with the Kabt technology to achieve each individual action. Despite what many will think, these are definitely not carry overs from the JDM Orochi XXX and I can attest, the refreshed lineup is very different from the original Orochi XX.

Differences in the small foregrip design new (left) to old (right).

The new design has a much more JDM feel to it.

The sticks mentioned above were those that stood out on that day on Lake Berryessa, but understand the bite was more than slow. It wasn't possible to get a complete understanding of any of the rods, but it was possible to form some first impressions which we shared above.

Comparing the old handle design (bottom) to the new(top).

Overall, this is really the type of bite we had to contend with.

The stick that was able to make the most complete impression was the Whipsnake. The one that stood out in my mind the most was the Jerkbait Special. The other two discussed in this article deserve further investigation, but really, so do a few other models.

Also upgraded in the refreshed lineup are the guides... from Fuji Alconites to Fuji SiCs with stainless steel frames.

Conclusion: I find it interesting that this new lineup was achieved with new blank technology, upgraded aesthetics and components, but price range for the series remains virtually the same. The upgrade from Alconite guides to SiCs alone would warrant a $75 or more price increase, but Megabass of America has managed to keep retail prices in line. In summary, the better balance and crispness of the blanks are characteristics that echo throughout the lineup and should make these even more sought after than the originals.

Excited over the improvements to the original series, we still need more time on the water with a select few, key models to get a better feel.

I also enjoy that this new series features upgraded aesthetics and a return for Megabass of America to those JDM-style roots. There are many who take this for granted and others who will argue aesthetics on a fishing rod are immaterial, but those with an enthusiast soul know it is difficult to wield an instrument that does not represent an extension of your consciousness. In a fishing rod, that connection begins with something that inspires you to pick it up, tie something on, toss it out, and fish. There's little doubt we are anxious for more fishing time with Megabass of America's new Orochi XX lineup.

Keep up with Megabass of America's product availability at TackleWarehouse