ICAST 2014 Coverage - Megabass of America new rods

ICAST 2014 Coverage

Megabass's Extends Double X and Refines Evoluzion

Date:	7/21/14
Location:	Orlando, FL
Admission:	Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer:	Megabass of America
Reviewer:	Cal

Introduction: Very few manufacturers within the fishing industry can create stir in more than one category of products, and if they can, most of the time, they are better in one area than the other. Megabass generates about equal amount of excitement in both their rod and bait categories of product. Last year, the big news at ICAST was the company's new "entry" level rods, the Orochi XX. This year, they extend that same lineup, and then, shatter all previous notions of high end rods with a lineup that only Megabass can produce.

Orochi XX New Models: By all accounts, Megabass's 2014 introduction of their Orochi XX line was a big success. But of course, the initial offering in this series was just that. For 2015, the company adds six new rods and while the exact specifications are still a bit up in the air, we can finally share with you what they have planned.

Six new models for the Orochi XX line.

The new introductions will be a total of six rods plus one refinement. There are three planned spinning rods, the F3st-610XXS Stinger Shot (yes, there will now be a stinger tipped rod in the Orochi XX series!), the F4-68XXS Ronin, and the F3.5070XXS Shaky Head (not a new introduction, but a refinement of the existing rod's taper).

Same look and feel.

The casting rods will consist of a new F5-711XXG Launcher - a 7'11" cranking stick similar to our recently reviewed Ultimate Cranking rod from the Tomahawk series, an F5-72XX Diablo Spec R (all purpose), F5-72XXG Swing Fire (cranking), and F10-80XX Leviathan (big baits).

Save for the purplish blue wraps on the cranking sticks.

New Evoluzion Rods: We received a sneak peak of these rods last Fall during out visit to the Megabass factory in Japan. Yuki Ito framed them up as some prototypes he whipped up over the weekend to use on a day trip. Today we know what we saw were prototypes of the new Evoluzion series of rods. These rods will have a new look and new Megabass-esque design features among them being:

Yuki Ito giving us a preview of what would become the new Evoluzion line last fall at the Megabass Factory.

ITO C40 Hybrid Titanium Shaft: New, 40 ton graphite balnks with infused titanum fibers for increased strength, resilience, and sensitivity in the blank.

And now they are here...

ITO Clawgrasp Headlocking System: It is, afterall, all about the design at the top of the reel seat. This new excaliber-like design is aggressive, functional, and a very unique way to "crown" the entire handle assembly.

A closer look at the spinning seat.

ITO Humpback Monoblock Spinning Seat: The spinning rods feature a similar headlocking system as described above, but also a new spinning seat highlighted with a sculpted hump on the back that looks as if it could double as a bait keeper.

Torzite Minimum Guide System: All the new Evoluzion rods will feature Torzite guides sized smaller than normal, but still larger than micro-guides hence the "minimum" designation. This new system is said to save 35% over standard titanium framed SiC guides.

Megabass 2015 Evoluzion Casting Rod Specifications
Model	Name	Length	Lure	Line	Taper
F1 1/2-66ti	Exparda	6'-6"	1/8 - 5/8	5-14	Regular
F2-67ti	Themis	6'-7"	1/8 - 1/2	6-12	Medium Fast
F3 1/2-610ti	Griffon Evolution	6'-10"	1/4 - 3/4	8-20	Medium Fast
F4-65ti	One-Ten STIC Evolution	6'-5"	1/4 - 3/4	8-20	Regular
F4 1/2-610ti	Elseil	6'-10"	1/4 - 3/4	8-20	Medium Fast
F5 1/2-68ti	Diablo Stage III	6'-8"	1/4 - 1	8-22	Regular
F5 1/2-70ti	Super Diablo II	7'-0"	1/4 - 1	8-22	Medium Fast
F6 1/2-72ti	Mephisto	7'-2"	3/8 - 2	12-30	Medium Fast
F7-76ti	White Python	7'-6"	3/8-4	12-30	Medium Fast

Light Saber or Sonic Screwdriver? Whichever the case, there is little defense against the temptation.

Megabass 2015 Evoluzion Spinning Rod Specifications
Model	Applications	Length	Lure	Line	Taper
F0 1/2-63ti-S	Lycaon Evolution	6'-3"	1/64 - 3/16	2-8	Medium Fast
F1 1/2-66ti-S	Saratoga	6'-6"	1/32 - 1/4	2-10	Medium Fast
F2 1/2-610ti-S	Spin Elseil	6'-10"	1/16 - 1/2	4-12	Medium Fast
F3 1/2-69ti	Shabbeler	6'-9"	1/16 - 1/2	4-12	Medium Fast

Megabass demonstrates once more they know how to generate a buzz.

Retail on the new Evoluzion series rods from Megabass is expected to begin at $750.

Aaron Martens agrees.

Conclusion: Few manufacturers can generate buzz the way Megabass can. While most will appreciate the extension of their Orochi XX line, where the true passion lies is within their top end offerings. The new Evoluzion series are sure to keep many an Enthusiast and want to be Enthusiast up late at night counting their pennies. But once in hand, the shear joy and amazement that comes across your spirit is makes it all worth the anguish.