Performance: I no longer have my original Elseil Evoluzion, winner of our 2006 SuperCast Shootout. That rod was made during a period when Megabass had three different Evoluzion sub-lines each with a different titanium blank technology. That rod had the designation of F4-610XDti so it was half a power lighter. While I don't have that rod with which to compare differences, I was anxious to get this newly refreshed Elseil out on the water to evaluate it on its own merits. I paired it with Shimano's also renewed and instant classic, Calcutta Conquest 101.

This is our first rod featuring Fuji's new, top end Torzite guide system.

Casting: Megabass doesn't offer medium, medium heavy, heavy ratings on their rods. Instead they go by a "force" system of numbers that are often mysterious. So in turn, we look to the rod's line and lure ratings to get a better sense of how the blank might perform. A one quarter of an ounce to three quarters of an ounce (1/4oz - 3/4oz) lure rating generally implies "medium heavy" to US anglers, but these ratings are often off too, so an on the water evaluation helps in these matters.

A familiar profile from the side.

The F4.5-610ti performs well in this range right on up to three quarters of an ounce. That extra 0.5 in power Megabass bestowed upon the current Elseil Evoluzion makes a difference as the previous version really was more of a medium powered rod. Casting and pitching duties are handled very well by this rod though it is not as inspiring as the F6-72X4 Orochi X4 Destruction - few sticks are.

But the inserts are thinner than SiC.

Next Section: Titanium for sensitivity