Megabass Orochi X10 F7-71XT Swamp Survivor Fishing Rod Review #megabassswampsurvivor #megabassfrogrod

Rod Review

Surviving the Swamp with Megabass's X-10 F7-71XT Power Playing Frog Rod

Date:	10/23/24
Tackle Type:	Rod
Manufacturer:	Megabass America
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 8.08 - GREAT

Introduction: Never one to be confined to the status quo, Megabass continues to offer anglers intriguing options for their bass fishing arsenal. Their latest venture resurrects an approach to blank technology we saw back in 2007 using organic fibers in the design of a new blank. The result, their Orochi X10, has won the IF International Design Award along with Japan's Good Design Award. Both are cross industry competitions recognizing outstanding design. However, theory and aesthetics only get you so far on the water. How does Orochi X10 actually perform? Let's find out.

Megabass Orochi X10 F7-71XT Swamp Survivor Specifications
Material	X10 Organic Fiber Composite
Length	7'-1"
Line Wt.	12-30lb
Lure Wt.	1/2-3oz
Pieces	One
Guides	9+tip (Fuji SS/SiC)
Rear Handle Length	10.25"
Power Rating	Extra-Heavy
Taper	Fast
Rod Weight	5.8
Origin	Made in China
MSRP	$399

The model from within the Orochi X10 lineup I chose to sample was the F7-71XT Swam Survivor

Impressions: The model from within the Orochi X10 lineup I chose to sample was the F7-71XT Swam Survivor. It falls within that "magic spec" I've been referring to of a ~seven foot rod with a lure rating of up to three ounces. Specifications aside, the first thing that struck me with F7-71XT was the diameter of the blank down by the handle. It is very reminiscent of a glass rod and a reminder, right away, that I was dealing with something other than a straight graphite blank.

Megabass employs a layer of organic material in the composition of this new blank

To clarify, the blank in Megabass's Orochi X10 series is not made completely out of this newish organic material. There's still about three layers of graphite within the blank. They're simply using this organic layer (derived from flax cellulose micro-fibrils and used by Porsche and BMW in some of their race cars) as a wrap to finish the blank where the material provides unique stability against twisting forces with the side benefit of protecting that inner carbon core against external forces. This organic layer is also purportedly lighter than the carbon alternative.

Just a dash more of flash in the X10 with the aluminum reel seat fore-nut

The actual finished rod is built with a split rear grip made of cork and features yet another new reel seat design sculpted by Yuki Ito and manufactured by Fuji. Guides are not specified but appear to be Fuji stainless steel framed SiCs. The feel of the rod in hand, straight out of the packing tube is light-ish and powerful, but of course a visit with the RoD WRACK and scale will reveal more objective statistics.

Rear handle is split and made of cork

Real World Tests: Before that appointment on the RoD WRACK, I took the Swam Survivor out for a spin or two matched up first with the new Shimano Metanium DC spooled with some Sunline FX2 Braid, and then on one trip with Shimano Japan's new Scorpion 201 MD also spooled with Sunline's FX2 Braid. In both instances, I abandoned my leader game and went with straight braid.

Early success with the vibrating jig

Casting: Megabass's new X-10 Swamp Survivor is marketed as a frog and swimbait stick, so the first bait I tied onto the end of the line was the company's very own Big Gabot. This is a three quarter ounce hollow bodied frog bait with a concave mouth that splashes when it walks. True to form, I was able to sidearm sling this bait into some of the tightest openings with the Swamp Survivor though oddly enough, in open water, when paired with the Scorpion 201 MD, I kept casting to the left of my intended target often landing on top of Zander's casts. Note, I did not experience this with the Metanium DC.

Once I clipped on the Illude Baits Baby Gerbil, it was kind of game over for everything else

Anyway, unfortunately, for whatever reason, the frog bite never materialized for me with this stick though that might have something to do with my lack of persistence. See, the arrival of this stick and my window to test it out on the water just happened to coincide with the unexpected release of something new by Illude Baits. It was the Baby Gerbil, a tiny little topwater rat-like bait carved out of wood and weighing only one and a half ounces (the bait measures nine inches from nose to tip of tail). So, testing duties aside, I was a bit more anxious to fish this bait than the Big Gabot.

The very detailed guide wrap. This green blue combination has become a signature look for the series

Now with this heavier bait, I did not experience the same slice to my cast as with the Big Gabot, but it could also be because I spent more time fishing the Baby Gerbil and was more dialed in with the release. The heaviest bait I threw on this stick was Illude's Pistol Gill, a bait that's right at the limit of the rod's lure rating at three ounces, and the Swamp Survivor handled that bait just fine.

Another series, another reel seat by Megabass

Next Section: Swamp Survivor Sensitivity?