Sensitivity: When it all boils down, to me, the VKC-78H-4 is essentially a deep cranking rod with a higher than average lure rating. It is ideal for moving and big topwater baits. With sticks like this, sensitivity is secondary, but to its credit, I was certainly able to feel all the baits I fished on it thumping, digging into the bottom, or getting caught up in the weeds. Of course, given the size of these baits, and the commotion they cause, I'd have been concerned if I could not feel what they were doing at the end of the line. Normally, with a stick like this, I'd tie on a soft bodied swimbait to test sensitivity, but the VKC-78H-4's taper isn't really suited for this application, nor did I feel it was warranted. Treble hooked baits is where it is at with this stick.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Megabass Valkyrie World Expedition VKC-78H-4 against the historical averages of similarly powered rods we've tested over the past twenty years

Power: This is definitely where the VKC-78H-4 is reminiscent of the legendary White Python. Once a fish strikes your bait and you swing to set, the VKC-78H-4 responds immediately and reveals a surprisingly smooth and confidence inspiring power curve belying its four piece construction. The rod's taper is ideal for big, heavy, treble hooked baits delivering enough power to move the bait during a hookset, yet, the right amount of forgiveness to help you land your potential catch.

Checking out that tip

Design & Ergonomics: The VKC-78H-4's best feature is the fact it breaks down into 4 pieces and comes with a convenient cloth carrying case. Otherwise, depending on how you intend to use it, that rear handle is a little short and there are no markings at each joint to help with alignment of the rod's pieces. The reel seat, while not cumbersome whatsoever is still non-cutaway and I'm not really a fan of the large foregrip. I just find it unnecessary. Overall weight and balance is decidedly average, but that's actually expected when dealing with a multi-piece stick.

The VKC-78H-4's best feature is the fact it breaks down into 4 pieces

Detailed criticism aside, the VKC-78H-4 is a fun stick to fish even if it's missing a bit of the usual Megabass flair. Its overall weight and balance is right in line with our twenty year average for all purpose swimbait sticks although its actual abilities lie somewhere between all purpose and finesse big bait duties. The fact you can break it down and stow it in your suitcase or somewhere in your car should not be overlooked. It is, afterall, the VKC-78H-4's overriding design intent.

However, despite being a 4-piece rod, once assembled this stick fishes like a one-piece

Price & Applications: The VKC-78H-4 retails for $369 which, considering its components and the fact it breaks down into four pieces, is actually quite reasonable. Travel rods tend to be on the slightly more expensive than their one-piece counterparts. The Valkyrie World Expedition stick compare favorably to Orochi XX (when looking at components) in Megabass's lineup. These sticks currently retail for $349, so for just $20 more, you get something kind of sort of similar, but with the convenience to pack away in your suitcase or car.

The only downside I see with this stick is its lack of a nickname

Conclusion: Without fishing the sticks side by side for a true comparison, I'd say the VKC-78H-4 is very reminiscent of the legendary White Python in the way it fishes. I think the VKC-78H-4 might be a degree softer, but the fact it fishes like an overpowered crankbait stick is exactly how I remember the White Python. In that role this stick is just about ideal. The fact it breaks down so you can bring it with you on travel or stow it in the back of your car for those unexpected opportunities is a bonus. I liked it best fishing larger billed baits either on top or cranked down. It absorbs that initial, often ferocious strike extremely well while still allowing the hooks to penetrate and remain engaged during battle. The only real downside to this stick? The fact I have to keep referring to it as the VKC-78H-4. Where's that Megabass nickname? Well, nevertheless, if you're looking for a stick to travel with you on your big bait adventures, the VKC-78H-4 is certainly this Editor's Choice.

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