Megabass of America Destroyer X7 Aaron Martens 71 F7-71X7 Product Review

Enthusiast Review

Megabass's Destroyer X7 Aaron Martens 71! (continued)

Power: This is where the F7-71X7 really begins to shine. The power of this stick is impressive and charts similar to that of Daiwa's STZ741XHFBA-XBD swimbait stick! In fact, looking at the chart below, the two rod's curves are right on top of one another. However, we need to explain the Daiwa Steez XBD stick is three inches longer and length so while the two sticks chart similarly, they feel different when under load. The Steez XBD stick has more leverage than the Aaron Martens 71 and hence feels more powerful in real world applications.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Destroyer F7-71X7 Aaron Martens 71 against the Daiwa STZ74XIHFBA-XBD rod along with the curves of our three Big Bait Stick averages.

Another legendary stick the Aaron Martens 71 resembles however, is the Evergreen International TKLC-71MHX Super Stallion. In fact, these two rods share identical lengths, near identical RoD ratings, and near identical weights, but the Super Stallion has a different taper than the Aaron Martens 71 and is much better balanced.

This stick's power belies its dainty appearance.

Lab Results for Destroyer F7-71X7 Aaron Martens 71
Model	Avg RoD (2-32 oz)	Taper	Measured Weight (oz)	Balance Point (inches)	Balancing Torque (ftlbs)
Destroyer F7-71X7 Aaron Martens 71	1.25	Fast	5	8.5	0.23
Evergreen International TKLC-71MHX Super Stallion	1.29	X-Fast	5.1	6.5	0.15
Daiwa STZ741XHFBA XBD	1.50	Fast	5.3	8.5	0.24
MBR844C GLX	1.48	Fast	4.7	7.5	--

As a standalone stick the Aaron Martens 71 is every bit its extra-heavy power rating. Fish are easily controlled with this rod and like the Super Stallion and the Steez XBD, it's power surprises you every time you have a fish on the other end of line.

Cork in the handle has good consistent color, but there's still a good degree of fill.

Performance Ratings for Destroyer F7-71X7 Aaron Martens 71
Pitch (1-5)	Cast (1-5)	Sensitivity (1-5)	Hook Set (1-5)	Control (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5	4	5	5	5	24	25	9.6

Never one to miss an opportunity for exquisite detail, the top of this rod's reel seat locking mechanism features a hidden, aggressive design.

Features: The F7-71X7 features a split rear grip of good but not top grade cork, the guides are titanium framed SiCs, the reel seat is split with Megabass's own custom trimming between the seat components. There is no hook keeper with the rod and it does come with a rod sleeve that is moderately useful in the rod locker but still best used for when storing your rod outside of the boat.

Features Ratings for Destroyer F7-71X7 Aaron Martens 71
Grip (1-5)	Guides (1-5)	Reel Seat (1-5)	Hook Keeper (1-5)	Rod Sleeve (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
3	5	4	1	4	17	25	6.8

Megabass's Yoloy wrap increases durability of the rod's blank.

One very interesting feature of this rod and one that doesn't get scored is the unique Yoloy wrap surrounding the blank. It's a reinforcement for the blank that not only helps the blank resist compression under load, but also provides a degree of protection from dings and nicks to the blank. Yuki Ito demonstrates the durability of this wrap by rubbing the blank against a piece of wood and showing how the wood is scored with no damage to the blank. It's a very interesting feature.

Another nicely executed styling cue at the split of the rear grip.

Design/Ergonomics: The rod's grip, while kind of overdone with the split design, is comfortable to hold. Megabass's graphics are always well done and the rod's balance is average while its weight, considering the rod's power, is very good.

A small CA Delta bass coming up for a picture op!

Design & Ergonomics Ratings for Destroyer F7-71X7 Aaron Martens 71
Grip (1-5)	Colors / Graphics (1-5)	Balance (1-5)	Weight (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	5	3	4.5	16.5	20	8.25

A look at the one of the Fuji, titanium framed SiC guides on the Aaron Martens 71.

Application: The Aaron Martens 71 by Megabass is a very versatile stick but I feel it's best suited for vertical presentations. That having been said I've thrown large spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, swimbaits, and even some square bills with this rod and it can fish them effectively. You just have to keep in mind the rod is slow to load during a cast because of its power.

Bass Rod Application Ratings for Destroyer F7-71X7 Aaron Martens 71
Rip/Jerk (1-5)	Steady (1-5)	Lift & Drop (1-5)	Drag (1-5)	Twitch (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
3	2	5	5	3	18	25	7.2

Another exquisite Megabass original for the Enthusiasts.

Ratings:

Destroyer F7-71X7 Aaron Martens 71 Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	We're being extra picky, but that's because it's a Megabass.	8.95
Performance	This is a pretty special stick though not quite as special as the Destruction X4	9.6
Price	Those in the market for such a stick never look at the price. Unfortunately, once you look at it, the number is one that will make you pause before you purchase.	5
Features	Pretty standard list of Enthusiast level features though we leave no room to score the unique yoloy wrap.	6.8
Design (Ergonomics)	The only area where I'm left wanting for more really is in the rod's balance.	8.25
Application	This rod is versatile but for some reason it doesn't feel quite as versatile as Evergreen's Super Stallion.	7.2
Total Score		7.63
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable! For More Details of the updated rating system visit our explanation here

Pluses and Minuses:

Plus	Minus
+ Sensitive Stick	- Wish it were a little better balanced
+ Deceivingly Powerful	- Cork in handle is good, but not as clean as I'd have liked for a rod at this price point
+ Refined Look and Feel

Conclusion: Megabass shows once again that they can build an exquisite, high performing stick out of high quality graphite without necessarily having to go through their Evoluzion program. The Destroyer X7 series are the complete opposite of their Orochi XX in that these rods are not built for the masses. Instead, they are intended for those who understand and covet the much more difficult to acquire, careful crafted and designed, high material spec of an Enthusiast category stick.

Did I say I prefer this rod for vertical presentations? Here's a nice one caught on an Aruku squarebill!

What's more, you can take this rod out, put it through the paces, and be rewarded with excellent performance that includes surprising power. The F7-71X7 Aaron Martens 71 is a pretty special stick. One that's more versatile than it would first lead you to believe. You can fish it in tight to heavy cover and have enough power to work fish away from structure and you can fish it in more open water pulling a paddeltail swimbait or even a half ounce spinnerbait through, around, and over weeds, stumps, rocks, and grass. Were it not for the F6-72X4 this stick would have easily won Ultimate Enthusiast, but we're holding that award back hoping it will inspire Megabass to deliver just a little bit more.