Taking Aim with Megabass's Destroyer F8-78X Mark 48

Total Score: 8.33 + EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD

Introduction: I chuckled to myself a bit after reading Zander's preview of the new Destroyer models Megabass of America was introducing for 2019 and the note in his conclusion that we didn't have any of the sticks on hand for a complete review. I wasn't around or available on that date he met up with Megabass of America Product Manager, Kenichi Iida for the hands on introduction to the rods, but I did touch base with them shortly after that date, got the run down and ordered a couple sticks for myself to check out. By the time that preview went up, I was ready to get started on a write up or two. Here's our first, detailed look at stick from the extended Destroyer lineup, Megabass of America's F8-78X Mark 48.

Introducing the Onager's baby brother, the F8-78X Mark 48

Impressions: My thought in acquiring the Destroyer F8-78X Mark 48 was as a companion to the F10-711X Onager for smaller swimbaits. The Mark 48's lure weight specification slides right in underneath that of the Onager's, a stick that one our Ultimate Enthusiast Award, so I was pretty excited at the prospect of a lighter, more spry version of this same stick. What I discovered after unwrapping the Mark 48 was a stick that was heavier (by .9oz) and not as well balanced as the Onager (0.32 balancing torque number for the Mark 48 vs 0.15 for the Onager). While this discovery reinforced just how special of a stick the Onager is, I was very disappointed in my initial impression of the Mark 48.

Cosmetically, the Mark 48 is a carbon copy clone of the Onager
 

Cosmetically, the Mark 48 is a carbon copy clone of the Onager. In fact, if you line up the two rods' reel seats, there is about a two inch difference in handle lengths, and a one inch difference to the tip.

The Mark 48 is rated from half an ounce to five full ounces in lure weight and features double footed, titanium framed, SiC guides (by Fuji) all the way up the length of the rod. Another oddity is the stick is specified with a fast taper. Needless to say, the Mark 48 and I did not get off on the right foot together. Had I the opportunity to feel this stick out at a tackle store instead of ordering it sight unseen, I probably would have not purchased it.

First bait up for the Mark 48 was Megabass of America's new Mag Draft Freestyle rigged on an Owner Flashy Swimmer swimbait rig