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Enthusiast Review

Re-Test : Megabass's F4st-69RSDti Hedgehog Evoluzion! (continued)

Features: On the rod's list of standard features, really it scores well across the categories save for its lack of a hook keeper. Other than that oversight, the rod's sleeve is average in terms of functionality - not a great choice for locker storage, but very good for protecting the rod when stowing outside of the boat.


The Hedgehog Evoluzion features a titanium composite blank.

The afore mentioned grip is predominately cork, the rod features titanium framed guides with SiC inserts and the reel seat is Yuki Ito's own design - very smartly executed.


Detailing of the split rear grip shows this rods origins in Megabass's Orochi lineup.

On the flip side for features we do not score nor have the ability to validate, the rod's blank is part of Megabass's Evoluzion line and part of the series that has cross woven titanium fibers through a portion of the blank. This titanium mesh can be seen in the first third of the rod and is supposedly integrated to the blank. In all honestly it looks as if it may just be a cosmetic overlay, but if it were, one would assume you could see a seam where the overlay material comes together. That seam is not visible.


Detailing at the top of the rod's handle assembly.

Assuming this pattern really is a titanium mesh, how these fibers truly benefit the rod's performance is unclear - especially given the mesh does not run the entire length of the rod. It must be for reinforcement though the rod's butt section, but we cannot score a feature that we have no real way of validating.


Spotted bass are great fun on spinning gear!

The one very tangible feature of the Hedgehog Evoluzion is, of course, the stinger tip - the solid graphite top section of the rod. We know it's not built to withstand any compression force down the length of the stick, so care must be taken in storage and transport of the rod. The actual benefit while fishing has been noted above, and it's a very intriguing feature indeed.

Features Ratings for Megabass F4st-69RSDti Orochi Hedgehog Evoluzion

Grip (1-5)
Guides (1-5)
Reel Seat (1-5)
Hook Keeper (1-5)
Rod Sleeve (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4
5
4
1
3
17
25
6.8

Design/Ergonomics: The F4st-69RSDti features a cork grip contoured for comfort. The design works without being exaggerated. There are a lot of colors on the rod, but they're presented in a very refined, toned down manner to where you really have to look closely to both see and appreciate the composition.


Working a 4" Roboworm straight tail on drop shot.

Balance of this stick as with any spinning rod is not great, but the rod's overall weight is good. Most spinning sticks are top heavy yet with the reel mounted under the rod, and with most people holding their spinning combos forward of the reel foot, it's not as big of a concern as with a casting rod.

Design & Ergonomics Ratings for Megabass F4st-69RSDti Orochi Hedgehog Evoluzion

Grip (1-5)
Colors / Graphics (1-5)
Balance (1-5)
Weight (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4
4.5
3
3.5
15
20
7.5


Sometimes, fishing finesse comes with great rewards!

Application: When it comes to bass fishing, I rarely use a spinning rod for anything other than finesse techniques. Having said that, I suppose if you were into light line fishing you really could extend the utility of this rod by throwing small crankbaits, the increasingly popular spinbaits, small jigs, as well as any number of soft plastics rigged in the traditional finesse tactics. Due to my past experience breaking one of these sticks, the tip would give me pause, but having fished this stick successfully over the last two years, I don't see how any of the above listed techniques would pose a problem on this rod.

Bass Rod Application Ratings for Megabass F4st-69RSDti Orochi Hedgehog Evoluzion

Rip/Jerk (1-5)
Steady (1-5)
Lift & Drop (1-5)
Drag (1-5)
Twitch (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
3
4
5
5
3
20
25
8.0

 

Ratings:

Megabass F4st-69RSDti Orochi Hedgehog Evoluzion Ratings (?/10)

Construction/Quality Pretty typical of what we expect from this manufacturer 9.47
Performance Surprising power 8.4
Price Really, at this point you kind of have to not care about the price, but we score it nonetheless... given the technology in the blank you could argue it's a fair price, but we're still talking just under $600. 5.5
Features Is the titanium weave real or cosmetic? Hard to say, but that stinger tip is the real deal. 6.8
Design (Ergonomics) On pure aesthetic alone, this rod is typical Megabass, but we take into account other factors as well. 7.5
Application As versatile a light powered spinning rod there is 8.0

Total Score

7.61
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
+ Surprisingly sensitive - The tip still makes me nervous
+ Surprisingly powerful  
+ Very comfortable rod to fish  

  

Conclusion: Time, expense, and circumstance permitting, we're all about giving a piece of equipment a second chance through our review process. When companies like Megabass of America reach out and want to work more closely with us, all the better because it would have been tough otherwise.

 


The Stinger Tip still makes me nervous, but the F4st-69RSDti has held up over a year and a half of fishing and is definitely a fun stick to fish.

 

I'm glad things worked out the way they did, but despite my having fished this same technology in a number of different models from Megabass's latest lineup, I will forever be nervous around this stick in particular and careful not to place any vertical, downward pressure on its tip. I do, however, have a much better appreciation for its utility out on the water. I can see why it was one of Aaron Marten's favorite drop shot sticks, and of course, it is capable of so much more. If you've been interested in this stick and see one available - don't hesitate. With Megabass's ever changing position on whether or not to discontinue this rod, it's best to play it safe and just grab one while you can.


 

   

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