Quality/Construction: The F5-610XX Spinnerbait Special is a 6'10” rod that features construction which includes the use of super low-resin carbon up to an impressive 40-ton grade. The blank features a vertical-axis carbon core wrapped with a 2-axis XX-Micro Carbon layer, followed by an additional vertical-axis carbon layer. Each blank is then finished off with a 4-axis carbon wrap that goes from the butt section to the mid-section, for a total of 6-axis. Since carbon material is strongest along its axis, this unique manufacturing process adds significant strength to combat blank twist and improve overall structural integrity, all without adding unnecessary weight. The F5-610XX Spinnerbait Special as well as all other XX rods are adorned with stainless steel framed Fuji K-series guides with Alconite inserts. Just because this is an affordable Megabass rod doesn't mean they skimp on craftsmanship whatsoever, as the wraps securing the guides are completed with care and precision. No epoxy runs or nasty thread wraps here!

Like the Extreme Mission Type-F, the full cork grip is comfortable, sized correctly, and features a rounded composite end. It feels great in hand, but also like the Type-F, I still think the handle has a bit of a boredom factor to it. It doesn't look bad, but it's a shame to have somewhat of a dull looking handle next to such a sweet, exotic looking blank. Also like the Type-F, the handle uses a lot of filler. I have used rods with a good amount of filler in the past, and after they've been fished for awhile they resemble the surface of an abused city street, with numerous chunks, gaps, and holes present.

Performance: For the performance aspect of testing, I fished the Spinnerbait Special in South Florida and Northern California for largemouth and spotted bass. Two reels found homes on this particular rod: the Shimano Scorpion 1000XT spooled with 12lb mono, and the Daiwa Steez 103HA filled with 20lb braid.

The top of the reel seat features a small Megabass badge.

Casting: This is a wonderful little rod to cast. I'm 6'3” so I consider any rod under 7'2” to be on the smaller side of what I prefer, but most anglers should love the stature of this stick. At any rate, the rod feels light, crisp, and is super accurate. The medium-fast action allows you to cast a nice variety of baits effortlessly since the rod loads slightly easier than a fast action rod. The ratings of 3/8-1 ounce seem pretty accurate to me, although my personal preference is to use a longer, slightly beefier rod for serious fishing of one ounce baits. With all of that said, if you enjoy shoreline target casting with reaction baits, this is a tough one to beat!

A close-up of the Fuji small caliber guides. Be warned that leader to braid knots will hang in them a bit at times.

Sensitivity:  Sensitivity is a strong point of all XX rods I've tried, and the Spinnerbait Special is no different. Utilizing up to 40-Ton graphite, the feel is quite impressive and rivals rods costing much more. You'll know exactly what's going on at all times, and if you choose to use braid the “wow factor” is intensified even more. There is not much else to say here except that this is one sensitive stick!                          

Power: As you can tell by looking at the deflection chart below, the Spinnerbait Special follows closely to another reaction bait rod from Megabass, the Black Elseil. With a tip that charts closely to the others, it shows it's slightly stiffer characteristics as the load increases. Don't let this fool you, as this stick is not as stiff as you may think after seeing this. The rod does allow you a ton of versatility yet remains very effective in setting the hook and easily bringing a fish to hand.

Next Section: Let's take a closer look at this Orochi XX rod