Features: As mentioned in my other XX rod review, all rods in this series come with a custom zippered sleeve. The grip is a bit dull in overall appearance, but has a super clean look despite all the filler you'll see upon closer inspection. In between the cork, there is a painted Fuji reel seat with a bit of flake in it, and the exposed blank portion adjacent to the trigger shows off the cool X-weave pattern in the graphite. You won't find titanium-framed guides at this price point, however the stainless frames and Alconite inserts are attractive and look to be cleanly assembled. There is also a clip-style hook keeper.

Design/Ergonomics: Weighing in at 4.5 ounces, this rod is not particularly heavy or light. What makes it feel so nice in hand is the excellent balance. With a magnesium reel attached, the whole setup feels light, lively, and is a real joy to fish with.

Despite the average looking handle, the blank design is especially eye catching. Besides the blank construction previously talked about, cosmetically you'll notice a unique weave pattern up that continues to the second guide. This section of the blank also has a bit of a textured, bumpy surface to it. From the second guide all the way to the tip, the blank is smooth and finished in a stealthy matte color.

Application: Like the name implies, this rod is made to fish spinnerbaits. The rod is a bit softer than most commonly used worm/jig rods, but don't confuse this with a cranking rod because it has more beef than a rod designed specifically for treble hook applications. This is not just a shoreline target casting tool; don't be afraid to use it to fish big 3/4-1 ounce spinnerbaits deep off ledges as well.

Although it excels at spinnerbaits, it has enough give for other techniques. Square-bills, lip-less cranks, topwaters, and soft and hard jerkbaits can all be used on this stick with good results. If given a choice there are other rods I would favor for some of these applications, but if you want to keep things simple with just one rod to cover all the bases, this is definitely a standout. The coolest thing is that the rod also has just enough stoutness to make a good tool for lighter bottom-contact fishing and senkos. It's tough to find a rod of any length that can cover so many bases, but the Spinnerbait Special really surprised me in this regard.

Warranty: Megabass of America covers all Orochi XX rods with a 3 year original owner warranty that includes one, no questions asked replacement. After that first replacement, future claims on the same rod will be subject to a replacement cost of 40% of the MSRP (for example a $299 dollar rod would cost $119.60 to replace). Contact Megabass of America at www.megabassusa.com for further details or more specific information.

Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide):

Pluses and Minuses:

Conclusion: Yet another winner from Megabass! It's not the best rod on planet earth, but for the money the Spinnerbait Special is one sweet stick. I have to admit, this rod was often hard to put down, even when what I had tied on wasn't working at the time. This is one of those special rods that just feels right in your hands, and truly feels like an extension of your arm. Megabass really did their homework when designing the action of this rod, and if I was a rod engineer I couldn't have done it any better. Searching far and wide for a rod to toss blades that can fill other gaps too? Better put this one at the top of your list, because it really is that good!