The BEST Jig Rod On The Market?! Megabass Destroyer X-Bites
Вставка
- Опубліковано 13 січ 2025
- The Megabass Destroyer P5 The X-Bites is one of the most well known jig rods on the planet. with its precision performance and high quality build, I dive into what makes this rod the best on the market.
Products In This Video:
Megabass Destroyer P5 The X-Bites:
thehookuptackl...
Megabass Destroyer P5 The Dark Sleeper:
thehookuptackl...
Megabass Destroyer P5 The Tachyon Shaft:
thehookuptackl...
G-Loomis NRX Plus 854C JWR:
thehookuptackl...
Please check out The Hook Up Tackle for all your fishing needs!
www.thehookupt...
Check out The Hook Up Tackle Instagram!
www.instagram....
Check out my separate Instagram as well!
www.instagram....
Check out Griff on his Instagram!
www.instagram....
Check out Geoff's Instagram!
www.instagram....
Check Out CJ's Instagram!
/ desertbassin
So appreciate such a well executed thoroughly detailed review. it answered all of my questions so well i ordered two X Bites and a Dark Sleeper today
Great job on explaining the differences of rods you really know what you’re doing and it seems and I know it’s not marketing hype By the way you explain what the compact Jig is doing under the water in the optimum spot
Thank you for watching! 🍻
Have you sold your x bites?
This video was great very informative. Thank You
Very well explaining differences and each application very eloquent 10/10
Ben, I was so nice to talk with you and Griff today! Love the X-Bites. I cannot get over how light it is! I am pairing it with a Scorpion DC reel. It’s a “Dope” rod!
I’m perfectly happy with my prior generation FMJ. It’s one of the best rods I’ve ever owned. It’s a Jack of all trades + a premier jig rod. Couldn’t be happier and have landed over 46 fish over 5Lbs without fail.
nice!
Great videos, always so detailed on the products you sell. Always learn so much.
Thank you for watching!
I love using a 844 mbr g loomis for jigs
I only throw finesse jigs, and ultra finesse jigs. I throw nories, and egu damas, and bad little dudes, and keitech jigs, and molix nano jigs, and beast coast, and kosmo, etc.
Great vid because i almost bought a dark sleeper for my rock crawling rod, glad i didnt. You really broke it down well.
One of my favorite rods, I’ll never hit the water without it. My second X-Bites was just delivered yesterday. Thanks Hookup Tackle!
Thank you for your business! Glad you love the X-Bites as much as we do! 👊🍻
About a week ago I randomly saw a glitch on TW and saw a Loomis GLX 895c for 155.99 lol and I didn’t even need a 5 power rod but I’ve never hit cart so fast. I have the NRX 853 and GLX 854 and frankly I like the GLXs better than the NRX. I’m sure if I had the 854 NRX I’d love it more but the NRX853 vs GLX854 I choose the GLX cuz the NRX is almost too sensitive lol
Nothing bad to say about the rod. Bought it and just kept grabbing my nrx 873 crr instead. Figured it was a shame it’s just sitting there so I gave my friend a great deal on it and he absolutely loves it. I have to admit I miss how beautiful that rod looks! Guess it’s a personal preference that I’m selling all my Megabass and buying more Loomis
Choices are amazing! No one rod is perfect for everyone!~
Have you sold your xbites?
@pogues2300
Once you use NRX rods for any length of time it’s hard to use anything else.
I bought a Megabass rod and used it briefly and sold it as well. Pretty rods but I like my NRX rods better.
My take on the best jig rod is the Evergreen Kaleido Rapid Gunner. It’s super sensitive and makes setting the hook on fish so easy because the blank is so powerful.
Excellent breakdown
Big Ben thanks for the details . Your break down on the rods made sense. For being very pricey this is good to know when choosing which rod to go with. Your vids and knowledge help a ton. Thanks holmes
Thank you for watching my friend!
Hey Ben, great video as always. Got some great info on this line. I'm looking to get the x-bites into my lineup this year. However, I'm debating a bit on the reel to pair with it. I would mainly be fishing compact jigs in the range you mentioned work great with this rod. How bout a couple suggestions.....
I have not had a chance to get a Destroyer yet but my Braillist is one of the best jigs rods I’ve ever used. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for watching!
I have the tac shaft and love it now I gotta get the x bites
Thats a sick 1-2 punch right there!
I love the rod information videos. These are so helpful.
That’s great to hear! Thank you for watching! 🍻
Good stuff Ben!
Hey Ben, so i saw both your videos regarding jigs rods, this one for X-bites and the newer video for the FMJ. Which of the two rods would be a good all around jig rod, using compact jig and full size, fishing a jig in grass and open water. Any info is definitely appreciated, thanks again Ben!!!
Hey Ben, I was wondering what you would think would be the best rod for throwing 1/4 to 1/2 oz jigs and Texas rigs. Mostly for skipping docks, shallow-water jigging, and pitching. The x-bites works for me in almost everything except it seems slightly too long. And the Tachy seems perfect length-wise, but I’m worried that it’s too heavy to through finesse/compact jigs and lighter Texas rigs.
Super destroyer
Thank you for the breakdown great information.
Thank you for watching!
How do you feel bout the 7’4 H Poison Adrena as a jig an worm rod?
Thank you for answering all my questions about the Sleeper and Xbites! Excellent vid Ben! Thought you forgot about my comment, but you did and amazing job on answering it in full! I appreciate all you do Ben you the man! Too bad I already bought the Dark Sleeper. Kinda wish I got the xbites now lol!
You should own both obviously 😜. Happy to help! Thank you for watching my friend!
My cousin bought me a Megabass Lavanate and i really like it for jigging for walleye and bass. Is their any other rods you were perfer that arbt super expensive? I have 6 st croixs right now but i noticed that the more expensive ones i have are better but i dont feel like spending that much money on rods anymore.
Which model would he best for small paddle tail swimbaits on bottom
So what lure range would you think is best to properly load up the Tachyon Shaft? Could you still throw finesse jigs on it too if you wanted (like the X-Bites)?
Ben, can you make a video about the ultimate ned rig rod? I’m looking for the best ned rig rod made and in central Kansas there’s no shops to find any. Thanks
Want a jig rod ? I love Kistler Z bone , load it up with a shimano Chronarch MGL and fish on bro , super light
Good video. I have basically all the NRX and I keep debating about this rod
If you throw a lot of compact jigs I think you’d find it has a niche spot in your lineup.
Which rod would be most comparable to the xbites in the Levante/orochi line because I’m still not sure I’m ready to drop 500 on a rod
I wanna know this as well lol
Great advice thank u im learning a lot more
Thank you for watching!
Ur welcome
Talk about specialty rods and one trick ponies..... Wish I would have had a better understanding before I recently got one (had very little usage so far). Seems like your review and Brian's @ Punchfishing are describing 2 different rods. In this case, I think the oddity of having such a soft tip on this rod (yet listed as an extra fast action and heavy power) was just too much and misrepresentative of a heavy power rod, with the associated recommendations of weight range. I was actually hoping it might handle a 10" worm with a light 1/8-3/16 oz tungsten weight on a 5/0 hook, but from what you're saying sounds like a no go. I guess I can always set it up and try it, otherwise I can use my NRX+ 873CRR, which I like to keep setup as a lighter C-Rig.
Can the x bites handle single hook moving baits? Like a swim jig or a swim bait. Thank you for the information
Absolutely.
Thanks ben , sounds like the destroyer is similar to the gloomis mbr system, do you agree?
You mention that the nrx+854,893, etc is more sensitive than the Xbites, but would you say the Xbites is more sensitive than the previous generation of the nrx?
I'd say even with last NRX.
2nd question - would the tachyon shaft make for a good vertical spoon jigging rod?
Any chance we might get an in depth review on the P-5 baby plugging I'm trying so hard to save up to hopefully get one for throwing some stuff like the small chatter baits for crappie and 1/8 ounce rattle traps for white bass that kind of thing ifish for groceries a lot of the time lol
Baby plugging is so sick. Kicks butt for crappie jigs up to orashira heads for small mouth. Great for drop shot, light nedw rigs and finesse plastics. Slayed the crappie this year with the x nanahan and the baby plugging as well as small jigging spoons and grubs/ tubes on 1/32 and 1/16 heads. It’s such a fun rod. You will not be disappointed. Great for walleye as well.
@@naturecutsinc1108 right on thanks for the info I'm trying to save up to get one as quickly as possible
get the new Expride B 72L when it comes out. I had the baby plugging and sold it - nothing special about that rod at all.
@@CookingandFishing I'll definitely check it out to when I say I grocery fish I try to get the best gear I can and plus who doesn't like getting new gear lol and not to be too nosey or anything I think I heard your channel on tackle advisors a few times if so any idea on what happened to his channel and I'm definitely going to be checking out your channel also anyway thanks again for the heads up
@@jonseb2682 There's nothing special about the P5 rods imo, they are overpriced and the baby plugging I found esp underwhelming. Ditto Wind Buster. TA found a real job in the tackle industry so his channel is on hiatus - but he's not ruling out future videos.
Had mine over a year now. Wish I had two of em!! 🔥
It makes me not even wanna look at my 853c Loomis
I just got my second yesterday ;)
Glad you're loving it!
So are you saying if you're pitching full size 3/8-1/2 oz jigs around docks, lay-downs etc, the X-Bites may not be the ideal rod?
It might be too light for that. Better with smaller jigs with thinner wire hooks. The tachyon shaft is sick for docks. Can handle bigger jigs and has more Power to move them out quicker.
I bought the x-bites in hopes of pitching docks and I still use it for that but only with small jigs.
So, the way you’re describing the X-Bites’ action… Is it less like the 854 JWR and more like the 844 MBR?
No, it's in-between I'd say.
i have a GLX 844 mbr and X Bites. The 844 seems to bend deeper in the blank and is thicker blank clear up to the tip more like a mod fast rod. I think Xbites may be a little softer only first 2 guides but shuts off faster into power than 844mbr. It's a GLX not NRX but Xbites is way lighter, crisper and so much more refined feel than my GLX. To me 844 is more football jig dragging and woluldn't go beyond a 3/4 oz on it also. I probably going to trade my 844 and get rod for the 3/4 jig light punching gap.
Which rod would you recommend for dragging Texas Rigs Finesse/Full Jigs X Bites vs 873c CRR 1/4 to 1/2 plus trailer? Would the nrx be too much rod for finesse Jigs? I'm looking for the Ultimate slow dragging Rod.
That 873CRR is what you want, I have the old model & the Nrx+ model
@@livinglife3230 Appreciate it thx.
How is the Cliffhanger compared to the NRX 852c...debating on which rod to buy for finesse swimbait, shaky head and ned rig.
Great explanation.? Would a X Fast mh. St croix 7' avid 1/4 3/4 be sure decent swim jug j. Jig. Worm. Rod?
What about the bottom contact 2 Or NRX plus Carolina Rig rod
Best reel for the x-bites?
Ben is there a st croix that is at all close to the nrx or p5 in an all around comparison?
Would the G Loomis NRX+ 873c crr be a better compariosn to the xbites than the 852C jwr? Sounds like the 873 and the xbites are very simliar>
Gotta say, I'm a little disappointed in the Tachyon Shaft. It's not the homerun hitter Megabass claims it to be. The sensitivity is good but not as great as my NRX 873. I felt like megabass could have given it just a little more meat to the rod because it has a moderate action.
Edit: 23:34 - was my exact reaction after catching a fish on this rod.
P5 is a bit out of my price range. What would you recommend in Orochi for me? I really only throw 5/16 to 7/16th finesse ball jigs, and drag 1/2 oz football jigs from time to time. Looking for sensitivity above everything. I don't mind a long rod like a Braillist, but if a Tour Versatile or Perfect Pitch has more sensitivity, I'm down.
The tour versatile is the most sensitive of the rods listed. Some people love the Brailist, it’s got the length and specs to throw a lot of different baits. But, it’s too soft for me, and I feel that it loses sensitivity because of it, so I’d stay with tour versatile 👍
How about the xbites for a jika rig or tokyo rig?
Hopefully not too off topic…. I wasn’t sure what rod to get for footbal jigs and swim jigs, but i guess this would be the dark sleeper. My fishing is most of the time with 1/4 - 5/8 oz jigheads with a sawamura one-up or a keitech swimbait. I have also been looking at the orrochi xx Perfect Pitch. Could you explain what the main difference is between these two rods?
Ben. Would you do some more videos of the entire Megabass Destroyer P5 lineup ?
Either comparisons or just details of what they were designed for.
I’ve almost got the whole lineup. The "blade” finally arrived last week.
Thanks for great info. Mike V.
Enjoy the Blade! I was just using mine yesterday! Love it.
If you are looking for a more traditional finesse jig rod I really like “the sensor” for that true fast action. I just personally found the xbites as too slow for my liking.
So the 854 is labeled 5/16 - 3/4. What do you think the actual lure rating is. I own lots of P 5’s but never a Loomis and looking for a heavier bottom contact rod.
It would be dope if y’all made a “how to jig 101”. Very eye opening on the video today.
We can do that 👍
Thank you for the great informative video. Always learning from you all! 🤘🍻
Thank you for watching!
Ben I'm interested in where the super destroyer would fit into this discussion. Where would it shine over the tachyon and where are they similar?
P5 Super Destroyer is more flexible than previous generations. It's a great close range accuracy rod, but it can handle reaction well now!
Amazing rod. I just wish it came with that carbon grip like the super destroyer!!
Those carbon grips are so sexy!!
The video indicates the X-bites is basically a finesse jig rod. In my opinion, the NRX+ 873CRR would give you the same benefits you mention regarding the x-bites softer tip and allow you to throw heavier jigs. If it were not named a CRR, I think it would likely be Loomis’s top seller. If you could only own one jig and worm rod, that would be my pick.
I love the 873 - but it’s much more poweful than the X-Bites. It’s definitely not a compact jig rod.
If there was 1 jerkbait rod you could use, which one would it be? I’m looking for one
How heavy of a swim jig would be too much for the dark sleeper? The tachyon shaf6 sounds really great and the selling g point for me here is the hardest hitting hookset! Man that sounds about awesome!
If you want hard hitting the tach shaft is the deal. The Dark sleeper is good up to 1/2, even 5/8 is ok.
So an option would be a shorter rod for the finesse jigs?
we are left out of all the fun you and me.
I tried it but I still pick up the steez bottom contact 2 and 903 nrx+ over it. Just my preference tho. I just feel it's not as sensitive to me
Are you sure you fished it with the same stuff you fished the nrx and Steez with? Did you use the same line and reel?
@TheChamplain Fisher yeah I run 30 pound maxcuatro to a 12 pound leader on all of them. Throwing 1/4-3/4 oz jigs. Only thing different are the reels. I'm running an antares on the 903c, 17 excense dc on the bottom contact, and steez limited on the Xbites.
looking to buy a Megabass Jig rod for compact Jigs 3/8oz and free rig mostly fishing from the bank so i get x bites or the FMJ.
Thanks Ben for an in-depth for The X-bites. 👏 Now there is another 23 to go 😜 ONE for each model 😂
Ha! I'm going to be here for a while 😂🍻
@@thehookuptackle_usa when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Let’s face it, IF you can record it All in one take (23 episodes), edit the footage (23 episodes) you be gone in...say 30-35 hours. You have business to manage the next 1,5 days.....2 if you’re behind schedule?
Hell yeah!!
🍻
Cool video & I had wondered about the comparison among their jig rods. You summed it up well.
I do have a question about another P5 that never gets talked about... F5-68x Blade. About a year back you mentioned it in passing saying you would talk about it soon- but I never caught that. Would you mind a quick answer & your take on it?
Blade is designed as a spinnerbait/chatterbait rod. Its an awesome rod. The only "problem" with Blade is its so small and light, that it's really more of a shore fishing/kayak rod vs a big water rod.
@@thehookuptackle_usa Just how much softer is the blade than the xbites? I'm looking for something with xbites specs/uses but at the length of the Blade.
Great video Ben..what rod would you use for a wobble head 7/16 to 3/4oz in the P5 line?
X-Bites for the 7/16. if you're going to the 3/4, I'd switch to Loomis or Daiwa.
How does the x-bites compare to Conquest?
Would it be more comparable to the 873 ?
Hi Ben. Great video on the X-Bites! Thank you! Did you mention in another video that there was a P5 casting rod that used the same blank as the Windbuster (or did I imagine that)? If so, which one is it and does it have the same/similar sensitivity as the Windbuster? Thanks!
Nothing with the “same” blank as a Windbuster. But there are some models that have more a true bend through the middle. It’s kind of a P5 thing - most of the rods have that bend
You somehow made my decision even more difficult. I guess I have to buy both.
X-bites is incredible
How much does the Dark Sleeper weight in ounces?
What do you primarily use for 3/4 oz jigs and up? NRX 895?
Nope, that’s more a punching rod, sh!t balance also. The Nrx 894 is my go to 3/4fb jig rod
how do these compare to the Orochi Perfect Pitch? I got one over the winter, but wondering if it's worth upgrading since the PP F7 may be too strong for my usual 3/8 jigs.
Perfect pitch is dope for close range pitching, but it's not the most sensitive rod for deep water due to the soft tip.
@@thehookuptackle_usa do you think the softer tip kind of "evens" out the powers for these rods?
A little new at fishing sort of anyway lol is saltwater or freshwater or both . Been fishing for black fish was looking into a jig rod.
time to " GET JIGGY WITH IT " :-)
X bites is nice but nrx+ is on another level for sensitivity. Im a Shimano guy but even for spinning the exist is on another level than Stella. Casting wise for reels it’s preference.
Well since you’re a Shimano guy it makes you a little biased towards the NRX lol
Would love to see these reviews but through all series from levante and up. Like which ones are best in each series 🤙
Ok 👊🍻
"fuck that guy" lol why I love this channel.
My t rig love it
👍🍻
How does this rod handle light weight T-rigs like the Deps cover scat?
It’s dope for 3/8-1/2oz stuff. Weightless senko, cover scat, etc
This is my go-to rod for weightless and lightweight Texas rigs. Super sensitive so you can feel every little touch on the fall, and I like that it has a little more backbone and a little quicker action than a MH-fast when I’m fishing cover, without being as stiff as a traditional Heavy rod, like Ben talked about in the video. For me, this is the perfect Texas rig rod.
I fish the 3.5in cover scat on mine all the time. Works great. 4in overpowers it a bit though.
@@danejohnson3995 really good to know! I’ve been using the pitch prefect for weightless or light T-rigs/jigs and honestly doesn’t do too well.
@@parkersutton6422 good to know! Stoked to get my hands on one then!
That NRX+ 754 is stout lol. Throwing a 1/2 jig with trailer barely loads that rod up. I'm finding myself having to use a 5/8 or more base weight just to have the rod load but boy is it sensitive and will really stick on the hookset.
They're definitely stiffer than the previous versions!
I use a 1/8 jig with a crawl trailer and it loads just fine
No Orion. No background music. Must not be Sunday! ✌🏻🎣
Hahaha! 🍻
Or NRX GLoomis load it up with a shimano Chronarch MGL and fish on bro , super light
Using a micro jig caused me to lose the biggest bass I've ever hooked into- probably a double digit. I'm not saying all micro jigs are bad but- they're not all created equally either. You need to look at the bite- the position of the line tie versus the hook point. I'm not going to mention the brand name that I lost the bass on- but it's a very popular jdm brand that a lot of ppl use. It's not going to cause you to lose every bass- I'm not saying that but, the hook up ratio is not going to be as good as a normal jig- especially if the fish bites at your feet while on the bank. It makes setting the hook difficult- and using a jig with a smaller bite exacerbates this issue. Having the hook point elevated above the line tie pretty much resolves this issue- so that's something I've started looking for in micro jigs.
It was a keitech. The question is which one?
@@theangleraquarist Yep- their mini football jig. It really works as far as getting bit- but the hookup ratio isn't great.
@@stoneysdead689 ahh I see. My favorite jig is the tungsten guard spin jig and it has a better hookup ration the problem is finding a soft enough casting rod for the tiny hook.
@@theangleraquarist I love that jig- I use my crappie rig to fish it- fantastic little jig. The Valley Hill devil shaker or something like that- I can't remember the exact name but they make a specific little plastic trailer for it, I bought them as a set- and it works great.
@@stoneysdead689 👍
They need to make a 7’2 XH
PEOPLE just get a Nrx for all your bottom contact baits & you want have to worry about upgrading looking for a lighter, more sensitive rod
You also get hook keepers, unlike from Megabass. Oh, and lifetime warranty
Rod/reel combo with fishing kit as an emergency setup ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxntWMOZsO1Zfv-pdn_XuffEtNkTYAYu4Z recommend but started to use this every day. The rod is thick and seems durable. I keep it neatly tucked into a regular backpack all the time with my fishing gear, and can grab it anytime, put it on my back and go anywhere. I just read in another review that the rod length below the reel is adjustable as well, so I will try that too for even more portability. Probably the best setup I've ever owned. I lost the cap for the eyelets, but no big deal since I still have the black cloth sheath that came for the pole and I use that. Very portable and high quality.
Great video. How does the Xbites stand up to the Valkyrie MH for jig use? Would love to see a video breaking down the Valkyrie lineup
Valyrie is much heavier in overall weight, and a glass composite, so its got a totally different bend. Super strong, but not as crisp.
I buy all my stuff from u guys I'd love to come out there and check it out in person
Do it!! Thank you for your business!
Love my xbites.. But every time I use it I'm afraid it's gonna break... I've had a few friends already break their's.. Sensitivity is great but power wise.. Feels more like a medium.. My orrochi braillist feels way more powerful than my xbites.. 3/8 w trailer is the heaviest I'm comfortable using..
You can push it! It can handle it!~
I agree with THUT. I’ve boat flipped a good four or five fish with it. It’s a great rod man
Hey Ben… If I were a G.Loomis guy… what G.Loomis model would the X.B. Dark Sleeper compare closest to. - Just so I know what to expect from the Dark Sleeper…. Thanks!
Dark Sleeper would be closest to a 903-904 MBR
Thanks for staying on top of comments… and for the breakdowns you do. So helpful. 👍👍👍
With all due respect Ben, the problem with Megabass is the older models such as the X7 line is better and no Breakage issues like the P5 line up or any of the current Megabass offerings.
The Steez compile X for comparison you dont hear much on breaking
The ONLY people imho who say the nrx is the benchmark are those who don’t buy true JDM rods such as the Shimano poison glorious or poison ultima, evergreen, Daiwa racing design and other JDM rods that meet and or exceed the nrx offerings.
Some people shouldn't use P5. We took way more broken rods in on X7 than we have on P5. I've only broken 1 in 2 years, and that was 100% my fault. So? To each their own.
Wheres Geoff?
That warranty tho?
What about it? Megabass is one of the fastest warranties in the game. Do we really need to overpay upfront to get a free replacement years down the road when we break a rod that’s 100% our fault? I don’t.
@@thehookuptackle_usa after three years your hosed! NO BUENO!
@@pelagicprincesses6123 Like I said above.
@@pelagicprincesses6123 If you break a rod 3 years from now - that's not the manufacturers fault - thats your fault. Your not buying a warranty at that point, you're buying an insurance policy.
@@thehookuptackle_usa which is why most anglers gravitate to companies that have lifetime warranties/insurance policies built into their pricing! Overpaying and not getting 💩 = Megabass
Can it throw off the Matrix??
Wow poor jeff