Shimano vs Megabass! ($200 Rod Comparison)

Shimano Zodias or Megabass Levante? Find out!
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Megabass Levante
www.americanlegacyfishing.com...
Shimano Zodias
www.americanlegacyfishing.com...
Shimano Chronarch
www.americanlegacyfishing.com...

[@JmouaRUAM]

I've fished both but right now Im using the Levante. The Levante to me feels like a stronger rod like stated in the video, making it very nice to fight big fish such as striped bass and salmon. However, the Zodias is incredibly light and sensitive compared to the Levante. You literally feel anything on the bottom and when the fish bites, that tick at the end of your Zodias rod feels amazing due to it's sensitivity. I would say when Im aiming for larger fish, I'd rely on the MH Levante, and when Im aiming for regular large or smallmouth bass, I'll definitely go with the M or MH Zodias. Both Fast action. The feel of the Zodias to me is definitely way better than the Levante and I can use the Zodias all day without feeling any strain on my arms due to it being lightweight, but the Levante feels like a much stronger rod for bigger fish, and right now Im going for striper and salmon. But both rods are incredibly good for the price point. If I was to choose in the end, even thought Im using the Levante, I'd go for the Zodias.

[@yangler9935]

Great input on both rods!

[@joelvogt2355]

Excellent comparison! Enjoyed this video a lot

[@Plee92]

Finally a comparison video of these 2 rods. Good info 👍

[@FishinMitch]

Thank you!!

[@Henry-xh8ec]

Great comparison. Enjoyed the review.

[@FishinMitch]

Thank you!!!

[@coreygraham796]

Good review when I took off the braid my zodias became severely less sensitive as expected but I don’t want to always use braid

[@hunterbull7804]

The clicking could be the reel not fitting perfectly in the reel seat. They have to make them fit all reels and not all reels have the same size reel feet. I got a Destroyer P5 Super Destroyer and with a Daiwa reel, it’s fine, but when you put a Shimano reel you can feel a slight movement and I’m sure it’s accentuated because the carbon fiber handle is a more sensitive material. To fix this I put a little bit of electrical tape on my reel feet.

[@mikedaley2882]

I have both rods but my levante is the flat side special and it does that job to perfection. Cool video bud.

[@Welinkar]

Good review 👍

[@Ozzierob]

I have 4 Zodias now. Love them.

[@tylucifer9865]

Wow. Came across your video and it is pretty detailed and easy to understand. Noice

[@FishinMitch]

Thank you man! I appreciate the feedback!!

[@ovaismalikvo]

Just bought the Flatside Special. Im so excited!!

[@b.l4365]

I plan on getting one also. How’s yours holding up bud?

[@gerthao2261]

Me personally fishing with both Zodias and levante 7ft medium action fast (spinning) The zodias was my “go to rod”. It felt more built and I was willing to flip more bass from 3lbs-4lbs vs the levante where I had to second guess it flipping. Zodias in my opinion would be my bang for the buck in the $200 range of rods. More sensitive, better build, felt a lot stronger. The levante is nice but I still wouldn’t trust the blank. I have the orochi shakey model too and I’m thinking about selling it and going with the Zodias.

[@FishinMitch]

Zodias is super tough to beat for the money! I boat flip fish all the time with mine and have full confidence

[@andrewwolf4963]

They really so take care of us at American legacy But the zodias is a great rod while the levante was made to be a great rod. As in Megabass went out there way to make it look like a great rod but frankly the zodias is better. I have fished both spinning and casting in both.

[@Tbowie13]

The Levante series is nice and has power, but for me stepping up to the Orochi-XX is where it's at...it has the power and is ridiculously light. I own a number of Megabass rods from Levante - Destroyer and the Orochi is the sweet spot for me. The Launcher is light enough to deep crank for hours and is a 7'11", the Jerkbait special with Aldebaren MGL is my favorite rid I own, though I have a number of them that are way more expensive, that Jerkbait special is incredible. It fishes Jerkbaits amazing as it should but it is also great for mid sized squarebills, deeper diving cranks and topwaters. I think from my experience, the materials used for the Levante lend themselves best to Cranking, Glidebaits, Bladed jigs and so on. When you want a more parabolic rod go towards Levante. Shimano makes the better bottom contact, or rather "sensitivity" rod ( in my opinion, for whatever its worth). Best wishes on the YT channel!

[@nflisrigged1395]

I own a flatside special Megabass rod ( F4.5 that was a F6.0 , that's power rating for megabass ) I love it .. I use it for jerkbait and top water, too. Tic soft but lovely.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Be careful mate! Once you get bit by the MegaBass bug it’s hard to get rid of it! Lol I have almost the full lineup of the OrochiXX rods and a couple of the Levante. Also have 2 of there Destroyer USA rods but honestly for the extra $$$ I can’t see the difference in performance. The best rod in the MegaBass lineup are there new P5s. Just be prepared to break out the checkbook for those and wait to get them…

[@greenpighunter6930]

Love my Zodias rods

[@montyjerkins5848]

I have a couple of first gen Zodias. On my 6’8 medium spinning, the first (largest) guide has made an occasional clicking noise since new. The Alconite insert seems secure so I’m assuming it’s from where the guide meets the rod. I’ve caught bunches of fish on the rod and just ignore the tick these days

[@FishinMitch]

I've also caught dozens of fish on mine, hard hook sets and boat flipped some 3-4 pounders. I think if anything would have broken, it would have by now. The Zodias is still one of my favorite rod lines ever!

[@AddictedAngler]

lighter rod make a big diffrace , i been told by few anglers MB rods are a little too price for what htey are wort

[@chestophercolumbo4561]

Enjoy the video.... Do you think the Levante Tour Versatile would handle single-hook lures like spinners, chatter baits, Texas/Carolina rigs well ?

[@FishinMitch]

I think if you're looking for 1 rod from the Levante to handle those techniques, the Tour Versatile is a good option

[@chrisgarcia5462]

The clicking noise is coming from the hood. I had this issue with mine and I got rid of the noise by wrapping some 3M masking tape on the front side mounting base of the reel.

[@karolkeller5851]

Now that they have just redone the levante line they are a bit different and $250 instead of $200

[@owenzmortgage8273]

I have two Shimano expride , 7’2 H, 7’2MH, $220 each shipping from Japan. They are perfect on quality and price

[@jones52401]

great infoi

[@vash347]

the butt of the zodias is also made to feel more. its exposed rod material so that when you are in contact with the butt section of the rod and you're dragging on the bottom or making contact with structure or getting bit, you'll be able to feel all that easier...

[@FishinMitch]

It definitely makes the Zodias rods feel a little more "crisp" than other rods I've used!

[@PhantomJM]

The Levante Tour Versatile balances very well with a 7.8 oz. Curado DC. I also have a Levante Whipsnake paired with a Vanford 2500. The Whipsnake balances perfectly right on the metal collar above the foregrip when paired with a Vanford.

[@FishinMitch]

Great! I figured it would balance better with a heavier reel. It was a great rod and I caught some solid fish while I had it

[@dannyyork1142]

That's my save up this winter combo. .. Levant whip snake, parked with a van Ford. Seems like perfect combo for small mouth fish all day, with spinning rid and reel. Nice to know somebody has already put them together as a combo, and gave approval of good combo, now it be just up to us to put it to work!!!!!!

[@glenndaugherity6187]

Great video ! I have 2 Levante spinning rods and 1 Zodias spinning rod I think they’re both awesome rods. I use mine mainly for small Keitech or similar swim baits and dropshot they compare to my Legend Tournament St Croix spinning rods for sensitivity IMO. I’d like to try the Zodias bait casting rod for sure.

[@FishinMitch]

I haven't had a chance to use the Levante spinning rods, but I have 2 Zodias models (7' M and 7' ML) that I use for Ned rigs, wacky rigs, Neko, Drop Shot, you name it. They're awesome and punch above their weight for sure! I do miss the Levante for it's overall "quality" feel and it's high end looks. They're such beautiful pieces of gear. If you're going to try a Zodias, I think the best models in the lineup are the 7'2 MH and 7'2 H. I like my 7' MH but I do think it would benefit being a touch longer. 7'2 H is a powerhouse that excels at throwing jigs and bigger texas rigs.

[@88jbc]

Thats weird cause my poison adrena makes a clicking noise also 🤷‍♂️ but great review and comparison on these two rods!

[@FishinMitch]

I just picked up a few Adrenas, I'll keep note of that and see if mine do it!

[@brettwhitmire1131]

It is a spot where the guide meets the blank that there isn't enough epoxy. Nothing bad at all, but kind of annoying. It happens on my G Loomis's all the time

[@mikedaley2882]

Usually that " click" is the epoxy cracking on a new rod. It's just part of it.

[@b.l4365]

What you think about the levante flatside special? I can get one for the price of 140. Deal or no deal?

[@FishinMitch]

I haven't personally used the flatside special, but I've heard it's a great shallow crank rod and I don't think you could go wrong for $140.

[@BottomLineBassin2]

Not a fan of EVA foam on my rods, but for the money I think they're both good setups .

[@FishinMitch]

I can take it or leave it, I definitely prefer cork though!

[@EK99_00]

Eva vs carbon? I’ll go with the shimano

[@anythingbryan]

well done

[@FishinMitch]

Thank you sir!

[@russhaight3225]

That is pretty bad balance on the levante. Thanks for the video. The Expride is great but I haven't tried the zodias yet.

[@bassinbilliards6279]

The Zodias are great rods for the price. I own 7 models old and new. They're strong and sensitive for the price. I also like my exprides but in all seriousness the Zodias with monoque handle is a workhorse lineup.

[@heavenshound6775]

@@bassinbilliards6279 zodias is fragile like a noodle 🍜

[@Re-liner_outdoors]

How do these two compare to the dobyns champ for bottom contact sensitivity.

[@FishinMitch]

I think these two rods are better for bottom contact, but I prefer the champion series for moving baits.

[@Re-liner_outdoors]

@@FishinMitch do these rods compare with the champ extreme?

[@alceja3522]

I have both and honestly I like both, more sensitivity with my Zodias, I just like the look of my levante better 👌🏻

[@FishinMitch]

Hit the nail on the head, the Zodias is a tool while the Levante is a masterpiece

[@ngailkomer]

👍👍

[@nicknush1630]

I like using a 1/2 oz jig and texas rig worm. Which shimano zodias size rod would you recommend? Thanks

[@FishinMitch]

I'd say either the 7'2 Med Heavy or 7'2 Heavy depending on the type of cover you fish! If you're around docks and heavy cover/laydowns I'd say the Heavy, open water Med Heavy should be fine!

[@nicknush1630]

@@FishinMitch Thanks for getting back to me. I mostly fish in grass, nothing to thick. Does the heavy still have the sensitivity? Thanks

[@FishinMitch]

@@nicknush1630 it absolutely does. I'd say you can't go wrong with either rod in grass, and it depends on your fishing style. If you think you may run into some thicker stuff, and never plan on throwing anything under 3/8, go Heavy. If you primarily fish grass and open water, and want the versatility of also being able to throw lighter weights (even weightless), go Med Heavy.

[@nicknush1630]

@@FishinMitch perfect! Thanks again

[@FishinMitch]

@@nicknush1630 no problem man! Tight lines

[@RazvanStefan]

Zodias is cheaper here in my region and is way better than a levante. Levante it just looks nice, otherwise is super tubular, very stiff, blank is very resonant due the fact the walls are so thin, maybe someone should bring up to attention how many Levante rods were reported as broken in a drill with a fish, or in Europe how many of you guys actually snapped the rod in half while setting up the hook into a zander. I did some research, seems like it's a general problem world wide with the Levante these days, a lot of people complain about the fact the rods are simply not holding together. And let's talk about the reel seat as well, a lot of people complain about the fact that the reel seat is breaking. Personally I have one 10-42G I believe it's an F5 (4 pieces rod, for travelling reasons), so far I am the lucky owner of a good rod, the only issue encountered was a guide that almost snapped off (my own mistake). But I feel very unsecure while fishing with Levante, it feels like anytime it can just break. Talking about sensitivity, of course it's a sensitive rod, the blank is so empty inside, it's a huge phonograph, every vibration is amplified in that resonant blank.....

[@FishinMitch]

From what I understand, when the Levante line first launched they were running into quality control issues with rods breaking, reel seats coming loose, etc. They redesigned them, made the blank stronger and less likely to break. This however also made them slightly heavier. I actually liked the Levante, it was a solidly made rod and felt very strong, pretty sensitive too like you said. It was just incredibly heavy and pretty unbalanced for a 7' MH rod. The 7' MH Zodias was just the better rod for me and how I fish.

[@RazvanStefan]

@@FishinMitch yea, I personally like the design of Levante as well, I actually used one for some ocean fishing as well (not big fishes - but small/medium seized species). I was surprised to see how well it performs, but as I said, given all the wooping problems with this series, I am afraid that someday it will just snap in my hands, without warning. And I agree, I am fishing the 10-42grams version, it's heavy and so unbalanced, I couldn't find a reel to balance this rod, I guess I will just use it tilted towards the tip, anyway for pike that's how I fish, but for zander/bottom contact, it's not ideal.

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

I would like to throw my new mgl curado on the levante but it went up 50$ since this on purpose inflation administration

[@FishinMitch]

Which Levante were you thinking of? The Curado MGL is a great reel, and I have a decent amount of experience with Shimano's Curado and Zodias Iines if you're considering either.

[@ashtonlisk5855]

The Lavante is basically Diawa

[@Timothy_B]

The zodias might feel lighter and not as strong, but that’s very deceiving. That’s down to the materials in the zodias being far superior.

[@sl_fishing]

I wasn’t a big fan of the levante I had

[@FishinMitch]

Which model did you have? I ended up not keeping mine, I've since found other models I much prefer for the money.

[@sl_fishing]

@@FishinMitch I had the pitch perfect. That’s where I’m at aswell, for $30 more I can buy a expride…

[@freshandsaltyjohnny]

the balance test at 5:26 means absolutely nothing lol i too am guilty of doing it. After seeing plenty of pro's tell us to stop doing that test as it doesn't do anything in terms of data. Some rods have a longer butt more, weight in the middle due to stiffness etc so yeah. Don't take my word for it just watch the pro's you know the actual people who get paid to fish.

[@FishinMitch]

It absolutely means a ton when it comes to the feel of the rod which is incredibly important. If you fish a blatantly tip heavy rod and a perfectly balanced one back to back you can feel a clear difference in comfort and control

[@freshandsaltyjohnny]

@@FishinMitch the feel of the rod comes from the composition of the materials used. Ie: graphite vs carbon fiber, glass, poly Carbonite resins, etc etc.

[@FishinMitch]

@@freshandsaltyjohnny Sure, that plays a large part in the rod's sensitivity and action. A rod can be made with the highest quality materials and components, but if it's super tip heavy it won't feel great Trust me, the difference in feel between the Zodias and Levante was HUGE despite being the same advertised length, power and action. The Levante was a good rod, gorgeous to look at and meticulously crafted. It's poor balance made it feel much heavier in comparison to the Zodias despite being less than an ounce heavier. This may not matter to some people but it definitely mattered to me. At the end of the day, us fishermen are going to use what we like and what we're comfortable with. I show the balance of the rods for those who find that information valuable like I do. Some people don't care, some appreciate it!

[@andrewrossnagel9433]

Whats the point of checking the balance when there's no lure on the end though? The balance is completely different lol

[@FishinMitch]

@@andrewrossnagel9433 You don't catch fish with the lure hanging off the end of your rod, 95% of the time the lure will be in the water.

[@RiFLEisFortuna]

Megabass is the Apple of fishing gear. Completely overpriced and standard quality at best

[@FishinMitch]

It depends on what you're looking for. I wasn't a huge fan personally of the Levante Tour Versatile, but I love their spinning rods. To each their own