BEST OF THE BEST 2019

MEGABASS OROCHI XX CASTING ROD

$300 to $325 • megabassusa.com

This Japan-based company first caught the attention of U.S. anglers with its unique, smartly designed lures. Now, its debut line of fishing rods is also making a killer first impression. The Orochi XX series features a wide selection of technique-specific sticks. We tested the Whipsnake Finesse and were blown away by the quality and versatility. The X47-ASL Metal Fiber Blank makes the rod incredibly lightweight and sensitive, but when we pitted it against some feisty saltwater stripers, we quickly learned it has plenty of backbone too.

—Joe Cermele

PATRIOT VALLEY ARMS JOHN HANCOCK

$1,999 • patriotvalleyarms.com

Designed to meet the requirements for PRS Production Class—meaning it costs under $2,000—this lights-out-accurate rifle is built on the innovative 3-lug Nucleus action from American Rifle Co. It has a short, snappy bolt throw and runs slickly. The KRG chassis stock adjusts for fit and has M-LOK-compatible slots to add rails and other attachments. Our test rifle was chambered in 6 Creedmoor and shot five-shot groups averaging .681 inch. You can also get it in 6.5 Creed,