Scott
I would recommend the MC Works Southern Deep Ultimate Monster SD538XX - its a serious weapon.
I also have the Hots 52XH and the Ripple Fisher 5620. As you say, the Hots is a joy to use, but is soon outgunned when a monster jumps on. A good mate of mine had the 48XXH. It was also great on smaller fish (<20kg) but became a two piece when attached to a 40kg+ kingie on the Middlesex Bank in NZ (pic attached).
The RF is also very nice to fish with - with its length and taper it allows you to work a wide range of jig weights but has loads of power when the pressure is on.
Hope this helps - let me know if you have any more questions.
