Are The Expensive Rods Really Worth It? 2024
BassinNCstyle reply :
Was at dicks looking at rods, picked up a g-loomis rod that was close to 200 duckies. Looking for a worm/jig rod but wondering how much more would a rod like that do for me compared to a bps bionic or a 100 rod?
Obviously, this shows I have never owned a high end rod.
Alonerankin2 reply :
If it was a Glx, yes.. Otherwise, nope..
Was it on clearance? If so and it has a extra deduction then maybe.. Just depends I suppose
OK Bass Hunter reply :
Yes if it's a First Generation Cumara. From what I've heard, you should stay away from the GL2's.
BrianinMD reply :
Not knowing what model it is hard to answer fully, but what I have found and what my checking account screams about is yes it is worth it to go a little higher end on rods/reels. That said only you know what you want achieve out fishing, or what your price range is.
fisherrw reply :
They are worth it? Yes. If you get the right one.
kickerfish1 reply :
A Loomis is only worth owning if the make and generation is right. Older IMX, older GLX, and current NRX. If it wasnt one of these 3 I would look elsewhere for bottom contact rods.
lmbfisherman reply :
Yes it is worth it if you can afford it without breaking the bank. I love my GLXs.
*Hootie reply :
If it's worth it to you, it's worth it. I never base my purchases on what someone else wants, or likes.
If you want it,... YOU BUY IT! Some Loomis rods are downplayed, not so much because of the
rod, but because of the price of the rod. My guess is it's probably a GL2. Not a bad rod, but
most think it's priced too high. Can't honestly say I would disagree. But if you like it, and you want it
and can afford it, .....go for it!
Hootie
Alpha Male reply :
Yes and no. Yes there is a perceivable difference when you get to the high end category but it isn't important if your budget can't support it.
BassinNCstyle reply :
I understand it is what a person wants to buy and can afford but how does the rod out perform lower priced. A lot more sensitivity? Is it much more than regular rods?
Thanks!
I think it was G2 I was looking at.
SirSnookalot reply :
Not being primarily a contact bait user, I don't really know. For the most part I stay with moving lures, whether it's bass, peacock or inshore species. When I get a strike there isn't any question, big or small I know I have a fish on the line.
Can't speak to all the $100 rods out there but the one I use (have 7 of them) casts and handles fish as well as any more expensive rods I've had or used. As far as durability, nearly 10 years on a few of them, can't address the newer ones as I haven't needed to buy one. I paid 90 bucks and 10 years later they're still 90 bucks. I will admit some of the more expensive rods were a bit lighter in weight, that wasn't a game maker for me.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 2/1/2015 at 1:28 AM, BassinNCstyle said:I understand it is what a person wants to buy and can afford but how does the rod out perform lower priced. A lot more sensitivity? Is it much more than regular rods?
Thanks!
I think it was G2 I was looking at.
Don't get it, there are much better rods out there for the price. If you want to hold off, there is a new G Loomis line coming in Feb. It's suppose to be under the 200 dollar price point and supposedly they did it right this time. We shall see.
kickerfish1 reply :
GL2 = run the other way! They look nice and carry the Loomis name but fish one and compare it to 1 or 2 other $200 rods and then ask yourself is a GL2 worth it.
*Hootie reply :
There are no doubt more sensitive rods for less money, You'll get a lot of suggestions on here and all good
if they are from actual experience and not hearsay. I have always believed "sensitivity" is dependent a lot
on your sense of feel. If you have a real keen sense of feel, you could possibly do , with a cheaper rod as
good as I do with my NRX. Just my rambling thoughts....lol.
Hootie
*Hootie reply :
On 2/1/2015 at 1:34 AM, lmbfisherman said:Don't get it, there are much better rods out there for the price. If you want to hold off, there is a new G Loomis line coming in Feb. It's suppose to be under the 200 dollar price point and supposedly they did it right this time. We shall see.
Didn't know that, I'll be watching for sure. Thanks.
Hootie
Alonerankin2 reply :
I have 2 Gl2 B.C. Rods I got at $100 & $ 115 and at that price, I'm pleased with them. I personally wouldn't ever pay full retail on a Gl2 though... The Gl2 also used to come with a wildcard for a one time free replacement anywhere, at anytime thru a Gloomis retailer/dealer.. That program has been eliminated from my understanding..
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
My recommendation is scew whatever budget you have for a combo toward the Rod for "feel" presentations and the reel for fast moving baits. The point of diminishing return on production rods is around $275. Anything over or under for that matter it's well worth consulting a custom builder. When it comes to reels returns diminish at around $250 for spinning and $300 for casting reels. None of this means you can't be successful and enjoy fishing less expensive tackle.
mjseverson24 reply :
For me I keep my rod prices in the 100-150 dollar range, as I feel this region is by far the most competitive. The companies that make rods in this price range have much higher sales volume thus they can reduce their margins and still make a bunch of money. this equates to much more performance for your dollar as compared to rods over the $150 mark.
Mitch
ClackerBuzz reply :
if you have to ask the answer is no.
asking means you are on a budget and there a PLENTY of quality rods on the market.
i just bought a Shakespear Micro rod at Wally word for $15. the action is as nice as my $200 orvis fly rod and my $150 Fenwick RiverRunner. It doesn't have a warranty and the components might not last as long but for $15 I'll just buy another. there are plenty of guys here that are fishing 20+yr old $30 rods and they catch the exact quantity/quality size bass as everyone the guys with the latest and greatest gear.
K_Mac reply :
High-end rods (or reels) are not worth it to me based on my budget. The're certainly lighter and more sensitive than rods at the lower end of the market. I agree with most that there is a point where diminishing returns outweigh the cost of increased performance. The gear I use is good enough. If I had more money I would use better rods for contact baits. I doubt it would make me much, if any better, but I do appreciate the differences.
rippin-lips reply :
"Get in where you fit in" is a pretty popular saying in the fishing world. Expensive doesn't equal better in all cases. The $100-150 dollar rod category has a lot of good choices for rods that are sensitive and can outshine certain rods of a higher price tag. You can also find rods that normally retail in the $150-200+ range on clearance or used. This is the approach I generally take. I just bought a $250 rod for $130 and it was new. So I got the best of both worlds on that deal. It was exspensive but cheap.
bass1980 reply :
Well I bought two GL2 two years ago. One crank and one worm and jig. I couldn't sell the worm and jig rod fast Enough. For a rod at that price point it felt so dead to me. I kept the crank rod because I like the reel seat and handle and it's just for cranking.
My $100 rods in the past are superior to the GL2 for bottom contact. The ***, Veritas, and Tatula rods are really nice. You really don't need anything better than these to fish effectively. Just that I like enthusiasts gears so I go up in price range. To me it's worth it because I like performace just as much as attention to detail and design.
FloridaFishinFool reply :
I'd say no. Not worth it to me. A $500.00 rod would not help me to catch more fish. I am perfectly happy with the rods I can buy for under $150.00.
I have one custom rod worth about $300.00 and I like it less than some less expensive off the shelf rods.
One of the best rod values out there is the Berkley shock rod in 7' MH fast action for less than $60.00.
My next purchase will probably be a *** *** rod.
Chris186 reply :
For me, if its bottom contact, its worth it to a point. For example, when I would use a $100 rod for a texas rig, I would often find myself saying, what was that? A weed or a fish? Ever since I bought my first $200+ rod, those questions have greatly reduced. I actually just picked up a $300 rod that was lightly used for $200 on that auction site we all love. There are deals to be had if you keep your eyes open, and if this is going to be your first high end rod, I wouldnt rush into anything new and look for the good deals.
HoosierHawgs reply :
This nailed it right on the head.On 2/1/2015 at 2:59 AM, K_Mac said:High-end rods (or reels) are not worth it to me based on my budget. The're certainly lighter and more sensitive than rods at the lower end of the market. I agree with most that there is a point where diminishing returns outweigh the cost of increased performance. The gear I use is good enough. If I had more money I would use better rods for contact baits. I doubt it would make me much, if any better, but I do appreciate the differences.
bass1980 reply :
I think you guy have to understand the people that buys high end gears aren't buying it to catch more fish or be a better fisherman. It can help but we know in the end it's still up to the fisherman. Sometimes you have to just look at it like this. Why buy a $200,000+ house when a $100,000 house will do. Why buy a $25,000+ car when a $8000 car will do. Why buy a $50,000 bass boat when a $5000 boat will do. Why buy clothes at the mall when buying it at Walmart will do.
If you appreciate better quality and sometimes better performing products then you'll want to pay more for it. We are all in different stages in our lives. Some people that buy high end have a stable good job and value the gear more than others. I seem to here the guys that don't care for high end gears often try to say they catch more fish on their low end gears. Always seem to make a point about it. The guys that buy high end gears never seem to put down low end gears or say it's catches less fish. These guys all started with low end gears once so they know both ends of it.
Alonerankin2 reply :
I have one rig, that I use maybe 6 to 8 times a year... It's near $600, I use it creek fishing, I love my rods & reels, almost to a point of madness! Lol, but I sure enjoy a fine rod & reel, same as a fine cigar or a exceptional bottle of Kentucky bourbon. Spend what you can or what you want, fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed by all peoples...
BassinNCstyle reply :
On 2/1/2015 at 1:36 AM, *Hootie said:There are no doubt more sensitive rods for less money, You'll get a lot of suggestions on here and all good
if they are from actual experience and not hearsay. I have always believed "sensitivity" is dependent a lot
on your sense of feel. If you have a real keen sense of feel, you could possibly do , with a cheaper rod as
good as I do with my NRX. Just my rambling thoughts....lol.
Hootie
Who makes the NRX?
*Hootie reply :
On 2/1/2015 at 6:52 AM, BassinNCstyle said:Who makes the NRX?
G Loomis.
Hootie
BassinNCstyle reply :
OK thanks for answering my rookie questions.
Tywithay reply :
I don't believe cost necessarily makes a rod high end, it just makes it expensive. For instance, the *** *** has been compared to the performance of an IMX in sensitivity, weight, etc.; one is $300, the other $100....which one is the high end rod if they perform similarly? In some instances you get what you pay for, but it's important to do some homework to insure you're getting the most bang for your buck. There's plenty of rods that cost a little less, but offer the same performance as others that cost far more.
SenkoGuru reply :
Buying much better gear did not make me a better fisherman but it sure made me want to go fishing a lot more.
Poolshark reply :
lighter and more sensitive rods will have the benefit of not tiring you out and making you more aware of structure..... These rods tend to cost more. But I lean on the fence on this. I have caught tons of bass on rods that cost 99 dollars and tons of bass on rods that cost 250 dollars. All of my rods have held up over the years except the ones that were carelessly damaged. which leads me to my personal view.... I'm saving my money and finding rods that meet me in the middle. You will catch every bit as much bass with them if you fish them right. And if u treat them carefully they will last you as well. This is coming from an owner of many high end and many "value" sticks. It's really worth it if it means something to you, if it doesn't, then no it isn't worth it.
FishTank reply :
Is a higher end rod worth the money? Yes but it does not mean you have to pay top dollar for it. Just like everything else, most high end rods go on sale or get clearenced out for newer models. Just keep your eyes open.
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
Not when it comes to crankbait rods and live bait for catfish.uglystiks take care of this .But i do beleive in lighter rods for plastics.t rigged and jigs and i have 100$ or less rods to do this.i have used g loomis rods before nice and light.id buy them if i seen it fit for me to catch more fish.But i do fine with what i have.On a diff note i see a lot of 60 tho dollar trucks jacked up with 8 gran in tires wheels,along with a g loomis sticker and a salt life sticker and no mud or sand on any inch of the truck.Presitege runs rampet in the USA
Ozark_Basser reply :
I love high end fishing equipment. With fishing I have to be careful because I tend to have a champagne taste on a beer budget though, but I rarely regret spending a good deal of money on what I want. Just make sure you actually want it before you buy it. Don't blindly buy something due to reviews and online pictures. Personal preference is different for everyone. It's generally a good idea to test out something high end from a buddy etc. before you buy it. A lot of high end stuff to me has shown little difference in performance compared to something you could have gotten for cheaper, but when you find something that's just right for you, it's worth the extra money.
Sam reply :
Yes, they can be worth it if you fish tournaments.
aavery2 reply :
Define expensive, like many other things it can be subjective. You may find something expensive and someone else thinks it a bargain. The cost of something isn't always indicative of it's quality but many times the cost is the result of superior materials, advanced processes, additional time and labor or careful attention to small details.
If you took 10 people with good product knowledge and ten rods without any branding on them. Presented the rods to each person and asked them to after their careful examination to place the rods in the order of their perceived value. How many people do you think would have exactly the same order?
Everything ever made is only worth what you can get someone else to pay for it.
thehooligan reply :
On 2/1/2015 at 6:47 AM, Alonerankin2 said:I have one rig, that I use maybe 6 to 8 times a year... It's near $600, I use it creek fishing, I love my rods & reels, almost to a point of madness! Lol, but I sure enjoy a fine rod & reel, same as a fine cigar or a exceptional bottle of Kentucky bourbon. Spend what you can or what you want, fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed by all peoples...
Completely agree
Josh Smith reply :
Hello,
It depends on what you're looking for.
For me, it's not all about sensitivity. I really like the Cherrywood HD Rods, for example, for a lot of things. They're $20 rods, hybrid design, graphite and glass, I believe.
Probably my most sensitive rod right now is short at 5'6", stiff, and graphite. I feel everything with it. It will break easily compared to the Cherrywood HD.
One rod I've had forever is a Daiwa "Bill Dance" Spinnerbait graphite rod. How much graphite is in it is probably debatable, but I've used it for over 20 years. I'm used to it and can probably use it the easiest. It's a blank-through design with a nice pistol grip.
One day I'll be having DVT build me a rod or two. (It's not that he's expensive but rather it's that I'm the only breadwinner in the household. We decided my wife would be a stay-at-home mom and we don't regret this decision at all!) The rods I have him build will be on pistol-grip handles made by Abu Garcia from way back. These are offset, not blank-through, and so will not be the most sensitive rods ever.
However, they will be worth it to me for their other aspects; ie, handling round reels better and the feel of the excellent pistol grips.
I'll probably end up with a Loomis or similar later on at some point. I've tried them and while yes, they are very sensitive, I question my need for that sensitivity. Maybe it was growing up on glass rods that did it, but I can feel everything with less-expensive rods; the feel is just a bit muted compared to higher end graphite. Sort of like listening to music wearing earplugs. I wear earplugs every day at the shop and listen to music or OTR the whole time, and have learned to understand everything as well as if I weren't wearing earplugs. It's just muted.
Just my thoughts on the subject. For me, it's about overall feel, not just sensitivity.
Josh
tnt2671 reply :
what i've come to see is theres lots of rods in the mid to higher $100 dollar range that are up to par with the high dollar rods , kistlers klx is a perfect example. i actually prefer my klxs to other rods i have or have owned in the past that were double the money. now don't get me wrong if i was rich enough to own an arsenal of mega dollar megabass rods i would but it would just be purely for the finishes and the boutique styling that goes along w/ them. i would say expensive rods are worth it if you have the money why not? Would i ever spend $400+ on a rod again, absolutely not. i'd sum it up in car terms as a corvette z06 vs a ferrari , ferrari's got the ultra exotic flair but the vette more than gets the done for a lot less dough.
*Hootie reply :
Sheeesh!.....yawn. G'nite.
Hootie
carlm01 reply :
I have 3 GL2's a GLX and 2 GL3's and like them all . I guess it's all personal preference ? I did get some good deals on them but still think very good rods .....
smalljaw67 reply :
On 2/1/2015 at 12:02 PM, Josh Smith said:Hello,
It depends on what you're looking for.
For me, it's not all about sensitivity. I really like the Cherrywood HD Rods, for example, for a lot of things. They're $20 rods, hybrid design, graphite and glass, I believe.
Probably my most sensitive rod right now is short at 5'6", stiff, and graphite. I feel everything with it. It will break easily compared to the Cherrywood HD.
One rod I've had forever is a Daiwa "Bill Dance" Spinnerbait graphite rod. How much graphite is in it is probably debatable, but I've used it for over 20 years. I'm used to it and can probably use it the easiest. It's a blank-through design with a nice pistol grip.
One day I'll be having DVT build me a rod or two. (It's not that he's expensive but rather it's that I'm the only breadwinner in the household. We decided my wife would be a stay-at-home mom and we don't regret this decision at all!) The rods I have him build will be on pistol-grip handles made by Abu Garcia from way back. These are offset, not blank-through, and so will not be the most sensitive rods ever.
However, they will be worth it to me for their other aspects; ie, handling round reels better and the feel of the excellent pistol grips.
I'll probably end up with a Loomis or similar later on at some point. I've tried them and while yes, they are very sensitive, I question my need for that sensitivity. Maybe it was growing up on glass rods that did it, but I can feel everything with less-expensive rods; the feel is just a bit muted compared to higher end graphite. Sort of like listening to music wearing earplugs. I wear earplugs every day at the shop and listen to music or OTR the whole time, and have learned to understand everything as well as if I weren't wearing earplugs. It's just muted.
Just my thoughts on the subject. For me, it's about overall feel, not just sensitivity.
Josh
That Daiwa Bill Dance rod has got be 30+ years old. I got into bass fishing serious in the mid 80s and I believe it was 85 or 86 when I saw an add in a sports afield magazine with Bill Dance and a Daiwa product and it wasn't long after he was using Quantum stuff. If that rod was in my possession, I would do some research and see if there is any collectors of Bill Dance stuff, if there is that rod should be highly prized as there isn't much left of Daiwa branded products with a Bill Dance association.
Bruce424 reply :
I g ituess you answer these questions. Do you tournament fish? Do you have the money to put forth $100+? Do you fish long days? I am definitely an advocate for buying quality stuff. I got tired of buying cheap 15-20$ rods then it break a year later. I buy rods on sale around the 50 dollar mark. Maybe 60. Probly 80-90$ originally. And these rods haven't failed me yet while fishing. (Slammed one in a car door)accidents happen. what I'm trying to say is if you have the money for it Buy it.and if you're hesitant on buying it. if you're asking yourself is it worth it. probably not.
roadwarrior reply :
Well, if just "catching" bass is your goal, any brand of rod & reel at any pricing point will work.
In general, this might be a complete set:
#1 6 1/2' or 7' MH baitcaster for jigs, some
soft plastics and spinnerbaits
#2 6 1/2' or 7' MM baitcaster for treble hook
lures
#3 7' MF spinning rod for lighter lures and a
variety of techniques
If you just want one rod, 6 1/2'-7' MF or MHF can do almost anything. On the otherhand, as we
grow in the sport, some will develop the skills to appreciate finer tuning. Cost or "value" are a
concern to most fishermen, but not all. For those that hone a feel, have the funding and the desire,
high end equipment becomes interesting. I think the perfect gear makes fishing more fun.
Better gear will not make a poor fisherman good, but it can make a good fisherman better.
Josh Smith reply :
On 2/1/2015 at 10:58 PM, smalljaw67 said:That Daiwa Bill Dance rod has got be 30+ years old. I got into bass fishing serious in the mid 80s and I believe it was 85 or 86 when I saw an add in a sports afield magazine with Bill Dance and a Daiwa product and it wasn't long after he was using Quantum stuff. If that rod was in my possession, I would do some research and see if there is any collectors of Bill Dance stuff, if there is that rod should be highly prized as there isn't much left of Daiwa branded products with a Bill Dance association.
Hello,
I see these sometimes on eBay. A Google search didn't turn anything up about worth, etc. It did show that it has what's called "Power Mesh", whatever that means. I thought it was just decoration.
It thought I bought it in my early teens and I'm 37 now. It was my first or second graphite rod. (I got a Zebco trigger reel combo that had a graphite rod with it for Christmas one year, but I just don't recall if I got it before or after the Bill Dance.)
I'll research it a bit more, I guess, but there's little information out there pre-1996 or so. Unlike with guns where I can find loads of information about, say, one of my rifles built in 1892 Amberg, Germany, it seems that the majority of fisherman and the fishing industry are always looking forward to the next, 'better' thing and the the internet presence of products reflects this.
Regards,
Josh
tracker01 reply :
Whatever you "can" spend on fishing gear and feel good about your hobby is the ticket. For me, I like to spend a little more for some nicer stuff. Does it catch me more fish????????????????????????????????????????. But, it makes my time on the water a bit more enjoyable. To add to that, my off time during the winter up here in Pa., I enjoy the hunt for my next bit of pleasure. My girlfriend tells me that I have an addiction to my hobby, and I tell her it only an addiction if I am trying to quite. To answer your question I believe a more expensive rod can be worth it. I tend to spend more on a rod than my reels. Basicly the rod is the first thing your line comes in contact with when the fish strikes. The reel is a means of bringing in that line.
Alonerankin2 reply :
On 2/2/2015 at 1:44 AM, tracker01 said:Whatever you "can" spend on fishing gear and feel good about your hobby is the ticket. For me, I like to spend a little more for some nicer stuff. Does it catch me more fish????????????????????????????????????????. But, it makes my time on the water a bit more enjoyable. To add to that, my off time during the winter up here in Pa., I enjoy the hunt for my next bit of pleasure. My girlfriend tells me that I have an addiction to my hobby, and I tell her it only an addiction if I am trying to quite. To answer your question I believe a more expensive rod can be worth it. I tend to spend more on a rod than my reels. Basicly the rod is the first thing your line comes in contact with when the fish strikes. The reel is a means of bringing in that line.
Good points! However on the reel issue, I still spend better money on those as well. There can be days where a reel engage/ dis-engage can exceed 500 to 700 times a day... So to that point I'd say the sport can be argued on all fronts, and, there may not be a clear winner...
G_money reply :
If you're fanatical about fishing, and really, really enjoy sport fishing at it's finest: no question, unequivocally without a doubt, yes. Owning high quality sensitive fishing rods is an exhilarating thrill. Especially for bottom contact fishing there's something magical almost euphoric about feeling a bass pick up your jig in cold water, that you would have missed on a less sensitive stick, or that rush when a bruiser crushes your bait and you feel every head shake like an electric current to your fingers and hands.
There are always those who will argue their Ugly Stick is just as sensitive as a GLX, but those are the guys who have never owned a high end rod. it's one of things you can't speak on the differences until you've actually experienced them.
Much like the difference between driving a Porsche or sports car on open highway compared to a minivan, is the best way I can quantify it.
jignfule reply :
Pretty much got it figured out.
If I OWN a $100 rod then that is the best way to go.(I catch just as many fish as one that has a $500 rod)
If I OWN a $500 rod then that is the best way to go. ( I've got to love my rod, or I just wasted $500 didn't I ?)
Tywithay reply :
Pretty much.On 2/2/2015 at 6:00 AM, jignfule said:Pretty much got it figure out.
If I OWN a $100 rod then that is the best way to go.(I catch just as many fish as one that has a $500 rod)
If I OWN a $500 rod then that is the best way to go. ( I've got to love my rod, or I just wasted $500 didn't I ?)
For some reason, a lot of people spend a lot of time worrying about what other people think. Buy what you want and use it. If the rod you want costs $50, awesome; if it costs $650, awesome.
K_Mac reply :
On 2/2/2015 at 7:42 AM, Tywithay said:Pretty much.
For some reason, a lot of people spend a lot of time worrying about what other people think. Buy what you want and use it. If the rod you want costs $50, awesome; if it costs $650, awesome.
Amen.
*Hootie reply :
On 2/2/2015 at 7:42 AM, Tywithay said:Pretty much.
For some reason, a lot of people spend a lot of time worrying about what other people think. Buy what you want and use it. If the rod you want costs $50, awesome; if it costs $650, awesome.
There, that's it. That wasn't too complicated.
Hootie
SirSnookalot reply :
I'm sure I've said this before, it all depends how one fishes. I have little need for a super sensitive stick, I seldom fish the kind of lures that require it. Bass fishing for me is not about the fight, it's more about the strike. I don't find too many fish that explode on a top water lure like a bass, even a tarpon doesn't it's a different kind of strike. When I get a 22" or bigger bass hitting a top water, that's something special. I'm using these lures on various rod sizes, the most fun I'm having is when I'm using a ul to catch fish that size. My ul has the backbone of an over boiled spaghetti noodle, that limpness is what makes it exciting and does challenge my ability to land them. The rod isn't worth what I paid for it, probably no more than 40 bucks years ago.
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