Best spinning rod under $500...expride, g. loomis... 2024

clemsondds reply :

Looking for a second spinning rod/reel setup. Was looking for something around $150. Was looking at getting g another Dobyns fury or st croix Moho, but there I read Someone recommending one of the smaller brands like alx. Can anyone offer some advice on best bang for the buck? Just looking for a good spinning rod for ned rig, drop shot...will probably pair it with a stradic or something similar. My main focus will be on sensitivity. Thank you all!

waymont reply :

Take a look at the Daiwa Tatula spinning rods, the bass rods with the cork handle. They are right at your price point, but feel much nicer than their price point. They are very light and well balanced and extremely sensitive. This series of rods is really nice.

clemsondds reply :

Ok thanks! Yeh I have heard good things about the Tatula line. Would love to hear from others. Especially those who have used ALX, irod, or similar smaller companies. Wondering if you can get more custom, better quality for the price point. Thanks!

newyorktoiowa57 reply :

I'd look at the tutula. Most sensitive rod under 200 IMO, and can be found for like 110 at sportsmans outfitters.

new2BC4bass reply :

I am a big fan of the OG Tatula rods, BUT only have casting models. Same thing for my Mojo and 2 ALX Zolos. I do read good things about the Zolo spinning rod models. When I got back into fishing I pretty much went all baitcast. I have to say I am sorely tempted to try a Zolo McSmalls spinning rod. Especially now that I have decided that my casting ability isn't going to let me go much below 3/16 oz. The owner of ALX has said he has a hard time putting the McSmalls down. That's a good enough recommendation for me.

dodgeguy reply :

bass pro shops signature series. i really dont get why nobody ever mentions them. for the money they cannot be beat. patriot and platinum series are even better.

Shimano_1 reply :

On 11/25/2019 at 3:47 AM, dodgeguy said:

bass pro shops signature series. i really dont get why nobody ever mentions them. for the money they cannot be beat. patriot and platinum series are even better.

I agree, anything from the carbonlite to the platinum series are awesome sticks especially at the sale prices. Most all of my current lineup are cabelas and basspro rods. Love that if I need to replace a broken rod I can drive 15 minutes instead of spending money and having to ship back and wait on replacement.

dodgeguy reply :

And I dont really think you need a lifetime warranty. I've broken 5 rods in the past 30 years. All were within the first month. One was a BPS . They replaced it No problem.

WRB reply :

Spinning rods my recommendation is Major Craft, light weight, good craftsmanship and high quality components around $120-$130.

Tom

clemsondds reply :

Thanks Tom! Would you mind sharing what makes them more high-quality then another major brand rod like tatula? What’s the actual components that make it a good deal versus a major brand at the same price point. Just trying to learn. Btw, stopped by store and handled a tatula, st croix avid x, and fury. Nice rods! Thanks!

Efishin reply :

I dont like ALX at all. All of my buddies sold theres as well. Around 150, I would recommend a Dobyns Fury, St Croix Mojo, Shimano Intenza, Phenix Feather. Those are the best in that price range.

WRB reply :

On 11/25/2019 at 7:12 AM, clemsondds said:

Thanks Tom! Would you mind sharing what makes them more high-quality then another major brand rod like tatula? What’s the actual components that make it a good deal versus a major brand at the same price point. Just trying to learn. Btw, stopped by store and handled a tatula, st croix avid x, and fury. Nice rods! Thanks!

It comes down to the quality of Fuji guides, reel seat used and handle configuration.

I like Dobyns rods, don't the reel seat /handle configuration with locking rings.

Lower end St Croix rods blanks are both heavy with little feedback and use 20 year old guides and reel seat/handle configuration

Aaron Martens designed the reel handle for Megabass that Iovino has Major Craft incorporate into his finesse spinning rods with state of art blank materials. The only thing I don't like is the bold yellow lettering that Major Craft uses.

Tom

Chief250 reply :

On 11/25/2019 at 3:47 AM, dodgeguy said:

bass pro shops signature series. i really dont get why nobody ever mentions them. for the money they cannot be beat. patriot and platinum series are even better.

I honestly think it's because a lot of people can't get excited about a big box store names rod that doesn't mean much. We can all get excited about a specific model from other rod manufacturers. Just my opinion. It's like being excited About Johnny Morris signature reel blah blah blah. What is it really? Mind you, I had acl surgery three days ago and I'm cranky

clemsondds reply :

Thanks! So do you use them for all your rods? Also, they look like they have two spinning rods in that range...the don lovino rod and the ms1 rod...which you like better? Thanks again

LCG reply :

I bought one spinning and one casting rod from BPS last year, both carbonlites 2.0. They have become my favorite rods. Comfort and sensitivity are what counts for me, don't care who makes it. The signature series is nice as well but I loved the feel of the Winn grips. Never held the platinum model, just not a fan of the red colored blank, just a personal thing.

Chief250 reply :

On 11/25/2019 at 9:09 AM, LCG said:

I bought one spinning and one casting rod from BPS last year, both carbonlites 2.0. They have become my favorite rods. Comfort and sensitivity are what counts for me, don't care who makes it. The signature series is nice as well but I loved the feel of the Winn grips. Never held the platinum model, just not a fan of the red colored blank, just a personal thing.

Certainly not saying they aren't nice

thunderblack reply :

for under or around $200

Fenwick Aetos or new Techna

St. Croix Avid X or original

Kistler Helium when they have a sale

Megabass Orochi XX if you can find a second hand one or use a coupon

Shimano Zodias

G. Loomis revamped E6X

I have owned, handled, or fished all of these except the techna and they are all really good rods with nice warranties. Good luck

Hulkster reply :

if it were me i would go either a 2018 model Loomis E6X or a St. Croix Avid.

Derek1 reply :

On 11/25/2019 at 9:09 AM, LCG said:

I bought one spinning and one casting rod from BPS last year, both carbonlites 2.0. They have become my favorite rods. Comfort and sensitivity are what counts for me, don't care who makes it. The signature series is nice as well but I loved the feel of the Winn grips. Never held the platinum model, just not a fan of the red colored blank, just a personal thing.

Me to really like them.

matbellon3 reply :

Major Craft in the low end of your budget or the St. Croix Avid in the high end.

newyorktoiowa57 reply :

Best option is a Shimano Expride but will run you $225 on sale.

Darren. reply :

There's really no *right* answer to your question, only opinions

So here's mine. I've been a big fan of BPS Carbonlites (pre 2.0) and

having put hands-on the new ones in-store, I'd say they're pretty much

the same quality.

I also use St. Croix. Have a Premier and Legend Tournament. I like shorter

rods and St. Croix meets most of my prefs.

Also had a St. Croix Avid, ended up trading up for the LT. Didn't like the

tip-heaviness of the Avid. Actually the LT is tip-heavy (slightly) with my

Stradic 1000s, but I've currently got a Pflueger Supreme 3000 on it which

balances pretty well.

Also FWIW, I use Stradic 1000 models 99% of the time.

Good luck with your quest. Get hands on whenever you can to help with

your decision.

stratoliner92 reply :

On 11/24/2019 at 3:35 PM, clemsondds said:

Just looking for a good spinning rod for ned rig, drop shot...will probably pair it with a stradic or something similar. My main focus will be on sensitivity. Thank you all!

Another couple of options are Fenwick Elite Tech bass and Abu Garcia "IKE" series both are 6'10" ML rods. I fish both of those techniques. Prefer the Fenwick for Ned rigs and the IKE for dropshoting with 1/4oz weight. Loved the IKE so much I've got 2???? If you only fish a dropshot vertically or less than 1/4oz weight the Fenwick would be fine, it's got a softer tip than the IKE

fvogel67 reply :

The Abu Ike series is definitely underrated.I have the 6’4 Delay and use it for a variety of techniques

Boomstick reply :

A couple years ago, I picked up a St. Croix Avid X 6'9" ML/XF rod for drop shots and ned rigs, figuring a ML was the way to go for the northeast (where 10 pounders are rare). It has micro guides but with thin line (12lb Sunline SX1 basically the thickness of average 15lb braid and a 6 or 8lb flurocarbon leader) I have issues passing the knot through the guides, and it's very sensitive.

As most of you guys know I'm an admitted Daiwa fanboy (and I don't lie about it), but I did not get the Daiwa Tatula drop shot rod because I read that they put a thinner than normal tip on it which is fairly normal with Daiwa rods and in most cases a nice perk but in conjunction with a lighter power rod, people broke the tips off of them constantly.

clemsondds reply :

So do you like the avid x? I’m thinking I might up my budget. Looking at megabass right now...wish I hadn’t missed the Black Friday sale...they were sold out quick on those! Anyone have any experience with megabass spinning rods?

5by3 reply :

I own a few of the ALX spinning rods - the Zolo maestro and trickster. The lakes are just about frozen here so I haven’t been able to use them much. I’ve used the trickster for some blade baits and a few jerkbaits so far and I really enjoy it. I can’t speak to its sensitivity since I haven’t thrown any bottom baits on it.
They definitely aren’t as light as a few of my higher end Loomis rods, but they also don’t cost $400-500. The build quality seems good and they are comfortable to fish so far.

WRB reply :

43 minutes ago, 5by3 said:

I own a few of the ALX spinning rods - the Zolo maestro and trickster. The lakes are just about frozen here so I haven’t been able to use them much. I’ve used the trickster for some blade baits and a few jerkbaits so far and I really enjoy it. I can’t speak to its sensitivity since I haven’t thrown any bottom baits on it.
They definitely aren’t as light as a few of my higher end Loomis rods, but they also don’t cost $400-500. The build quality seems good and they are comfortable to fish so far.

You might want to get actual rod weights using a gram scale, Loomis rods may not be lighter!

Tom

new2BC4bass reply :

1 hour ago, WRB said:

You might want to get actual rod weights using a gram scale, Loomis rods may not be lighter!

Tom

Yeah. Guys comment on how light a Dobyns feels, but it ain't necessarily because it is lighter, but because it is better balanced. I've compared rod weights (those that I could find) and Dobyns aren't always the lightest.

new2BC4bass reply :

On 11/24/2019 at 6:14 PM, Efishin said:

I dont like ALX at all. All of my buddies sold theres as well. Around 150, I would recommend a Dobyns Fury, St Croix Mojo, Shimano Intenza, Phenix Feather. Those are the best in that price range.

And yet I have read more than once that some guys feel their sensitivity is between the IMX and GLX. I don't know if you are the one that said the ALX felt 'dead' in your hands. I've only been out a couple times with my Zolos...and didn't use 'feel' lures...so I can't say Yea or Nay about sensitivity. I did like them the little time I got to use them. Not fancy but seem well built to me. The only 'high' end rods I can compare them to are a Gen 1 Diablo Spec R, 704CB Glass and a couple old Zillions.

I remember when I got back into fishing in '09. If anyone on this site dared to mention there were better options than a Dobyns, they were almost driven off the site. It wasn't until a couple (or 3) years later that a few people started admitting that if you were after sensitivity, then there were better options than the Savvy in that price range. And, yes, I like my 704CB Glass. :teeth: And my Diablo and 7'6" HF Zillion.

WRB reply :

37 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Yeah. Guys comment on how light a Dobyns feels, but it ain't necessarily because it is lighter, but because it is better balanced. I've compared rod weights (those that I could find) and Dobyns aren't always the lightest.

Agree, lighter balanced rod feels lighter then a heavier balanced rod however.

Casting rods are easier for rod maker to balance with the center of the reel seat at the balance fulcrum point, spinning rods are a challenge because anglers hold the rod differently. Some anglers hold the rod with the reel stem between 2 fingers, others with 3 fingers in front of the stem while others just the opposite. How the rod is held affects it's balance greatly.

To me paying for highend light weight rods and adding counter balance weight defeats the reason for paying for a light weight rod. Dobyns has it right by biulding balanced rods to start with. When you tie on a lure the balance issue gets muddy fast.

Tom

OnthePotomac reply :

I bought a 7'2" BPS medium spinning Carbonlite on sale for $89 for my school teacher daughter and fishing buddy. She will only use a spinning rod and gets incredible effortless distance with the rod. Caught her biggest bass yet (4lb 9oz) on it last summer with 8lb mono.

Randy Price reply :

For the $$ I really like St. Croix's Mojo Bass line.

EWREX reply :

daiwa tatula / tatula elite

Revival reply :

I love my ALX Ikos rods. I have 5 of them including the Soul which is the 7th medium fast spinning rod.

I have owned Furys, Tatulas, and St Croix Premiers and prefer the ALX by far. I have tried a few different Mojos and didn’t care for it at all.

OperationEagle reply :

St Croix's split grip Premiers are on sale at Cabela's.

Glaucus reply :

On 12/8/2019 at 2:04 PM, WRB said:

Agree, lighter balanced rod feels lighter then a heavier balanced rod however.

Casting rods are easier for rod maker to balance with the center of the reel seat at the balance fulcrum point, spinning rods are a challenge because anglers hold the rod differently. Some anglers hold the rod with the reel stem between 2 fingers, others with 3 fingers in front of the stem while others just the opposite. How the rod is held affects it's balance greatly.

To me paying for highend light weight rods and adding counter balance weight defeats the reason for paying for a light weight rod. Dobyns has it right by biulding balanced rods to start with. When you tie on a lure the balance issue gets muddy fast.

Tom

I've never considered that I could be a lot different than most people. My entire hand grips the rod above the spinning reel. None of my fingers hold the stem at all. I have small hands though.

Dangerfield reply :

TIL Major Craft will be getting my money in the future.

kayaking_kev reply :

You can get a Dobyns Champion for about $170 on the Dobyns website under refurbished rods, they are always like new and in excellent condition. The Dobyns Sierra is also within your price range and is a nice upgrade over a Fury. I would definitely think about an Avid or Avid X though, but they are more pricey and even better yet if you can swing it is an Expride.

What power of a rod are you looking for? I have a Dobyns Champion 704sf that is about a month old and only has about 10 cast on it that I would sell for under $200.

clemsondds reply :

Ok so I'm bumping up my budget a little bit ha. I think I'm just going to buy one super sensitive spinning rod for my main, and then use my St Croix Premier as my back up spinning. So I'm thinking either the expride 7' Medium...or the g. loomis glx 852. Any thoughts? I'm thinking of using this rod as my main ned rig, shakyhead, senko rod. And I'll use my st croix premier ps70mr2 for drop shot. Thoughts?

browne762 reply :

If you are good up to $500, I would wait for a sale and get the NRX over the GLX.

No reason you couldn't use a 852 for drop shot as well. Loomis actually has a 822 NRX specifically for drop shot fishing.

FryDog62 reply :

My bias:

Yes to Majorcraft, ALX ZOLO and Daiwa Tatula, Kistler (if you can get on sale in your price range)

No towards: St. Croix (tend to be tip heavy, but not as bad if you stay M or ML), and Dobyns (well balanced, but many reviews will tell you they don't have the sensitivity of other comparable brands).

clemsondds reply :

2 hours ago, browne762 said:

If you are good up to $500, I would wait for a sale and get the NRX over the GLX.

No reason you couldn't use a 852 for drop shot as well. Loomis actually has a 822 NRX specifically for drop shot fishing.

Oh I Know, but I like to have stuff pre-rigged so I don't need to waste time setting it up when I could be fishing. I can get the 852 for around $300. But I'm also thinking of an expride...any compare these two? thanks

Bassjam2000 reply :

@clemsondds mind if I ask where you’re getting the loomis rod for 300? New?

moguy1973 reply :

My favorite all around spinning rod I have is a Lews TP-1 Speedstick. Has winn grips, microwave micro guides, is really sensitive, and IM8 blank. $99

Birdman2136 reply :

Kistler Helium.

browne762 reply :

1 hour ago, clemsondds said:

Oh I Know, but I like to have stuff pre-rigged so I don't need to waste time setting it up when I could be fishing.

I have more rods then I need on any given day so I understand that though process. I was meaning that if you were to get a NRX (or some other $500 rod), you will probably favor it more and end up retie-ing anyway.

1 hour ago, clemsondds said:

I can get the 852 for around $300. But I'm also thinking of an expride...any compare these two? thanks

I have a couple Expride spinning rods and a NRX. Although the Expride rods are great, they are not to the same level as a NRX in my opinion when it come to maximum sensitivity. The Expride is about 40% less money though so it really shouldn't be. I like the reel seat on the Exprides more then other rods I have.

Most people will be very happy with an Expride. If you use a St Croix Premier now, it will be more sensitive then that.

I don't have any GLX rods. If you are getting the GLX for $300 new then that is a decent deal at about 30% off.

Just keep in mind that as you chase for the ultimate in sensitivity you can start to spend lots of money...

clemsondds reply :

5 minutes ago, browne762 said:

I have more rods then I need on any given day so I understand that though process. I was meaning that if you were to get a NRX (or some other $500 rod), you will probably favor it more and end up retie-ing anyway.

I have a couple Expride spinning rods and a NRX 822. Although the Expride rods are great, they are not to the same level as a NRX in my opinion when it come to maximum sensitivity. The Expride is about 40% less money though so it really shouldn't be.

Most people will be very happy with an Expride. If you use a St Croix Premier now, it will be more sensitive then that.

I don't have any GLX rods. If you are getting the GLX for $300 new then that is a decent deal at about 30% off.

Just keep in mind that as you chase for the ultimate in sensitivity you can start to spend lots of money...

Thank you!! Ever compared those with a megabass whipsnake? Just wondering if the whipsnake and extrude are about the same level, and then a glx is better. Thanks!

browne762 reply :

1 minute ago, clemsondds said:

Ever compared those with a megabass whipsnake?

Sorry, I don't have any Megabass rods. I like getting deals and have been able to find other high end rods for 20%-40% off MSRP several times every year. Megabass never goes on sale so I pretty much ignore them.

clemsondds reply :

19 hours ago, browne762 said:

I have more rods then I need on any given day so I understand that though process. I was meaning that if you were to get a NRX (or some other $500 rod), you will probably favor it more and end up retie-ing anyway.

I have a couple Expride spinning rods and a NRX. Although the Expride rods are great, they are not to the same level as a NRX in my opinion when it come to maximum sensitivity. The Expride is about 40% less money though so it really shouldn't be. I like the reel seat on the Exprides more then other rods I have.

Most people will be very happy with an Expride. If you use a St Croix Premier now, it will be more sensitive then that.

I don't have any GLX rods. If you are getting the GLX for $300 new then that is a decent deal at about 30% off.

Just keep in mind that as you chase for the ultimate in sensitivity you can start to spend lots of money...

So if given the choice between a new Expride 7' Medium spinning or a demo GLX 852S JWR in perfect shape, which would you choose? Price would be the same (pretty much). Open to anyone's thoughts. Thanks

browne762 reply :

On 1/1/2020 at 11:24 PM, clemsondds said:

So if given the choice between a new Expride 7' Medium spinning or a demo GLX 852S JWR in perfect shape, which would you choose? Price would be the same (pretty much). Open to anyone's thoughts. Thanks

Most people would probably get the GLX. I personally am not a fan of used/demo stuff unless it is 50% or more off, so I would get a new Expride.

KP Duty reply :

On 11/24/2019 at 5:06 PM, waymont said:

Take a look at the Daiwa Tatula spinning rods, the bass rods with the cork handle. They are right at your price point, but feel much nicer than their price point. They are very light and well balanced and extremely sensitive. This series of rods is really nice.

I picked up one of these new tatulas (6'6"m) last year for jerkbaits/flukes and have been surprised at its performance. Really a crisp blank, and the handle is so comfy I think I'm going to pick up the 7'6" mml.

roadwarrior reply :

G.Loomis PR844S

http://www.gloomis.com/content/gloomis/northamerica/usconv/en/homepage/PDP.P-POPPING_ROD_SERIES.html

Midwest Fisherman reply :

On 12/8/2019 at 11:34 PM, clemsondds said:

So do you like the avid x? I’m thinking I might up my budget. Looking at megabass right now...wish I hadn’t missed the Black Friday sale...they were sold out quick on those! Anyone have any experience with megabass spinning rods?

I’m a big fan of St. Croix, use the Avid X and MoJo Bass and I’ll be getting into the Legend Tournament soon, all spinning rods. Im no pro as I’ve only been bass fishing for 4 years. I do this for fun and strictly pond fish so they serve me well. Good luck with your choice.

Chris Carey reply :

Lots of good info in this thread. I am in a similar situation, I’m looking for a new finesse/ dropshot rod. I have a couple expride casting rods that I like a lot. I guess my question is the GLX 822 Dsr worth the increased price over the Expride. Most people say the expride punches above it’s weight. If they r close or equal in performance I’d just assume save the money.

SpinLight reply :

On 11/25/2019 at 10:16 PM, Hulkster said:

if it were me i would go either a 2018 model Loomis E6X or a St. Croix Avid.

Under or around $200, what he said above.

clemsondds reply :

So just wanted to follow up. For right now I chose to go with the megabass whipsnake for my drop shot rod, the 7’ expride medium for my general ned/senko/shakyhead rod, and a st croix premier for my carolina rig/light swimbait. Think that will work? I may switch to a loom is later on, but have heard such great things about the exprides

2342

Best spinning rod under $500...expride, g. loomis... 2024

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