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High end Rods 2024


fishing user avatarPatrickcatalano reply : 

Hello All,

 

I am looking to get a high end all purpose casting rod. I have my options limited down to 3.

 

St Croix Legend Elite

G Rods Pro Bass

Doblyns champion extreme HP.

 

I will be getting a 7ft Medium Heavy, Fast action rod. If it helps, I have a Abu Garcia Revo Premier Gen 4. 

 

I appreciate it. 

 

Tight Lines

Patrick


fishing user avatarAngry John reply : 

I am partial to the st croix as i have one and love it, do not care for the dobyns rod and know nothing about the g rods.  At the price point you also may consider megabass or a daiwa steez.  


fishing user avataranderb54 reply : 

At that price range, I'd definitely consider the Megabass Destroyer line, specifically the Daemos for what you're looking for. That being said, I like my Champion Extreme, but it's a spinning model, so it's not an apples to apples comparison. 


fishing user avatarStephen B reply : 

Legend Elite and Megabass Destroyer line are the best at the price point.


fishing user avatarPatrickcatalano reply : 

Which of the Megabass destroyer rods would fit the all purpose profile the best? A lot of them are heavy power. 


fishing user avatarStephen B reply : 

The Daemos is the rod in the Megabass Destroyer USA lineup to consider. It is very versatile.


fishing user avatarPatrickcatalano reply : 

What’s the specs on it?


fishing user avataranderb54 reply : 

Daemos Specs

 

Length: 7'2''

Power: 5 (aka medium heavy)

Lure Weight: 3/8 to 1 oz

Line Rating: 8-20 lb

Action: Fast

 

The Daemos is a great all around rod. I've mostly used it for swimbaits (Keitechs), spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and bigger jerkbaits like the Pointer 128, Rerange 130, etc., but you could easily use it as a jig rod, lighter Texas Rigs, and even frogs in moderate cover

 


fishing user avatarPatrickcatalano reply : 

Thank you, that sounds exactly what I am looking for. Can it be used for other species than bass, such as 20-30 inch pike? I have a Abu Garcia Revo gen 4 premier as my reel. 


fishing user avataranderb54 reply : 

You won't have any issues with pike that size using that rod.

 

Just a heads up with the Destroyers: they don't have hook keepers, so be sure to order one of the Fuji EZ Keepers with it too if that's what rod you choose. I have them on all of mine, I think they cost like $4-$5.


fishing user avatarWRB reply : 

You should also consider having a custom rod made from the high end blanks and components. Contact site sponsor DVL and my rod maker ALX and get their input.

Don't over look off the shelf rods from Lamiglas Infinity series.

Tom


fishing user avatarPatrickcatalano reply : 

I thought about having a custom rod from alx but decided against it because I do fish a lot but I wouldn’t get to use it enough to enjoy it. I’ll definently check on lamiglas.


fishing user avatarPrimus reply : 

You might want to look into a Kistler KLX or Helium series rod, excellent fishing rods for the money. 


fishing user avatarPAbasser927 reply : 
  On 1/12/2018 at 12:41 AM, Primus said:

You might want to look into a Kistler KLX or Helium series rod, excellent fishing rods for the money. 

I just posted in the sale thread that Kistler is running a 20% off everything sale right now.  I used it to grab a Helium 3 which I am psyched to try out.  Details on the site.

 

I believe the Heliums are only offered in ex-fast for their MH rods.  I think the KLX would be the only way to go for a true fast action.


fishing user avatarPatrickcatalano reply : 

I’ll need y’alls help again, so between the Daemos and the legend elite, which of them would be better? It’d be an all purpose rod for a variety of baits. 

  On 1/12/2018 at 12:41 AM, Primus said:

You might want to look into a Kistler KLX or Helium series rod, excellent fishing rods for the money. 

I thought about Kitsler for awhile but everytime I would find one I’d like it’d be sold out. I’ll check again and see if they have them in stock at tackle warehouse.


fishing user avataranderb54 reply : 

I've not used the Legend Elite before, but I've had lots of first hand experience using the Daemos, and I own several of the others in the Destroyer line. I keep buying Destroyers because they're incredibly sensitive, well made, and the ergonomics are top notch. It's obvious every time I use one that a high level of thought and craftsmanship goes into those rods. Let's be honest too, there's a certain mystique and sexiness to Megabass products too, especially their rods. What you're paying for is a functional piece of art. I can tell you right now that if you buy the Daemos, you won't be disappointed. It's as good of an "all around" rod as you'll find in that price range.


fishing user avatarPatrickcatalano reply : 

I’ve also noticed that the Daemos not only gets good reviews but also looks a lot nicer as well. How well would it work for T-rigs and other reaction baits such as spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and jigs?


fishing user avataranderb54 reply : 

That's basically what the rod was designed for. It's an evolution of the Diablo Spec-R, which was made for any application that uses big single hooks. They have a dedicated jig rod, the FMJ, which is awesome to fish, but it's definitely beefier with a stiffer tip. The Daemos is for sure the most versatile in the Destroyer lineup, and for what you want, it'll be awesome.


fishing user avatarPatrickcatalano reply : 

ok that sounds perfect. Thank you.


fishing user avatarkickerfish1 reply : 

Not sure if you are open to suggestion outside of what you listed in your original post but if so I would HIGHLY consider an MBR GLX 844 or 843. You can also look at the MBR 843 NRX. All of these are, have been, or will, be available in a rep sample model meaning the prices will all be under $400 and with full warranty.

 

The MBR or Mag Bass Taper rods from Loomis can pretty much do anything you want from a bass'n standpoint. Great feel as well!

 

There isn't a bad rod on your list but I would lean more towards the MB Destroyer if those were my only options.


fishing user avatarkschultz76 reply : 

I’d agree the Destroyer Daemos is likely a great choice for your intended purposes. I have the FMJ myself. The build quality, weight/balance, and ergonomics on these is top notch. 

 

I agree with Kickerfish, another top option for high end and very versatile would be a GLX MBR 843 or 844.  The 844 is a beefier stick then the 843, and choice would come down to total weight/size of lures and cover you will fish. But these rods have a great tip making them versatile and easy to cast with a nice backbone to handle fish in cover. Loomis have a great warranty, however their attention to detail and build quality are known to not always be quite up to par at this price point, primarily issues reported around finish on threadwraps. 

 

St Croix Legend Elites are awesome sticks as well, and superbly build with great warranty. You’d certainly be getting a great stick with a St Croix. However in my personal experience their MH/F are stout rods, and while they’re very capable, they aren’t quite as versatile for moving baits. 

 

Good luck. 


fishing user avatarChance_Taker4 reply : 

I would add the Kistler Z-Bone with their 20% discount you can pick one up for $400. That would be the best $400 rod you will ever use.


fishing user avatarevilcatfish reply : 

I feel like all the suggestions mentioned would be great choices, but if I could pick one it would be the Daemos. The new destroyers are very impressive. If you want to save a few bucks (and can actually find one) the XX diablo spec r is similar as mentioned above. Or if you can wait a bit, the next gen XX rods are coming this year, though I don't believe the exact models have been confirmed yet. 


fishing user avatarFishingmickey reply : 
  On 1/12/2018 at 5:56 AM, Patrickcatalano said:

I’ll need y’alls help again, so between the Daemos and the legend elite, which of them would be better? It’d be an all purpose rod for a variety of baits. 

I thought about Kitsler for awhile but everytime I would find one I’d like it’d be sold out. I’ll check again and see if they have them in stock at tackle warehouse.

Go straight to Kistler's website, That is where the 20% off is at and there are a lot of models that are not shown on TW.

Fishingmickey

 https://www.kistlerrods.com/


fishing user avatarStephen B reply : 

Kistler, Megabass, and St Croix all have excellent blanks and build quality. St Croix has the best warranty by far. However, I think the Destroyer Daemos is the best rod for what you are looking for. 


fishing user avatarYumeya reply : 

I wanted to try a G-Rods pro bass spinning rod but could never find the model I wanted in-stock anywhere.

 

Guess I will just have to deal with Gloomis and Megabss :)


fishing user avatarChance_Taker4 reply : 

One more thing I will say about Kistler rods are they are built on true Gary Loomis custom designed North Fork blanks.


fishing user avatarPatrickcatalano reply : 
  On 1/13/2018 at 12:11 AM, Chance_Taker4 said:

I would add the Kistler Z-Bone with their 20% discount you can pick one up for $400. That would be the best $400 rod you will ever use.

I went to their website and the z bones are all custom rods. So my final total before discount is $650


fishing user avatarPatrickcatalano reply : 

So back on the daemos, how does it preform casting wise, sensitivity and hooksetting wise? I figured if I’m spending a lot on this rod, I want to make sure it’s good.


fishing user avatarChance_Taker4 reply : 
  On 1/13/2018 at 10:59 PM, Patrickcatalano said:

I went to their website and the z bones are all custom rods. So my final total before discount is $650

check under "search by technique" I bought a couple Z-Bone before Christmas when they had their big sale.


fishing user avatarFishin' Fool reply : 

I wouldn't eliminate G Loomis GLX rods too if I were you. Check out The Tackle Trap and you may find demo rod for a great price. I like my newly designed GLX 892s.


fishing user avatarPatrickcatalano reply : 
  On 1/14/2018 at 12:04 AM, Fishin' Fool said:

I wouldn't eliminate G Loomis GLX rods too if I were you. Check out The Tackle Trap and you may find demo rod for a great price. I like my newly designed GLX 892s.

I saw their prices and thought, Wow. What does the Demo rod mean?


fishing user avatarNHBull reply : 

Another vote for the GLX MBR......the most universal rod I own 


fishing user avataranderb54 reply : 
  On 1/13/2018 at 11:32 PM, Patrickcatalano said:

So back on the daemos, how does it preform casting wise, sensitivity and hooksetting wise? I figured if I’m spending a lot on this rod, I want to make sure it’s good.

I can't say I have any complaints about the casting performance of the Daemos. Since it's made for single hook applications, hooksets are decisive... you can really lean into it without worrying about breaking the rod. Sensitivity wise, I'd say the Destroyers are on par with the GLX, but with better balance and ergonomics. The fact of the matter is, at this price point, you have a lot of good options. None of the rods you get are going to disappoint you, and will likely be the best rod you've handled/owned. Be sure to read up on everything about them, and pay close attention to the warranties on each, so there's no surprises if you need to warranty one.


fishing user avatarbigfruits reply : 

Daemos would be a great choice. a bit faster than the XX DSR. not a great long distance caster but very well balanced, sensitive and crisp. perfect for t-rig when a MH rod is in order. i also use it for heavier weightless plastics (5" senko, fat ika), rage rig, 1/4-3/8oz jigs and single hook moving baits around 1/2oz.


fishing user avatarFurther North reply : 
  On 1/11/2018 at 11:09 AM, Patrickcatalano said:

Daemos Specs

 

Length: 7'2''

Power: 5 (aka medium heavy)

Lure Weight: 3/8 to 1 oz

Line Rating: 8-20 lb

Action: Fast

 

Thank you, that sounds exactly what I am looking for. Can it be used for other species than bass, such as 20-30 inch pike? I have a Abu Garcia Revo gen 4 premier as my reel. 

Sounds like it'd work fine for 20" - 30" pike...the only caution I'd have s that with an upper limit of 1 oz. lures it's a little light for some of the things I throw at pike...especially when I'm looking for their slightly bigger sisters...

 

Pike are my favorite fish, and I target them most days I'm on the water, at least for a while.  I frequently use a Doctor Spoon that's about 1 1/8 oz...it'd work for that, but it looks like it'd be PITA to throw.


fishing user avatarFishin' Fool reply : 
  On 1/14/2018 at 1:02 AM, Patrickcatalano said:

I saw their prices and thought, Wow. What does the Demo rod mean?

I believe demo rods are rods that are brought to fishing shows and the like and have been thoroughly handled. As far as I understand the full warranty still applies. It's a nice way to get a high end rod at a discount.


fishing user avatarStephen B reply : 

The Gloomis warranty states that demos are not covered, however, my last rod that I had warrantied they didn't even ask for proof of purchase. I think the Destroyer USA lineups is the best lineup of rods you can buy at $400, but the Legend X rods are great rods as well.


fishing user avatarRodney Smith reply : 

This is another vote for Loomis. Buy you one at a discount and I promise you, if you don’t love it (or want to trade up down the road), it will hold it’s value and will be easy to resell. I did try a Megabass Orochi XX and found it heavy compared to my G. Loomis rods. If I were to try anything else, it would be a Destroyer. However, I find it is easier to get a good deal on a Loomis rod.


fishing user avatarScrapiron reply : 

Another vote for the Loomis GLX MBR 844. I just added one to the inventory and wow. Just .5oz heavier than my Kistler HE3 (which I think is superb). But whew, what a rod that GLX 844 is. Don't miss my IMX 844 anymore. 




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