I have 3 bait casters one Abu Garcia 5600, Abu Garcia revo STX, And a Daiwa viento.... On the 5600 I have a $30 Berkley 6'6" med. rod, on the STX I have a $40 Abu Garcia 7' med. Heavy road, and on the Daiwa I have a 7'4" $40 Abu Garcia Med. Heavy rod. My question is how many of you think that more expensive rods are really worth it, like All Star, G. Loomis, St. Croix, Ex....... When purchasing a combo should someone look to buy a more expensive reel and get an ok rod or should they get a ok reel and a really good rod?
Absolutely. I can't afford them but i have seen a lot of RW's and r Riskkids stuff, and fished with such on loaners down on lake Fork. Just look at the work: Alpster,Fletchero and ReelMech do. Those rods not only look great they arre immpecable in performance. They are way lighter and more sensitive than anything i have ever seen before. SOMEDAY>>>>>>>>>>>
Eh, as I'm learning, rods make a HUGE difference. You have two $200 reels, and very in expensive rods.
I've been buying $120 reels ( Citica and Currado will be the next reel I get ), and I just ordered a nice light Gblanks rod.
I never thought much of rods, until I used one in the tournament I fished last weekend, and was in HEAVEN. Light rods make a big difference. Good light rods make all the difference.
I was fishing a no name rod for months, and just after switching rods, same lake same baits, I was feeling more fish, and catching more fish.
Makes a big difference.
QuoteEh, as I'm learning, rods make a HUGE difference. You have two $200 reels, and very in expensive rods.I've been buying $120 reels ( Citica and Currado will be the next reel I get ), and I just ordered a nice light Gblanks rod.
I never thought much of rods, until I used one in the tournament I fished last weekend, and was in HEAVEN. Light rods make a big difference. Good light rods make all the difference.
I was fishing a no name rod for months, and just after switching rods, same lake same baits, I was feeling more fish, and catching more fish.
Makes a big difference.
That is exactly how I am now...... I did think that reel's was the main thing to look at.... Now I am seeing that rods are just as important if not more important than the reel you put on it..... How much of a percent difference do you think the better rod made?
For me, it's tough to tell. I jumped from a garbage rod and reel, to a Shimano Stradic ($120) / Bps Extreme rod ($100), so both were you could say Mid-Grade.
I do credit some of it to just reading bass resource more. But rod and reel made a huge difference.
If anything, it gave me so much more confidence, made me feel like a pro!
Now if you see my thread, I'm concerned with weight, so I just ordered a 3oz rod as opposed to my current which is around 8oz. I can't wait!
To be honest I'm not sure what is more important, rod or reel, that is way I paid a mid price of roughly $100 for each or $150 for each that way I was in between with both, instead of having a very expensive reel and a cheap rod.
Man the G.Loomis I like the best as far as off the rack. When you are in my range 50 to 125 per rod i think the Fenwicks,St Croix,Okuma ,Old All Stars and BPS offer the best. The Techna AV's and the pricer Shimanos and St.Croix seem next ,Then I belive the Powells are next up, I have never held or cast a Kistler so I have no opinion as with those new Dobsyns
But when I got to the Fork and seen,held and fished Alpsters and Fletchero's rods WOW thats heaven.
ReelMech has been at it a lot longer than any of em so I guess hsi stuff is even better than the begginers, as hard as it is to believe but take a look at his stuff.>SOMEDAY>>>>>>>>
Powell rods are wonderful, that's what I used some of the time at the tournament this past weekend. That's what god me wanting a light rod
I jumped from $20 rods to a BPS extreme and can't honestly say that I notice that much difference ( could just be the fisherman ).
You guys sure make me want to try a Loomis or Croix premeie
as Muddy said someday>>>>
I think that there is a big jump in quality when one moves from the 80 - 100 dollar price range into the 150 - 200 dollar range. You'll also notice a difference in warranties. Once you reach the midrange prices, most rods have a limited lifetime warranty of some sort. I don't think the difference is quite as noticeable from these midrange rods to the highest priced rods. As for quality rods, I think Muddy_Man gave you a pretty good list.
QuoteI jumped from $20 rods to a BPS extreme and can't honestly say that I notic that much difference ( could just be the fisherman ).You guys sure make me want to try a Loomis or Croix premire or something
as Muddy said sooooomeday>>>>
What kind of extreme rod, size action etc??
I noticed such a big difference in feel and the confidence booster was nice too.
i think you notice the most difference when you step into the Loomis and rods of that sort. You get such a sensitive rod that is so light but so strong.
why can't they be cheaper ? =P
QuotePowell rods are wonderful, that's what I used some of the time at the tournament this past weekend. That's what god me wanting a light rod
Then why not make do until you have enough $$ for a Powell?
QuoteI jumped from $20 rods to a BPS extreme and can't honestly say that I notic that much difference ( could just be the fisherman ).You guys sure make me want to try a Loomis or Croix premire or something
as Muddy said sooooomeday>>>>
That's because the Extreme isn't a $100 rod. :-/
QuoteQuotePowell rods are wonderful, that's what I used some of the time at the tournament this past weekend. That's what god me wanting a light rodThen why not make do until you have enough $$ for a Powell?
Cause there are other solutions better then an Extreme, not to mention why not try out other companies and rods to see if you find something else you like? Experimenting.
The rod is more important IMO. Sure, you need a reel that will store line and allow for casting whatever bait you choose and then have the drag system that can wear down a Bass but the rod makes for great casts, feeling the bite, and also wearing the fish down. Either can be a thing of beauty:
Dan
QuoteQuoteI jumped from $20 rods to a BPS extreme and can't honestly say that I notic that much difference ( could just be the fisherman ).You guys sure make me want to try a Loomis or Croix premire or something
as Muddy said sooooomeday>>>>
That's because the Extreme isn't a $100 rod. :-/
WHEN YOUR RIGHT YOUR RIGHT: they are only99.99. I have one myslef last Fathers day they were on sale for 79.99 but a penny is a penny so i guess it is not techniqely a 100.00 rod The Link with the price:
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59070_100002006_100000000_100002000_100-2-6
Once you start getting above $200 dollars for a rod you start to lose the ROI. The added sensitivity, if any, you'd get from a $350 rod over a $150 rod doesnt' justify the increased chance of rod breakage due to the extremely thin walled construction of the uber rods. Lifetime warranty or not, the last thing I want is a fishing trip ruined due to a broken rod.
OTOH, when you're talking about a rod like a BPS tourney special or Wally world $40 special vs say an Extreme or a Pro Qualifier or any rods like the Falcon cara, AS team series, Quantum PT or Shimano Crucial and you're talking night and day in sensitivity.
Holy Crap Dan : That is a beautiful rod!!!!
well, i have never used or held a top end rod or custom rod so i cant really say if it is worth it or not, so i voted no....i do fine with my $20-$50 walmart rods...i guess i would rather spend my money on more baits
Cliff
QuoteI have 3 bait casters one Abu Garcia 5600, Abu Garcia revo STX, And a Daiwa viento.... On the 5600 I have a $30 Berkley 6'6" med. rod, on the STX I have a $40 Abu Garcia 7' med. Heavy road, and on the Daiwa I have a 7'4" $40 Abu Garcia Med. Heavy rod. My question is how many of you think that more expensive rods are really worth it, like All Star, G. Loomis, St. Croix, Ex....... When purchasing a combo should someone look to buy a more expensive reel and get an ok rod or should they get a ok reel and a really good rod?
IMO, price is comensurate with quality only to a certain extent. Once that extent is reached, anything more is just for show.
Is there a practical dfference between a top-end St. Croix and a more expensive top-end G Loomis? Are you such a good fisherman that you can really obtain a beneift from whatever the Loomis offers over the St. Croix? If you are, great. Or if you just want the Loomis name, great. If not, why spend the extra money?
IMHO, the rod should be the largest part of your investmnent. It transmit all the info on what's going on when it counts most; the bite, hookset, and bringing in that once in lifetime fish.
Is an expensive rod necessary? That is up to the fisherman. But my case, I believe big fish are few and far between and I want all the odds in my favor when I hook into a large fish. Plus, if the rod makes it more fun then it's a bonus.
For me the rod is more important than the reel to a certain point, I 'd rather have a great rod than a great reel sitting on it. Of course I would love to have a setup like the one Dan showed, got the reels but not those rods however I do have top end, mid end and entry level end GLoomis, I 've had Pro Qualifiers, Extremes, Bionic Blades, Compres, they are not bad but they don 't come close to what at least IMHO GLoomis has to offer even at entry level ( GL2s ) not only in sensitivity buy in lightness, balance and feel.
Of course that a GL2 is not a GL3, an IMX or a GLX but still it 's one heck of a rod, Cart also made a good point, for example GLXs are not for everybody and for everything, that thin wall can be extremely brittle, do something stupid and there goes your 350 dollars rod ( yeah you can have it back with only 50 bucks but so far it 's going to ruin your day preciselly that day ), he also is right about another point, I can feel the difference between a GL2 & a GL3 & an IMX but I swear that I can 't feel that much of a difference between the sensitivity of IMX and a GLX worth those extra 120 dollars, go figure.
There are many really good rods in the 100-150 class and the difference between those and a BPS Tourney Special or a Lightning Rod or one of the mid end All Stars, Falcons, Shimanos, etc is like night and day, not that they are bad but they are not as good as the other ones.
You have to ask yourself. Does the fish know how much you spend on your tackle?
I personally like the high end tackle like several other enthusiasts on this board. I know it does not make me a better fisherman, but an 8 oz rod AND reel combo is hard to put down when you start fishing.
This is a great thread. I actually just moved from a Berkeley lightning rod, which is a decent rod for the price tag, to a gloomis imx. I contemplated for a very long time on stopping 'midway' with something like a fenwick or bps extreme, but decided that I would EVENTUALLY move up to something like a gloomis anyway. So I decided to go ahead and make the big jump now rather than later. Like others have mentioned, I don't think it will necessarily help you catch significantly more fish, but it does make the entire fishing experience much better. Also I don't know about you, but I'm a bit of a gear head when it comes to hobbies like fishing - I like to own nice quality equipment that I know will last me for a very long time and make no regrets later. So I say it's worth it. Good luck!
QuoteQuoteQuoteI jumped from $20 rods to a BPS extreme and can't honestly say that I notic that much difference ( could just be the fisherman ).You guys sure make me want to try a Loomis or Croix premire or something
as Muddy said sooooomeday>>>>
That's because the Extreme isn't a $100 rod. :-/
WHEN YOUR RIGHT YOUR RIGHT: they are only99.99. I have one myslef last Fathers day they were on sale for 79.99 but a penny is a penny so i guess it is not techniqely a 100.00 rod The Link with the price:
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59070_100002006_100000000_100002000_100-2-6
:
When BPS is selling them for $60 or so, it isn't a bad rod for that price. But at $100? Not only no, but hell no.
Not when that same $100 would get you a St Croix Premier.
QuoteQuoteI jumped from $20 rods to a BPS extreme and can't honestly say that I notic that much difference ( could just be the fisherman ).You guys sure make me want to try a Loomis or Croix premire or something
as Muddy said sooooomeday>>>>
What kind of extreme rod, size action etc??
I noticed such a big difference in feel and the confidence booster was nice too.
i think you notice the most difference when you step into the Loomis and rods of that sort. You get such a sensitive rod that is so light but so strong.
why can't they be cheaper ? =P
It is a MH rod ( I don't think they list action ). All my other rods are M or ML so that could be some of the difference. Plus a little too oearly to tell.
If it were the choice between a St.Croix Avid and an Extreme AVID all the way Since I have 2 premiers and as many extremes, I would rather the Extreme in some cases, Like t Rigging, weeds and those freaking inserts on both Premiers had to be fixed already>>>>>>>> Actions being equal that is I have a 6'6" Med and Med Heavy of each
Just my 2 cents, I went with a St croix Avid casting rod about a year and a half ago, I downgraded to a used st croix premier that I found on craigs list, the difference in sensitiviy was very noticeable, I felt like my senses had dulled when I would drag a lure on the bottom. That took a bit of getting use to but after a while I adjusted. Now I sold off my Premier and downgraded again (why oh why are college text books so expensive :-/ ) to a BPS Extreme travel rod 3 piece since I've moved into a new apt with no place to put full length rods. The sensitivity also took a huge hit again and i've been trying to adjust.
Just wanted to say that the sensitivity from an Avid -> Premier -> BPS extreme travel rod is very very noticeable.
I have to be one of the "No" votes.
I have improved my rods from $20 to $60 (not counting my catfishing rods that run to $120 due to pure size), but beyond that...
But then again, I target cats more than bass usually. I'm not talking about those small channel cats either, but targetting 30+# blue cats. The rod needs to be somewhat sensitive, but being indestructible is more important. A GOOD drag on the reel becomes very important when targetting these big fish.
It's not that I don't think improving the quality of your rods is a good thing, because it is. I just put the Rate of Return for your money lower than most. I might buy some bass rods in the next year or so, but they won't cost more than $120 or so. Beyond that... the extra quality isn't worth it to me. It may be worth it for others, but not for me. Another part of it is that when I started out bass fishing (oh so many years ago) it was with what most people now call "bubba gear" that was about as sensitive as a pool cue.
I started using rods from $20 $40 and have fished them for most of my fishing experiences. They've all caught me some nice fish. But this year, I decided to up my gear and purchased three Shimano Crucial rods. Two baitcasting rods and one spinning rod. I'm absolutely satisfied with the rods. They are light, very sensitive, limited life-time warranty, great materials, and a great price range that can't be beat. I can't remember how many rods I've accidentally broke on a trip and it sucks to have to go out and spend more money on another oneit adds up quickly. If you fished a good quality rod for a whileyou'll definitely feel the difference between a great rod and a cheap one. I for one will never go back. If you fish a lot, a higher end rod will be a good investment. Just my 2 cents worth.
QuoteYou have to ask yourself. Does the fish know how much you spend on your tackle?I personally like the high end tackle like several other enthusiasts on this board. I know it does not make me a better fisherman, but an 8 oz rod AND reel combo is hard to put down when you start fishing.
Well said Redline.....I agree with this 100%
When I was 12 my dad taught me how to build custom cabinets & in order to build them you must first have quality tools. Yes you can cut $150.00 a sheet plywood with a hand saw or a skill saw but you get a smoother cut with a table saw. Not only will the cut be smoother but you'll not have to work as hard; I don't mind working I just don't like working hard.
So buy the right tools for the job and buy quality tools; same applies to fishing
You get what you pay for, remember that.
QuoteYou get what you pay for, remember that.
This is not always true!!!!!!!! I am going to upgrade to a ST Croix Avid in the long run The Premiers suck!!! That guide insert problem is peristant and it is very common with that line of rods SHOULDN"T HAPPEN and it has been known for a couple of years, you would think they would correct it by now :-/ I was so excited and pleased when I got my 2 premiers , it was a big step up for me and the rod was lighter and more sensitive than any thing I used. Now on one rod the tip insert has been repaired twice and on the other the 2 guide ionsert form the reel. They fix them no questions but i don't like this at all!!!!!
QuoteWhen I was 12 my dad taught me how to build custom cabinets & in order to build them you must first have quality tools. Yes you can cut $150.00 a sheet plywood with a hand saw or a skill saw but you get a smoother cut with a table saw. Not only will the cut be smoother but you'll not have to work as hard; I don't mind working I just don't like working hard.So buy the right tools for the job and buy quality tools; same applies to fishing
Exactly, I would rather have one good setup than a dozen pieces of junk. One of the guys I fish with broke a new rod on the first cast. I asked him about it and he smiled and said, "Clearance at Wal-Mart only a few bucks." I'm sitting there with a few $400 setups catching fish and he never had a bite that he could feel.
QuoteThe Premiers suck!!!quote]You got that right, they are the most overpriced,overrated, $100 rod there is, I like the avids much much better. I had a few premiers that I bought new this winter to "upgrade" from what I was using. It was a step backwards, and they have all been sold in disgust.
QuoteQuoteWhen I was 12 my dad taught me how to build custom cabinets & in order to build them you must first have quality tools. Yes you can cut $150.00 a sheet plywood with a hand saw or a skill saw but you get a smoother cut with a table saw. Not only will the cut be smoother but you'll not have to work as hard; I don't mind working I just don't like working hard.So buy the right tools for the job and buy quality tools; same applies to fishing
Exactly, I would rather have one good setup than a dozen pieces of junk. One of the guys I fish with broke a new rod on the first cast. I asked him about it and he smiled and said, "Clearance at Wal-Mart only a few bucks." I'm sitting there with a few $400 setups catching fish and he never had a bite that he could feel.
But buying one quality rod and reel, which basically blows the budget, isn't the same as buying the right tools for the job.
If you're a new angler wanting to get into fishing and you fix your rod and reel budget to a certain price. Going out and blowing the whole wad on one rod and reel isn't going to be very feasible nor rewarding. If I go out and spend the entire amount, say $400 on one medium action rod and one reel I've just limited my fishing experience. It's rare that a single rod can be all to every fishing method out there. Most fall way short. It would be better to buy a couple of $200 outfits, one medium and one medium hvy, in order to cover as many bases, as far as fishing techniques as possible.
No where did I say any thing about price but quality does come with a price; you determine what quality you will accept. Buying one quality rod-n-reel isn't limiting you fishing experience in the least instead it enhancing your fishing experience.
I do not buy into this idea that you need a dozen rod-n-reels to be able to catch fish; two quality setups will cover any situation. You can only fish top water, mid-depth, or on the bottom; that's 3 max.
The_Muddy_Man,
QuoteThe Premiers suck!!! That guide insert problem is peristant and it is very common with that line of rods SHOULDN"T HAPPEN and it has been known for a couple of years, you would think they would correct it by now
Here's why....Premier Rods Components
QuoteBatson Forecast hard aluminum-oxide guides with double-plated black chrome frames.
I can guaranty the Premier Blank built by a custom builder would be just as good as the Avid rods in the racks...Especially if they are building with Fuji guides JMPO
Tight Lines All!!!
To me a high priced rod isn't worth it. A rod around $30 is great for everybody execpt the tournament angler or the person with a lot of extra cash.
You don't get what you don't pay for :-*
Say NO to cheapo tackle ;D
QuoteNo where did I say any thing about price but quality does come with a price; you determine what quality you will accept. Buying one quality rod-n-reel isn't limiting you fishing experience in the least instead it enhancing your fishing experience.I do not buy into this idea that you need a dozen rod-n-reels to be able to catch fish; two quality setups will cover any situation. You can only fish top water, mid-depth, or on the bottom; that's 3 max.
THATS WERE I AM AT CATT I use 3 rigs one for cranks/topwaters, one for plastics and one for smaller worms/ In the spring and fall i have one spinning set up i really love for Rapalas and thats it.
First let me say, I REALLY like fishing with technique specific equipment, no question about that. BUT...I think you can fish just about every technique with one rod, spinning or baitcasting. Two rod and reel combinations would certainly cover 95% or more of all my fishing. So, I'm in the camp with those who like better equipment even if that means less gear.
Specifically, I would suggest spending ALL of this year's tackle budget on one combo and fish the heck out of it. Next year buy #2. For me that would mean a Medium Power/ Fast Action spinning outfit and a Heavy Power/ Fast Action baitcasting rig.
A third set-up that I would add down the road is another baitcaster with Medium or MH Power/ Moderate Action. And that would be it, you do not NEED another rod.
One last comment, on topic: "Is (Are) high priced rods really worth it?"
My response would be ABSOLUTELY!
8-)
QuoteNo where did I say any thing about price but quality does come with a price; you determine what quality you will accept. Buying one quality rod-n-reel isn't limiting you fishing experience in the least instead it enhancing your fishing experience.I do not buy into this idea that you need a dozen rod-n-reels to be able to catch fish; two quality setups will cover any situation. You can only fish top water, mid-depth, or on the bottom; that's 3 max.
I'm not saying you need a dozen rods and reels to fish either.
What I am saying is if you're currently fishing with very inadequate equipment or none at all and you have a budget, say $400, that you don't blow the whole thing on one rod and reel but rather, divide that amount and get 2 rigs that cover the spectrum of methods you'll possible use. How you decide what those 2 best rigs are is dependant on where you spend the majority of the time fishing.
QuoteOne last comment, on topic: "Is (Are) high priced rods really worth it?"My response would be ABSOLUTELY!
amen
I don't think anyone here is saying that one should go out and buy a high end rod if they can't afford to. If how ever you can afford it by all means get one. I have been able to afford G loomis rods and have several. I also use high end reels. There is a hugh differance in high end and low end, don't fool youself into thinking other wise. I am also a better fisherman than I was 40 years ago when I started with just a cane pole.
QuoteI have 3 bait casters one Abu Garcia 5600, Abu Garcia revo STX, And a Daiwa viento.... On the 5600 I have a $30 Berkley 6'6" med. rod, on the STX I have a $40 Abu Garcia 7' med. Heavy road, and on the Daiwa I have a 7'4" $40 Abu Garcia Med. Heavy rod. My question is how many of you think that more expensive rods are really worth it, like All Star, G. Loomis, St. Croix, Ex....... When purchasing a combo should someone look to buy a more expensive reel and get an ok rod or should they get a ok reel and a really good rod?
IMO, it depends on what you will be using it for. Jigging, dropshot, worms/plastics, and various other finesse fishing situations, it is a must have. I don't see a need for them throwing cranks, spinners and buzzbaits. Bass are not going to nibble or light bite a crank or buzzbait, they are going to inhale them. As long as the rod and operator are capable of setting the hook correctly, you'll catch the fish. If the bite is tough, and the fish are under a lot of pressure, and you need to finesse them, then nothing will compare to a high end rod. Period.
QuoteIMO, it depends on what you will be using it for. Jigging, dropshot, worms/plastics, and various other finesse fishing situations, it is a must have. I don't see a need for them throwing cranks, spinners and buzzbaits. Bass are not going to nibble or light bite a crank or buzzbait, they are going to inhale them. As long as the rod and operator are capable of setting the hook correctly, you'll catch the fish. If the bite is tough, and the fish are under a lot of pressure, and you need to finesse them, then nothing will compare to a high end rod. Period.
I definately agree with you that the fast lures don't need the sensitive rods. When I can afford to upgrade some tacke, the "finesse" gear will the the first replaced.
QuoteI definately agree with you that the fast lures don't need the sensitive rods. When I can afford to upgrade some tacke, the "finesse" gear will the the first replaced.
Well, I understand your point if we were just talking about the strike, but with the right set-up (rod-reel-line-lure) a fisherman can "feel" the structure/ cover he is fishing. I can tell you about the bottom (mud, gravel, sand); the contour (drops, humps, ridges and pools); the rocks (rounded, sharp, independent or piled); the vegetation (grass, cane, brush or timber) and sometimes, I can feel the fish before it strikes!
A good sensitive rod is needed to fish crankbaits & spinnerbaits in a place like this one, you should see how it looks below ther surface:
I believe quality is critical and you get what you pay for. However I do believe that you have to figure value in the equation somewhere. I just upgraded from a mid grade Cabela's brand rod's to a private builder in the Dallas Metro area named Mike Hendrix of Hendrix Rod's. I looked at Kistler, Powell, St. Croix and G. Loomis prior to my purchases, and decided for 1/2 the money these rods were extremely comparable and I'm thrilled with my choice. And besides that Mike calls personally and checks to make sure I'm happy and if theres anything else I need.
i upgraded my bps bionic blades last year to st croix avids & thier is a huge difference in the weight/quality & feel of them....
i would definately suggest bumping up from a $100 rod to $150 or more....its really only an extra $50 and if it means you have to wait a little longer to save up the money its worth it.