Looking To Get My First High End Baitcasting Rod. 2024
Weld's Largemouth reply :
After learning to use baitcasting gear and becoming confident in it, I am now looking to upgrade to a rod that will last into the future. With my summer job, I've earned enough to purchase a nice rod for myself.
I'm looking for a rod to throw jigs, spinnerbaits, topwater, texas rigs and more. I used a very nice baitcasting rod on a guided trip and it was rated 1/4 oz to 1oz and I really liked the way it handled with that lure rating.
I'm stuck between a few rods:
Shimano Expride
Gloomis IMX worm & jig
Dobyns Champion Extreme
Castaway Invicta HG40 < I really like the handle on this one.
These rods are all around the same price point.
I am also open to suggestions
If any of you have experience with any of these rods please provide your insight.
Thanks
Welds.
SenkoGuru reply :
Are those the only ones you're looking at getting? I would tell you to look into the Megabass Orochi XX line of rods too, They are great. Also the Duckett White Ice series is a very sensitive rod line if you like micro guides.
Out of the ones you listed though it would be
1. G.Loomis
2. Shimnao
3. castaway
4. anything
100. Dobyn's...mostly buying the name and there are many cheaper rods that are much improved over the dobyn's older rods. Although I will say the Fury is a good rod at the $100 price line.
This is just my opion and I'm sure other can also give you theirs.
Weld's Largemouth reply :
On 8/10/2015 at 9:30 AM, SenkoGuru said:Are those the only ones you're looking at getting? I would tell you to look into the Megabass Orochi XX line of rods too, They are great. Also the Duckett White Ice series is a very sensitive rod line if you like micro guides.
Out of the ones you listed though it would be
1. G.Loomis
2. Shimnao
3. castaway
4. anything
100. Dobyn's...mostly buying the name and there are many cheaper rods that are much improved over the dobyn's older rods. Although I will say the Fury is a good rod at the $100 price line.
This is just my opion and I'm sure other can also give you theirs.
I am open to suggestions. Thanks for the info. I will check out the megabass.
MasonV reply :
I haven't personally used any of those but from hear say with friends, if you're willing to spend the money, it doesn't get any better than G. Loomis.
Turkey sandwich reply :
Go to a store where you can actually check them out and feel them for yourself. Any $300+ Rod is going to be a great rod. It really just becomes a matter of taste.
Do you like micro guides? Cork/foam/other? What do you currently own (manufacturer)?
Weld's Largemouth reply :
There are no stores that carry such rods around me. I currently own a *** *** black which I dislike. I really like the Winn grips on the castaway invicta but i have not seen many review for the rod. Cork is nice too but that winn grip is really nice. Microguides are definitely a plus as well, but most baitcasters seem to not have them.On 8/10/2015 at 10:28 AM, Turkey sandwich said:Go to a store where you can actually check them out and feel them for yourself. Any $300+ Rod is going to be a great rod. It really just becomes a matter of taste.
Do you like micro guides? Cork/foam/other? What do you currently own (manufacturer)?
kickerfish1 reply :
If $300ish is your budget and after reading another post of yours I would not look at any of the rods you listed. Maybe the champion extreme but outside of being one the best looking USDM rods and we'll balanced with a great warranty it won't wow you with feel IMO (I have 2 Extremes and probably wouldn't add a third). The Megabass Orichi XX rods offer better feel in my hands and have pretty awesome blanks and build quality.
I would also consider a custom build for that price point. (DVT maybe?)
Older lightly used classic GLX rods not the new ones ($200-350 used)
You may be able to find a used NRX for around $350 or less. It would blow the other rods away just on feel and IMO casting distance.
With Black Friday and the closure of the fishing season a few months away for some folks, you will likely see an influx of rods for sale.
Research your options extensively but also consider warranty and the "what if" should something happen to your big investment after one week, one year, 5 years, or 10 years...
Weld's Largemouth reply :
Thanks for all the info. I will continue to research and watch sales. I will check out to see what DVT has to offer too. Thank you.On 8/10/2015 at 10:34 AM, kickerfish1 said:If $300ish is your budget and after reading another post of yours I would not look at any of the rods you listed. Maybe the champion extreme but outside of being one the best looking USDM rods and we'll balanced with a great warranty it won't wow you with feel IMO (I have 2 Extremes and probably wouldn't add a third). The Megabass Orichi XX rods offer better feel in my hands and have pretty awesome blanks and build quality.
I would also consider a custom build for that price point. (DVT maybe?)
Older lightly used classic GLX rods not the new ones ($200-350 used)
You may be able to find a used NRX for around $350 or less. It would blow the other rods away just on feel and IMO casting distance.
With Black Friday and the closure of the fishing season a few months away for some folks, you will likely see an influx of rods for sale.
Research your options extensively but also consider warranty and the "what if" should something happen to your big investment after one week, one year, 5 years, or 10 years...
kickerfish1 reply :
Sure, the rods I listed would all offer exceptional feel. It seems like aside from price that is your main concern. Have had several other guys ask a similar question before. Watched them go from $100-$300 rods to mainly NRX rods. If they had to do it over again they said they would have gotten the NRX rods sooner. On the flipside there are always people that start higher with GLX and NRX rods before settling on less expensive offerings. I have owned probably 50 rods from $80-$550 NRX rods. I can tell you my next rods ordered will be custom, NRX, GLX, and Megabass rods when purchasing a rod for feel techniques.
Turkey sandwich reply :
If $300 ish is your budget...
The above post on the Loomis rods is a good start. Those are great rods, and if you can find them used, even better.
I'm a St Croix guy, and everything I've handled or fished with an SCIII blank or better is super responsive. At that price point, Legend Elites are great rods.
Someone who's a Daiwa guy, will tell you to look at the Steez.
It's all preference. Learn what you like.
Cgrinder reply :
Megabass Orochi XX Diablo Spec R is what I like @ $300.
However, the Shimano Zodias is a lot of rod @ $200.
deep reply :
Helium3, in addition to the suggestions above. A lot of rod for the money.
Also, braid + recoil guides maybe a little noisy (NRX).
EDIT: I haven't fished a Champion Extreme, but I have nothing but good things to say about my Champion (it's an 867). Braid for me is a liability for bottom bouncing baits. With a good copoly or fluoro, you should be able to feel everything you need to feel. A clean rocky bottom feels different from sand or mud. Wood transmits differently than a boulder. Even a clean brush should feel different from a brush covered with algae.
John G reply :
I agree with kickerfish that you can buy a nice barely used Loomic MBR GLX with your budget or for a little more, an NRX.
timsford reply :
If i had 300 ti spend id look at megabass, kistler helium 3, used g loomis glx/nrx, or st croix legend elite. You can probably get a very nice custom made on a st croix blank for that price and choose your own handle and guides. I plan on having dvt do one and he quoted me a very good price on a st croix build.
masterbass reply :
On 8/10/2015 at 12:18 PM, timsford said:If i had 300 ti spend id look at megabass, kistler helium 3, used g loomis glx/nrx, or st croix legend elite. You can probably get a very nice custom made on a st croix blank for that price and choose your own handle and guides. I plan on having dvt do one and he quoted me a very good price on a st croix build.
I agree.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 8/10/2015 at 9:15 AM, Weld said:After learning to use baitcasting gear and becoming confident in it, I am now looking to upgrade to a rod that will last into the future. With my summer job, I've earned enough to purchase a nice rod for myself.
I'm looking for a rod to throw jigs, spinnerbaits, topwater, texas rigs and more. I used a very nice baitcasting rod on a guided trip and it was rated 1/4 oz to 1oz and I really liked the way it handled with that lure rating.
I'm stuck between a few rods:
Shimano Expride
Gloomis IMX worm & jig
Dobyns Champion Extreme
Castaway Invicta HG40 < I really like the handle on this one.
These rods are all around the same price point.
I am also open to suggestions
If any of you have experience with any of these rods please provide your insight.
Thanks
Welds.
wait until you get your first custom rod , things will never be the same !!!! 
kschultz76 reply :
In your price range I'd look at the Megabass Orochi XX - EMTF or Diablo Spec R depending your preference on length, St Croix Legend Elite (update being released this year so you find a good deal at some point), or a Kistler Helium. I have 4 Orochis in the stable and they are mostly my favorite rods, and I have a bunch of St Croixs including Avid, LTB, and Legend Xtreme all great rods, but the feel of the Xtremes is fantastic. I recently got a KLX and am pretty impressed with the build quality and really enjoy the blank, it's one of the crankbait models. I've not had the pleasure of trying an NRX or any of the other recent Loomis updates. I've got some hands on experience with Dobyns and am underwhelmed.
The MB Orochis might be more attractive bc of their versatility. With the Diablo you can throw everything you mentioned plus chatterbaits, swimjigs, lipless, squarebills, horny toads...but it might be a tad long for poppers and walkers.
Good luck
FinCulture reply :
There are many nice rods out there for your price range. St. Croix rods are some of the best on the market. I own an $150 St. Croix Rage. I kid you not when I say it feels like a $250 rod in construction and handling. Definitely look into the Legend series.
kschultz76 reply :
On 8/10/2015 at 10:58 PM, FinCulture said:There are many nice rods out there for your price range. St. Croix rods are some of the best on the market. I own an $150 St. Croix Rage. I kid you not when I say it feels like a $250 rod in construction and handling. Definitely look into the Legend series.
Might be helpful to the OP if you share what $250 rods or above you've owned and are comparing with the Rage. I'm a big St Croix fan and in my hands on experience there is definitely a step up from the Avid, to the LTB, to the Legend Xtreme/Elites. I've not fished a Rage, but I've held them and scrutinized them in the store and my experience says the Avid/Avid X is worth the premium, and I wouldn't compare them to anything above the Avid. The leap from Avid to LTB is not as significant as the step up from the LTB to Xtreme/Elite.
Raul reply :
On 8/10/2015 at 12:18 PM, timsford said:If i had 300 ti spend id look at megabass, kistler helium 3, used g loomis glx/nrx, or st croix legend elite. You can probably get a very nice custom made on a st croix blank for that price and choose your own handle and guides. I plan on having dvt do one and he quoted me a very good price on a st croix build.
The only Megabass rod you can purchase with 300 is an Orochi.
rippin-lips reply :
On 8/11/2015 at 12:01 AM, Raul said:The only Megabass rod you can purchase with 300 is an Orochi.
Orochi x4 used $250-$400
Orochi xx new
Hyuga new
Leviathan new released in Nov.
Logan S reply :
). From what you described, the 7'1" MH/F would probably be the ideal choice for you...I have a couple of them, it's a good all-purpose stick - It will do everything you mentioned plus some. Jon G reply :
Pretty easy to find a new Champion Extreme in the $290 range. A DX 744 sounds perfect for what you want
BassinLou reply :
Another option that no one has mentioned yet is the custom route. You are looking for a rod that will handle various techniques. You have a healthy budget to start with. Batson is one of the site sponsors and they have reputable line of blanks and other rod materials that are great products. It wouldn't hurt to talk to those guys and see what they can do for you. They might even come under budget and you will have extra $$ to spend... 
Weld's Largemouth reply :
Thanks for all the replies!
I have a question about rod blanks.
When comparing the Shimano Zodias or the Expride and its "Advanced Hi-Power X constructed" blanks to the 40 ton carbon fiber of the Castaway Invicta HG 40's blank what is the real difference? Does the technology in the shimano really make a huge difference or is it more of a marketing scheme?
tnt2671 reply :
Kistler helium 3 would get my vote ,in the past 2 years I have have bought and sold more than a dozen high end rods everything from super expensive megabass through at croix, duckett, shimano and the list goes on. I can say with out doubt imho the best rod for the money available anywhere is the h3's. They are that good!!
bootytrain reply :
Or you could source a Poison Adrena from Japan
Weld's Largemouth reply :
On 8/11/2015 at 7:46 AM, tnt2671 said:Kistler helium 3 would get my vote ,in the past 2 years I have have bought and sold more than a dozen high end rods everything from super expensive megabass through at croix, duckett, shimano and the list goes on. I can say with out doubt imho the best rod for the money available anywhere is the h3's. They are that good!!
I like what Ive heard about that rod but the handle and butt are very unattractive looking and just look clumsy, and if im spending this kind of money I think id like a rod that also has some style.
Sam reply :
G. Loomis NRX series.
Abu's Steetz series.
Be sure to get a loan for either one.
kschultz76 reply :
The Zodias/Expride and Poisin Adrena use two different blank constructions. As I recall reading on a different forum where a Shimano rep posts both constructions are different ways of achieving the desired power characteristics, and prevent ovaling and twist. I believe the Poison Adrena construction leads to a better strength to weight ratio and lighter rod. Try googling Zodias Hi Power X to find more info. In the Zodias there is just an extra 2 layer of carbon tape wrapped around the blank at different angles to reinforce, that's hi power x. Spiral x in the Expride the carbon sheets are laid at alternating angles during they layup and rolling of the blank, with one layer of carbon tape. At least that's how I understand it. This is all about strength and construction, not the materials used in the construction. Again it's my understanding that the materials used in the Zodias and Expride are not the same, but can't find confirmation of that.
The 40 ton carbon reference of the Invicta is a specification of the materials used in the construction. Shimano doesn't seem to publish this for the Zodias or Expride. Generally it's accepted the higher the ton rating the higher quality the blank. But not all materials manufacturers or blank manufacturers publish that rating so very hard to use it as an industry standard for comparison.
kschultz76 reply :
On 8/11/2015 at 8:00 AM, Weld said:I like what Ive heard about that rod but the handle and butt are very unattractive looking and just look clumsy, and if im spending this kind of money I think id like a rod that also has some style.
My Kistler KLX build looks better in hand then in photos. Also if you contact them for an up charge they'll do some customizations like full cork handles. All that said from a pure cosmetics perspective my MB Orochi and Legend Xtremes have more style and beauty. But what's more important to you, the sizzle or the steak? I like a little of both
tnt2671 reply :
the klx butt is a little more flared but the h3 actually has a nice thin profile and you can also get then in full cork , I actually just ordered a 7'4 mh xf fast full handle today to add to the collection but I hear ya to each there own and if it doesn't appeal to you let the search go onOn 8/11/2015 at 7:46 AM, tnt2671 said:Kistler helium 3 would get my vote ,in the past 2 years I have have bought and sold more than a dozen high end rods everything from super expensive megabass through at croix, duckett, shimano and the list goes on. I can say with out doubt imho the best rod for the money available anywhere is the h3's. They are that good!!
Weld's Largemouth reply :
On 8/11/2015 at 8:13 AM, kschultz76 said:My Kistler KLX build looks better in hand then in photos. Also if you contact them for an up charge they'll do some customizations like full cork handles. All that said from a pure cosmetics perspective my MB Orochi and Legend Xtremes have more style and beauty. But what's more important to you, the sizzle or the steak? I like a little of both
I really like the look of the shimano's at the same price point at the kistler h3. Do you think the kistler's really have an advantage over the shimanos or really at this price point most rods are similar and just vary in components and styles?
tnt2671 reply :
again you have to like the look and design of the rod especially when your spending good amount of money but looks alone to me would not dictate my rod purchases although I guess it does factor in but weight , blank quality, sensitivity , guides and feel should really be what comes first when make the choice if it has the looks to match then you found a winner! Shimano vs h3 or z bone kistler wins every time in my book although some of the shimanos are really nice rods in both form and function so if you really like the looks and they offer length and action you want then by all means go for it and if it turns out not to be the one you can always sell itOn 8/11/2015 at 8:39 AM, Weld said:I really like the look of the shimano's at the same price point at the kistler h3. Do you think the kistler's really have an advantage over the shimanos or really at this price point most rods are similar and just vary in components and styles?
kschultz76 reply :
I think at the $300 price point you have several options that will all perform well, each will have different strengths. Having not personally fished the Helium yet I have no basis for comparison between it and say an Orochi or a Legend Elite. I've also not fished an Expride either. So my opinion on this will not provide any real objective feedback.On 8/11/2015 at 8:39 AM, Weld said:I really like the look of the shimano's at the same price point at the kistler h3. Do you think the kistler's really have an advantage over the shimanos or really at this price point most rods are similar and just vary in components and styles?
I went out on a limb trying the KLX because I was looking for a length and action that seemed to be a niche. If I could have gotten an Avid in a similar specification it would have likely been my first choice. In your price range I have more confidence recommending the Orochi XX or a St Croix bc I have more time on the water with them. I've only had my KLX about 3 weeks. I will say I see far more discussion and feedback about the Orochi line then I do about the Exprides, while they look nice they just don't seem as popular as the Orochis.
Sorry I can't help more on that direct comparison. I think given your recent disappoint you should go with the purchase you have the most confidence in and don't look back.
kschultz76 reply :
Also be sure you are looking at the specs on the Expride closely, many if them are 2 piece designs which may not always be obvious.
Weld's Largemouth reply :
On 8/11/2015 at 9:10 AM, kschultz76 said:Also be sure you are looking at the specs on the Expride closely, many if them are 2 piece designs which may not always be obvious.
I noticed that
kickerfish1 reply :
A Steeze is not worth the money if you want an ultra sensitive blank and on a lower scale neither is the Expride.
kschultz76 reply :
On 8/11/2015 at 9:13 AM, kickerfish1 said:A Steeze is not worth the money if you want an ultra sensitive blank and a lower scale neither is the Expride.
If I was looking in the Expride price range it just couldn't pass up another Orochi XX.
WPCfishing reply :
I recently bought an IMX and an Avid.
Both are excellent rods..
I also held the MHX blank that Mike at DVT uses to build custom rods. I swear it's a G Loomis blank.
On a scale of 1-10 it's a 10. I think it was the 824 version. Great worm & jig blank that could easily be used for spinner baits around docks ect..
kickerfish1 reply :
Welds, while I am a big Shimano fan I really don't think many of Shimanos rod lines will wow you for feel any more than your red Cumara. The Cumulus rods are the best rods Shimano has ever offered for feel and they are incredibly light. The downside is they fish lighter in power than their ratings suggest. For example the 6'10 MH casting rod fishes more like a true medium rod. I use mine for sort of a mag finesse rod. The only way to get your hands on a Cumulus would be buying one used more than likely and also keep in mind that they are lighter in power than their specs would indicate.
Even if you could save some money and buy an Avid, a Zodias, a KLX, etc in the back of your mind you will always be wondering "what if". I would encourage you make this one count. Whether it be an Orichi XX, older classic GLX, Rep Sample NRX, Custom rod, Z-Bone, or some JDM rod you should treat yourself to something nice that has proven itself for feel. I would save up for the NRX rod and not look back. Rep sample and dealer demos can be had for under $400 and used rods are closer to $320-375.
Good luck whatever route you go!
deep reply :
A few things that might be useful.
1. The Helium3 is reputed to be as good as the GLX. I won't know since I never had a GLX.
The Helium3 is *almost* as sensitive as the NRX (in my hands). I do know since I have both.
The last time I looked at a fishing rod while fishing was.... never.
2. The most highly regarded NRX-es seem to be the 7'5" JWR ones (someone please correct me if I'm wrong). My Helium3 (7'6" light MH/ fast) is more versatile than my NRX 893 JWR.
3. I'd lose the braid and spool on some premium fluoro if I were you.
4. How long do you think you'll fish your new purchase? Used high-end rods hold their value pretty well. You can buy an used NRX for 350 bucks, use (not abuse) it for 2 years, sell it, and lose maybe only $40 for shipping and paypal fees. If you buy a new $300 rod (say), you'll lose maybe a hundred bucks. Probably even worse for custom builds.
Good luck.
kickerfish1 reply :
Very true on the resell value of custom rods. Custom rods are great but what you never hear about is their cost. Start with a $150 blank, add in guides, a real seat, cork or Eva handles, thread wrap, any trim or accent parts and you could easily be up to $250-$300. Add in the cost of the builders time (probably a good $50+ and their cost to ship it (probably $25-35) as they aren't like TW where they can give you free shipping. When it is all said and done you could easily be at $350 - 450. The builder will probably put their name or company name on it and in return you may want your name on it or something to your liking. When selling it you would probably only get a fraction of what you paid for the rod. Sure you get exactly what YOU want when you ordered but the problem is that on the secondary market the number of potential buyers is also very small. I have seen custom rods that cost about $500 to create sell for about $225. I know this because I have one. You can build a custom rod for about $175-200 realistically however to get anything with high end feel and performance you will easily be close to $300+ even with a simplistic look.
Deep I would say you are 100% right about the 893 and 894 being two pretty popular rod choices in the casting models. I would also add the 873 CRR to the list as well. If you have the storage room for one in your vehicle or on your boat they are great to use though some guys with space limitations opt for the shorter rods.
heyitzpetah reply :
On 8/11/2015 at 7:55 AM, bootytrain said:Or you could source a Poison Adrena from Japan
I agree with looking at the poison adrena. I am extremely happy with the rod. I think it performs a bit better than the expride in feel and sensitivity.Additionally, I pretty much use my adrena for everything from moving baits to texas rigs. The adrena retails for 400, but I bought mine new for less than 300. The only other rods I might've wished I got instead of the poison adrena is either a megabass or nrx, but I am perfectly content with my adrena.
Weld's Largemouth reply :
On 8/11/2015 at 7:55 AM, bootytrain said:Or you could source a Poison Adrena from Japan
How would one go about doing that?
bootytrain reply :
On 8/12/2015 at 11:44 AM, Weld said:How would one go about doing that?
Plat.co.jp is a good place, shipping a 1 piece rod will run about 65 plus maybe 15 or so in customs fees. There's other reputable jdm sites as well. You just have to shop around. It may run a little over your budget total but the Adrena ticks all the boxes that you want.
Stapsy reply :
For the techniques you listed I think the Orochi XX Extreme Mission Type F would be awesome. It isn't as sensitive as an NRX but there is definitely enough feel for me with bottom contact. It is one of those rods that is versatile enough to perform a lot of techniques really well. I have mainly been using it for swim jigs and spinnerbaits, but when I need another rod for jigs or t-rigs I have no problem picking it up. It would be a little long for topwaters but it will work if you can get used to the length. If you do ever want to upgrade your bottom contact rod to an NRX you will still be able to find use for the Orochi in your lineup because of its versatility.
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