I've been fishing with a mojo bass rod as my jig/bottom contact baits and I've been looking to upgrade I want something more sensitive and to fill what I'm dragging my jig on or fill that inhale bite from a big bass I'm looking for something in the 150-200$ range any advice is good advice
If you like St Croix, the next logical step would be the Avid or Avid X. Hammer rods are very nice too if you like microguides and winn grips.
My personal pick would be the ALX Zolo B series. Retailers like TW will have them right at your price range or touch more but when on a sale for 10-20% off you can get them well within your range.
St. Croix Avid or Shimano Zodias would be my vote.
The Avid and Avid X rods are both awesome for $200 or so. I also own Fenwick Aetos rods in that price range that are also really, really good.
KLX no doubt about it.
If you don't care about having the newest and most popular of today's market, I suggested you locate a Fenwick Techna AV on e bay..
At one time they were considered a top of the line rod, but unfortunately they were discontinued about 8-9 years ago.. But as I've said before, I'd put that rod up against anything made today by anybody.
Mike
Powell Inferno 7' MH extra fast ?
Lots of good choices. Look at Irod Crusher series in the 734 model
Everyone's suggestions are great. That being said, I have first gen mojos, second gen Mojos, avids, and a legend tournament. Comparing similar rods, none are night and day more sensitive than the next. I do notice split grip rods having a slight better transfer of vibration over full cork, less material for energy to travel through would be my guess for that. I use my Mojo 7'1mh for 1/8-3/8oz jigs, and usually leave the legend home due to my distaste for the sk2 reel seat. Sensitivity is highly subjective.
Agree with the Avid X, Zodias, or Kistler KLX. I have all of them. They're all around $200 and are PLENTY sensitive for bottom contact.
On 9/26/2017 at 4:11 PM, Mike L said:If you don't care about having the newest and most popular of today's market, I suggested you locate a Fenwick Techna AV on e bay..
At one time they were considered a top of the line rod, but unfortunately they were discontinued about 8-9 years ago.. But as I've said before, I'd put that rod up against anything made today by anybody.
Mike
State of the art rod 20 years ago that cost $300 and I have a rod I will part with; AVC 66 MHF, aramide veil design, 3/8-1 oz, 10-25 line.
It's a good rod in today's market but not nearly as good as ALX Zolo B referenced, maybe better then most of the others recommended.
Tom
On 9/26/2017 at 11:20 PM, WRB said:It's a good rod in today's market but not nearly as good as ALX Zolo B referenced, maybe better then most of the others recommended.
Based on what?
On 9/26/2017 at 11:20 PM, WRB said:State of the art rod 20 years ago that cost $300 and I have a few Inwill part with.
It's a good rod in today's market but not nearly as good as ALX Zolo B referenced, maybe better then most of the others recommended.
Tom
I've fished them and they are nice. Similar to an Avid but stiffer.
Falcon lowrider finesse worm and jig. My favorite rod ever. I have a 7'1 mh mojo bass too and they're not even close
On 9/26/2017 at 8:05 PM, r83srock said:Comparing similar rods, none are night and day more sensitive than the next. I do notice split grip rods having a slight better transfer of vibration over full cork, less material for energy to travel through would be my guess for that.
Agree with @r83srock that, at least in my opinion, there
isn't a huge difference. I had a similar experience when I
had an Avid and compared it to one of my Carbonlites, I
honestly didn't think the difference was that big.
I no longer have the Avid, upgraded to a Legend Tournament
and while I do think it has a little more, I'm not sure it is
an order of magnitude. I also have Premier rods and they're
pretty good, too.
So Carbonlites, Premier, Avid, Legend Tourney, all good and
transmit well -- to me. In your range, Croix is a great choice,
based solely off my experience.
On 9/26/2017 at 11:20 PM, WRB said:State of the art rod 20 years ago that cost $300 and I have a few Inwill part with.
It's a good rod in today's market but not nearly as good as ALX Zolo B referenced, maybe better then most of the others recommended.
Tom
Which zolo model for jigs and trigs
On 9/26/2017 at 9:23 PM, RichF said:Agree with the Avid X, Zodias, or Kistler KLX. I have all of them. They're all around $200 and are PLENTY sensitive for bottom contact.
Which is your favorite for jigs/bottom contact baits
On 9/26/2017 at 11:52 PM, RichF said:Based on what?
The baseline for bottom contact lures IMO is G. Loomis NRX series rods, changed the diffention of bass rod flexing. After fishing the NRX rods I was impressed and shocked with the price point and warranty, no way I was going to pay over $500 + $100 cert to guarantee rod replacement. That was 5 years ago and I haven't changed my mind.
I was Lamiglas rod user for over 35 years until they basically stopped producing state of the art custom bass rods and was referred to ALX by Lamiglas for custom rods. ALX made me rods equal to the NRX series using state of the art NG+ blanks with state of the art guides, handles and material for $260 each rod that weigh 3.8 oz with a foregrip and that was 5 years ago. Since that time ALX offers their 1st over the counter rod Zolo B, now available at TW. Alex offers limited life time warranty and 90 day trail period on custom rods and 10 year warranty on ALX OTC Zolo B rods.
Tom
On 9/27/2017 at 4:37 AM, OkieBoy17 said:Which zolo model for jigs and trigs
Which is your favorite for jigs/bottom contact baits
Deputy 7'1" MH fast.
Tom
in the $200 rod market i really like hammer rods.. i had 2 alx rods and they were nice quality rods but i find the sensitivity of the hammer rods to be much better in my hands.
On 9/27/2017 at 4:37 AM, OkieBoy17 said:Which zolo model for jigs and trigs
Which is your favorite for jigs/bottom contact baits
Tough call. I use all three with jigs lol. I actually think the Zodias is the most crisp. It's just really light and balanced with my Chronarch CI4. The others are honestly just as good, sensitivity wise, the Zodias just feels the best to me in hand...with the KLX a very, very close second. The Avid is great too, just a little tip heavy (7'4 H).
On 9/27/2017 at 9:22 AM, RichF said:Tough call. I use all three with jigs lol. I actually think the Zodias is the most crisp. It's just really light and balanced with my Chronarch CI4. The others are honestly just as good, sensitivity wise, the Zodias just feels the best to me in hand...with the KLX a very, very close second. The Avid is great too, just a little tip heavy (7'4 H).
What model zodias do you have, and what's the lightest jig it can throw?
On 9/27/2017 at 6:57 AM, jbrew73 said:in the $200 rod market i really like hammer rods.. i had 2 alx rods and they were nice quality rods but i find the sensitivity of the hammer rods to be much better in my hands.
What alx did you have
It's outside your budget but the Orochi xx rods are worthy of consideration. I like the Perfect Pitch.
On 9/27/2017 at 3:34 PM, OkieBoy17 said:What alx did you have
i think they were the deputy and promise.
In the $200 it's tough to beat the KLX. A couple other good ones would be the *** and if you want to save a few bucks the Ark Invoker is outstanding.
On 9/27/2017 at 10:30 AM, IndianaFinesse said:What model zodias do you have, and what's the lightest jig it can throw?
I have a 6'10 mh and 7'2 mh. I use the 6'10 for 1/4 - 3/8 oz football jigs for smallmouth and it's perfect. The 7'2, even though it's the same taper and power, feels quite a bit more "substantial." I use it for swim jigs and flipping jigs up to an 1/2 oz.
On 9/26/2017 at 7:08 PM, Catt said:Powell Inferno 7' MH extra fast ?
any experience with the 7'6" catt?
On 9/27/2017 at 9:06 PM, RichF said:I have a 6'10 mh and 7'2 mh. I use the 6'10 for 1/4 - 3/8 oz football jigs for smallmouth and it's perfect. The 7'2, even though it's the same taper and power, feels quite a bit more "substantial." I use it for swim jigs and flipping jigs up to an 1/2 oz.
Thanks, which one would you choose for casting jigs in the 3/16-3/8 ounce range (mostly the lighter side) and t-rigs up to 1/4 ounce? I'm now a fan of rod tip watching and longer rods makes that easier.
I would say they're more or less interchangeable so either or would be good. Personally, I would probably go with the 6'10 but I've thrown 3/16 and 1/4oz swim jigs with the 7'2 and it worked pretty dang good.
On 9/27/2017 at 9:22 PM, Scarborough817 said:any experience with the 7'6" catt?
I currently own and am in the process of attempting to sell this rod. The reel seat just wasn't my cup of tea and I switched back to dobyns. If you need info on it pm me
For that money I'd wait until Kistler has another sale and get a Helium 3 on sale. The Avid is also a good blank in that price range. Also the clearance Loomis IMX on TW right might be a good deal if there's a model left that suits your needs.
On 9/27/2017 at 6:13 PM, rangerjockey said:In the $200 it's tough to beat the KLX. A couple other good ones would be the *** and if you want to save a few bucks the Ark Invoker is outstanding.
What is the *** I don't know what rod that is but I see those 3 dots everywhere
On 9/28/2017 at 6:49 PM, OkieBoy17 said:What is the *** I don't know what rod that is but I see those 3 dots everywhere
From the forum rules and FAQ's;
Why does the site or product name I posted show up as "another site" or as ***?
First it has nothing to do with competition. In most cases, it has something to do with the points above - site owners not abiding by the rules of the forum, or over-zealous pro-staffers spamming the forums. In some cases, however, the site owner specifically requested that we do not link to their site.
If your post contains ***, then that means you may not discuss that brand here. Your post will likely be deleted, and you may get banned (see the next paragraph below)
recently got a pheonix rod for t-rigging and I love it. I think it was around 120.
On 9/28/2017 at 9:32 PM, bagofdonuts said:recently got a pheonix rod for t-rigging and I love it. I think it was around 120.
I've always been intrigued by Phenix rods but have never pulled the trigger on one. The new Feather that's coming out soon looks like it could be my first. Which model did you get?
i dont remember the model. I'll look at it. It is now my favorite all around rod. Got it for t-rigging but its not too heavy to use on spinner baits and buzz baits. I'm a fan.
At your price point the Hammer and the Kistler KLX are my favorite. Both are fabulous rods, but I tend to prefer the cork on the KLX over the Winn grips on the Hammer. Just personal preference.
Let me know if you decide on the Kistler KLX. I have an extra. Thanks!
Tight lines!
Avid. Great rod, comfortable, sensitive, good actions, lifetime warranty.
Anyone have a Dobyns Champion, and can compare them to any of the rods mentioned here? I really want a sensitive rod for jigs and t-rigs and you can get a used Dobyns in that price range. I have a Fury and for the price, it's a great rod.
On 9/26/2017 at 11:21 AM, thebillsman said:KLX no doubt about it.
2nd this or the feel-n-reel series of the KLX. Or to keep in your budget look at the Magnesium 2. There is a review on *** where they test the Mag2 as a bottom contact jig rod.
@OkieBoy17
There are still a few of the LTB line of rods being offered by St Croix at a very Bait Monkey friendly price point.
Pretty nice sticks.
Just Say'in.
A-Jay
http://stcroixrods.com/shop/freshwater/legend-tournament-bass-casting-rod/
Daiwa zillion and Dobyns extreme. You can find both within your price range.
There now a bunch of MB Orochi XX rods available under the 200 price point right now. No better deal or rod then that to me under 200.
For $185-195 you can get a $300 Orochi xx from the guys over at The Tackle Trap right now. Brand new with full 3yr warranty. That’s a hard deal to beat for that rod. Especially considering they sell for about $190-220 used until this came along. Call and talk to Brian. He will get you all taken care of.
Shimano Zodias is the most sensitive rod I own in that price range.
On 9/27/2017 at 12:54 AM, Darren. said:I had an Avid and compared it to one of my Carbonlites, I
honestly didn't think the difference was that big.
So Carbonlites, Premier, Avid, Legend Tourney, all good and
transmit well -- to me. In your range, Croix is a great choice,
based solely off my experience.
Wait really? I am tryin to decide what to buy sometime in the next week and done countless hours of research and had it down to avid x vs zodias.... this rod will be a t rig rod with pegged weights usually, and then i read this! d**n you, my buddy keeps telling me get the carbonlite and i work for tracker so i get a huge discount on anything johnny morris owns.... so now you got me so confused on what to do haha
On 7/31/2018 at 11:15 PM, AWolf91 said:Wait really? I am tryin to decide what to buy sometime in the next week and done countless hours of research and had it down to avid x vs zodias.... this rod will be a t rig rod with pegged weights usually, and then i read this! d**n you, my buddy keeps telling me get the carbonlite and i work for tracker so i get a huge discount on anything johnny morris owns.... so now you got me so confused on what to do haha
That is a tough call. IMO the Zodias and Avid X would be my choice as I wouldn't buy BPS rods or reels. However, if your discount is sizable it would be tough to not go that route. I would base my decision on what rod series has a rod that matches the length, taper, and features you prefer.
On 8/1/2018 at 2:02 AM, Stephen B said:That is a tough call. IMO the Zodias and Avid X would be my choice as I wouldn't buy BPS rods or reels. However, if your discount is sizable it would be tough to not go that route. I would base my decision on what rod series has a rod that matches the length, taper, and features you prefer.
both avid x and zodias do but carbonlite doesnt.... my discount is 45% but i also get 15% on other companies rods too not reels though
In that case, I would likely get BPS.
I keep hearing about Zolo"B." Are you guys just referring to bass rods? I don't see a "B" model.
On 8/1/2018 at 3:01 AM, Stephen B said:In that case, I would likely get BPS.
I went with an avid x today , got it for under 185 after taxes so I was pleased, now I have to fight the urge to pair it with a platinum Johnny Morris reel cuz the discount lol(200 dollar reel for 110 or get a Shimano or Lews or abu daiwa etc at no discount at all). Tried the rod with my Lews Mach 2 reel and I think I need something lighter but I love the rod so far! Thank you!
On 8/1/2018 at 12:39 PM, AWolf91 said:I went with an avid x today , got it for under 185 after taxes so I was pleased, now I have to fight the urge to pair it with a platinum Johnny Morris reel cuz the discount lol(200 dollar reel for 110 or get a Shimano or Lews or abu daiwa etc at no discount at all). Tried the rod with my Lews Mach 2 reel and I think I need something lighter but I love the rod so far! Thank you!
Awesome! St Croix is a great company and make great products. Just try a couple different reels and see what you like regarding balance.
On 8/1/2018 at 12:41 PM, Stephen B said:Awesome! St Croix is a great company and make great products. Just try a couple different reels and see what you like regarding balance.
That’s the plan ! I wish shimanos had external breaking , I know they do on higher stuff but the nobs never feel right , very stiff. But I’ve never casted one sooo we shall see what I do