One $200+ Rod, Or Two $100 Rods? 2024
Chris186 reply :
Last season I bought 2 rods, one for texas rigs and one for jigs. I used them a bit, didnt really care for them too much because of the XF tip. I couldnt get fast tips because they didnt make them that way. Anyway, im going to buy something new, and im wondering if I should buy two good $100 rods, or buy one really good rod for texas rigs, which I throw most often. I dont throw jigs a ton, but I do have a rod that I can use for jigs if I go the more expensive route. So , which do you think the better way to go would be? Thanks in advance
aavery2 reply :
What was it that you disliked about the XF action?
travis23 reply :
I'd recommend buying the best rod you can buy. I wish I would have went that route to begin with, because now I'm selling off to get what I really want (Robyn's). Especially for bottom contact fishing. That extra sensitivity in a good blank is well worth the extra bread. With all that said, my Veritas rods, to me, are pretty sensitive. I think a lot of other people would agree. Do you have any rods in mind?
Tywithay reply :
Go with the better rod. There's no reason a "texas rig" rod can't handle jigs too, if you want to. I never see much need for two t-rig rods, because you're not going to have to set the rod down and retie a lot, you can usually just change plastics.
HoosierHawgs reply :
X2. I use one rod for both T Rigs and Jigs in the 6 combo system.On 1/24/2015 at 9:12 AM, Tywithay said:Go with the better rod. There's no reason a "texas rig" rod can't handle jigs too, if you want to. I never see much need for two t-rig rods, because you're not going to have to set the rod down and retie a lot, you can usually just change plastics.
ABW reply :
If you're going to be using texas rigs, it will be nice to have a very sensitive rod. Go with the more expensive one. It doesn't have to be in the 200+ dollar range, either.
Chris186 reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 8:56 AM, aavery2 said:What was it that you disliked about the XF action?
On 1/24/2015 at 9:03 AM, travis23 said:I'd recommend buying the best rod you can buy. I wish I would have went that route to begin with, because now I'm selling off to get what I really want (Robyn's). Especially for bottom contact fishing. That extra sensitivity in a good blank is well worth the extra bread. With all that said, my Veritas rods, to me, are pretty sensitive. I think a lot of other people would agree. Do you have any rods in mind?
With the XF action I felt like I was pulling the bait away from the fish, I missed quite a few. I was looking at the Dobyns Champion which everyone seems to love, ST Croix LTB, and the new St Croix Avid X looks nice. As far as the cheaper rods, I have a Carbonlite that I like, so I would look at them as well.
Dwight Hottle reply :
Asked and answered. Spend the money and buy one good rod for bottom contact baits.
aavery2 reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 9:22 AM, CD1542 said:With the XF action I felt like I was pulling the bait away from the fish, I missed quite a few. I was looking at the Dobyns Champion which everyone seems to love, ST Croix LTB, and the new St Croix Avid X looks nice. As far as the cheaper rods, I have a Carbonlite that I like, so I would look at them as well.
You have to fish what you have confidence in. You might loose just a tad bit of sensitivity going to the slower action, but may not be noticeable. The rods you have listed will all work well, and I own a few of each. The LTB is my choice for sensitivity, with the Dobyns and Avid being very close I just think the LTB is a little crisper. In terms of balance the Dobyns wins that easily, the Avid and LTB both can seem just a bit heavy in the tip when you get into some of the longer rods.
For me when you talk contact baits, sensitivity is king, and for that reason alone, I would choose the LTB over the other two, but not by much. Between the Dobyns and the Avid, I choose the Dobyns, I think the sensitivity between the two is too close to call and may be model specific, but with the better balance going to the Dobyns that would be my order of preference.
LTB, Champion, Avid
lmbfisherman reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 8:53 AM, CD1542 said:Last season I bought 2 rods, one for texas rigs and one for jigs. I used them a bit, didnt really care for them too much because of the XF tip. I couldnt get fast tips because they didnt make them that way. Anyway, im going to buy something new, and im wondering if I should buy two good $100 rods, or buy one really good rod for texas rigs, which I throw most often. I dont throw jigs a ton, but I do have a rod that I can use for jigs if I go the more expensive route. So , which do you think the better way to go would be? Thanks in advance
Sounds like to me the rod is stiffer than you'd like. All manufacturers have different interpretation. For instance:
I like my Veritas MH/F but compared to my Shimano Cumara MH/F or my Shimano Crucial MH/XF it's like a broom stick. This could be the main reason you don't like how it fishes, it might not be your preference. Just so you know the St. Croix Avid felt the same to me and the LTB.
For bottom contact I went for the highest I could afford...Cumara, Cumulus and GLX. I got them all below retail so that helps. There is a big difference between the Veritas and GLX. Not only the sensitivity but I love how the Loomis and Shimano rods fish for me. I find them true to what I look for in Power/Action. However, I don't think you "need or require" to go over 200 to find a rod sensitive enough. I just splurged and enjoy fishing with them, as I found the Veritas sensitive enough though for my needs in reality.
So my recommendation, spend on one rod and before you make that purchase look for the power action you prefer.
Lucky Craft Man reply :
How about buy a $300 to $350 retail rod at a good deal of $200 (with a little shopping around, of course). That's what I would do (though, I guess this falls in line with the guys who said buy the best rod that you can).
SenkoGuru reply :
I would agree always buy the best you can afford. You will be much happier with that one great rod than you would be with two good rods.
Poolshark reply :
I own and like the ltb worm and jig rod. I enjoy fishing my mhf carbinlites just as much though. As far as performance is concerned. The carbonlites are really not any worse or any better. They both are light and sensitive. Some of the rods out there in the 120!to 150 range can really give a great level of performance. So why not two? You can keep a few baits rigged and ready to go. Depends on what your style.
fisherrw reply :
If get one good one vs 2 ok ones.
OK Bass Hunter reply :
Always do the $200 rod if it's a quality rod. It'll keep you out of the upgrade cycle and save you money in the long run.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Id pick 2 Quantum Smoke rods over one LTB. I fish them side by side prefer the Smoke.
FishTank reply :
Invest in the best rod you can afford unless you must purchase two to fulfill a gap in some technique specific presentations.
Tywithay reply :
Don't know why everything is being compared to the LTB. It's quite a bit over $200 for most models, and it's hardly the best rod for the money.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 12:36 PM, Tywithay said:Don't know why everything is being compared to the LTB. It's quite a bit over $200 for most models, and it's hardly the best rod for the money.
I was commenting more on his issue with the XF tip, that a St. Croix rod is pretty stiff to me since it was one of his choices. I wanted to have him look at other brands to see if they have the tip he's looking for.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
"One $200+ Rod, Or Two $100 Rods?"
On 1/24/2015 at 9:22 AM, CD1542 said:With the XF action I felt like I was pulling the bait away from the fish, I missed quite a few. I was looking at the Dobyns Champion which everyone seems to love, ST Croix LTB, and the new St Croix Avid X looks nice. As far as the cheaper rods, I have a Carbonlite that I like, so I would look at them as well.
On 1/24/2015 at 12:36 PM, Tywithay said:Don't know why everything is being compared to the LTB. It's quite a bit over $200 for most models, and it's hardly the best rod for the money.
Well I mentioned it because he mentioned he was looking at LTB for 200+ rod. I havent used the Champ or X so didnt compare to them.
rippin-lips reply :
Take the $200 and buy a used rod that retails for much more. I grabbed a Dobyns champ Dx for $205 to my door. $340 rod if bought new.
Bassfink86 reply :
you could always go the custom route and potentially get more quality rods for less money
Robert Riley reply :
I'd go with the one good rod for bottom contact. I have a DX745 for jigs and heavier T-rigs, it's excellent all round for both.
Tywithay reply :
Extra fast and stiff aren't always synonymous. You can buy an ultralight power rod with an extra fast tip.On 1/24/2015 at 12:45 PM, lmbfisherman said:I was commenting more on his issue with the XF tip, that a St. Croix rod is pretty stiff to me since it was one of his choices. I wanted to have him look at other brands to see if they have the tip he's looking for.
mjseverson24 reply :
Well it would seem I am in the minority on this one big time, but I would get 2 100 dollar rods over one 200 dollar rod. For sensitivity a Daiwa Tatula or a *** black are great rods and are at the 100 dollar range. I also like the Falcon Bucoo micro, shimano compre and the skeet reese micro rods. Personally I feel like a rod that is specifically set up for one presentation and is optimized for it will perform much better than a rod set up to do multiple techniques... Personally I run 14 jig/trig setups... 7 for jig and 7 for t-rig, and each has a time and place where they are optimized(line, length, action, power)... This system allows me to quickly fine tune my presentations and also allows me to continue to catch fish when the bite changes slightly...
Mitch
lmbfisherman reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 1:30 PM, Tywithay said:Extra fast and stiff aren't always synonymous. You can buy an ultralight power rod with an extra fast tip.
Yeah understood, but I'm sure he's not using an Ultralight XF rod for jig fishing. 
But my point to him more is that a MH/F from one brand differs from another brand's MH/F. He may just need to find the right brand with the right tip he prefers.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Well buying expensive doesnt always workout, I bought 2 LTB's and at full retail on initial release a few years back and was fairly displeased. Not a bad rod, just not worth the price to me... There's always that risk whatever the price..
lmbfisherman reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 1:40 PM, mjseverson24 said:Well it would seem I am in the minority on this one big time, but I would get 2 100 dollar rods over one 200 dollar rod. For sensitivity a Daiwa Tatula or a *** black are great rods and are at the 100 dollar range. I also like the Falcon Bucoo micro, shimano compre and the skeet reese micro rods. Personally I feel like a rod that is specifically set up for one presentation and is optimized for it will perform much better than a rod set up to do multiple techniques... Personally I run 14 jig/trig setups... 7 for jig and 7 for t-rig, and each has a time and place where they are optimized(line, length, action, power)... This system allows me to quickly fine tune my presentations and also allows me to continue to catch fish when the bite changes slightly...
Mitch
That is good logic and it isn't wrong either.
aavery2 reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 12:36 PM, Tywithay said:Don't know why everything is being compared to the LTB. It's quite a bit over $200 for most models, and it's hardly the best rod for the money.
On 1/24/2015 at 9:22 AM, CD1542 said:With the XF action I felt like I was pulling the bait away from the fish, I missed quite a few. I was looking at the Dobyns Champion which everyone seems to love, ST Croix LTB, and the new St Croix Avid X looks nice. As far as the cheaper rods, I have a Carbonlite that I like, so I would look at them as well.
These are the rods the OP said he was looking at. Best is subjective.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 12:49 PM, Bassfink86 said:you could always go the custom route and potentially get more quality rods for less money
Lots of good rods in the $200 range. I seldom think "custom", but have to agree this is an excellent option. Personally I'd like to try this route. Bought a couple used customs 2 years ago, and like them an awful lot.
Diggy reply :
There are many variables in the question and some good answers already posted. There are a few 100 dollar rods I choose over a "GL2" for instance. Check around tho, places like Dicks Sporting Goods always has stupid prices clearance sales. Red Cumaras, were $80.00 and Crucials were $40...other rods were way below retail also. Can't go wrong in those situations.
Tywithay reply :
Mine carries Field and Stream, Ugly Stiks, and Triumphs. I apparently live by the wrong dicks.On 1/24/2015 at 8:30 PM, Diggy said:There are many variables in the question and some good answers already posted. There are a few 100 dollar rods I choose over a "GL2" for instance. Check around tho, places like Dicks Sporting Goods always has stupid prices clearance sales. Red Cumaras, were $80.00 and Crucials were $40...other rods were way below retail also. Can't go wrong in those situations.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 8:48 PM, Tywithay said:Mine carries Field and Stream, Ugly Stiks, and Triumphs. I apparently live by the wrong dicks.
X2. I do find sales occasionally on lures that I take advantage of. Dick's near me does carry a few Avids, but have never seen them on sale.
jacob95 reply :
Personally I'd buy a $200 rod like the rest of the guys. You should be able to snag a Champion for that or like someone mentioned shop around and get a more expensive rod for around $200 on sale or something.
roadwarrior reply :
http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-dhc7-producer-lte.html
Shop around for the Pinnacle DHC7. This series has been on sale for as little $228.88.
Senko lover reply :
I would get two 200 dollar rods.
smalljaw67 reply :
Go with a really good jig and worm rod and you won't have to worry about another one like you are now. I don't care for the reel seats or the company but the Kistler KLX and in the higher end range, the Helium 3 are hard to beat for sensitivity in there respective price ranges and even beyond. Everyone has a favorite, it all depends on what you are looking for when it comes to looks and components. I don't like the Kistler rods because they use the Fuji ECS reel seat, a lot of guys love them but I much prefer the new skeleton seats like the Fuji SK2 or the Pac Bay Minima and comfort will make a big difference when it comes to jig fishing. For myself, I only use braid on my flipping stick and my frog rod and other than that the rest is copolymer monofilament so I like stiffer actions for my jig and worm rods. Now you mentioned you would rather have a rod that is fast because extra fast rods are a bit too stiff, that made me think of a rod that you may like, a G.Loomis GL3 MBR 844C, it is rated 1/4oz - 1oz and has the wonderful mag bass taper which is a fast action but it has a little bit more flex than the BCR rods that Loomis is famous for. These aren't modern at all but they are still light and very well balanced with great sensitivity and I always considered the GL3 a better value than the IMX simply because the differences are, at least to me, very small and I have both a GL3 and an IMX and if I was doing it all over I'd go with the GL3. My other advise is to take your time, get exactly the rod you want, and go by what you like and take our opinions and reviews with a grain of salt as we all have our favorites but this will be your rod, you need to be happy with the look, feel, and performance of the rod and if one of those is missing, you'll end up questioning it and eventually regretting your purchase. Good luck.
scbassin reply :
I don't see the need for a rod for worm fishing & another for jigs when you can do both on one rod. Now if you are wanting to have 2 rods on deck 1 with a worm & the other with a jig I would go with 2 .Shimano Compre rods. They have a worm & jig rod for $100. Get a M/H & a heavy & a spool of Seaguar Abrazx Fluorocarbon. By using backing you will have enough to spool 2 reels. Those rods have exposed reel seats & by laying the line over your finger you should have no problem feeling the bottom. I have just spent $220 for you, order from Tackle Warehouse & they will ship for free
Darren. reply :
I guess it really depends. Some would argue there
are excellent-sensitivity rods in the $100 range now
such that you don't need to spend the higher dollar.
Totally subjective, I realize. For me, I have an Avid,
at $170, but I'm really not sold on its superiority over
say, the BPS Carbonlite. Sure, components are better
on the Avid, and the blank is, but to my hands, it never
was an order of magnitude more sensitive.
So for me and my hands, the Carbonlite is just fine for
the jobs I assign them to. Wacky, TX, Mojo, Jika, Jigs,
etc.
I'm not saying a $200 rod is NOT more sensitive, but
neither is it an absolute that it IS more sensitive. YOU
are the final arbiter of what you feel when holding the
rod.
aavery2 reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 11:50 PM, DarrenM said:YOU
are the final arbiter of what you feel when holding the
rod.
tomustang reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 8:53 AM, CD1542 said:Last season I bought 2 rods, one for texas rigs and one for jigs. I used them a bit, didnt really care for them too much because of the XF tip. I couldnt get fast tips because they didnt make them that way. Anyway, im going to buy something new, and im wondering if I should buy two good $100 rods, or buy one really good rod for texas rigs, which I throw most often. I dont throw jigs a ton, but I do have a rod that I can use for jigs if I go the more expensive route. So , which do you think the better way to go would be? Thanks in advance
I throw same size jig and trigs on one rod, since you don't throw jigs much getting one rod that cost more sounds better.
Perhaps you can sell you're two XF rods you don't like and get two $200+ rods
Chris186 reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 11:50 PM, DarrenM said:I guess it really depends. Some would argue there
are excellent-sensitivity rods in the $100 range now
such that you don't need to spend the higher dollar.
Totally subjective, I realize. For me, I have an Avid,
at $170, but I'm really not sold on its superiority over
say, the BPS Carbonlite. Sure, components are better
on the Avid, and the blank is, but to my hands, it never
was an order of magnitude more sensitive.
So for me and my hands, the Carbonlite is just fine for
the jobs I assign them to. Wacky, TX, Mojo, Jika, Jigs,
etc.
I'm not saying a $200 rod is NOT more sensitive, but
neither is it an absolute that it IS more sensitive. YOU
are the final arbiter of what you feel when holding the
rod.
This is one of the things im concerned about. Never owning a rod that costs that much money, I dont want to buy one and say to myself, I dont see a difference. Then wonder why I spent so much on a rod that I dont see a difference in, fishability wise. Right now im leaning towards a Champion 734c, but Im also looking at the Cashion rods as well. They seem to get pretty good reviews. As far as St Croix goes, I have only fished with a Mojo. I didnt like how it fished, felt tip heavy to me.
SenkoGuru reply :
http://www.alxrods.com/
You're welcome 
roadwarrior reply :
On 1/25/2015 at 1:16 AM, CD1542 said:As far as St Croix goes, I have only fished with a Mojo. I didnt like how it fished, felt tip heavy to me.
I think the St. Croix line excels once you get to the Avid series. I also think this applies
to G.Loomis starting with the IMX series.
lmbfisherman reply :
if you didnt like the mojo you wont like the oldAvid at least. Felt the same, same to me for the ltb. Not saying they are bad. It wasnt my style.On 1/25/2015 at 1:16 AM, CD1542 said:This is one of the things im concerned about. Never owning a rod that costs that much money, I dont want to buy one and say to myself, I dont see a difference. Then wonder why I spent so much on a rod that I dont see a difference in, fishability wise. Right now im leaning towards a Champion 734c, but Im also looking at the Cashion rods as well. They seem to get pretty good reviews. As far as St Croix goes, I have only fished with a Mojo. I didnt like how it fished, felt tip heavy to me.
rippin-lips reply :
I'll give a +1 for Cashion rods. It was my first rod that I purchased that was considered a 'expensive' rod to me. They're super light and the sensitivity was great. The carbon grips are very nice and don't get slick when wet. Only warning I'll give is if you fish a leader. Those guides are tiny and a leader knot might be an issue on it.
Edit - I just scored a new champion 733 off that auction site for $129.95 with free shipping. Keep your eyes open for good deals and you can really get yourself a nice rod for less than retail.
*Hootie reply :
I use four jig and worm rods.
1: jig
2: worm
3: beaver
4: tube
Hootie
Chris186 reply :
Well I have decided to go with the Dobyns. Right now I can get a good deal on either a DX703c or a DX744c. Im going to make this rod a dedicated T-rig rod up to 3/8, fishing mostly vegitation and rocks. Will the 744 work for this, or should I go with the 703?
rippin-lips reply :
The 4 power is said to be more versatile than the 3 power when you ask most people what they prefer. That would be my choice.
zachb34 reply :
I also bought two and felt the same about them. On the other hand a majority of people love these rods.On 1/24/2015 at 1:45 PM, Alonerankin2 said:Well buying expensive doesnt always workout, I bought 2 LTB's and at full retail on initial release a few years back and was fairly displeased. Not a bad rod, just not worth the price to me... There's always that risk whatever the price..
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