Pre-purchase rod and reel check 2025
jtjohns reply :
First post, but I've gotten a ton of info from BR before signing up. I purchased my first baitcaster a few weeks ago and much prefer it over spinning reels now. I purchased the blackmax combo then and now I'm looking to get another reel and pole.
I initially wanted to Lew's crush combo, but after some reading I've narrowed my focus down to the Dobyn's Fury 735C and the Shimano SLX reel. I'm mainly looking for something that can serve as jig, t-rig, and other sub surface presentations, so sensitivity is a must. I plan to use the blackmax combo for top water and spinning presentations.
By the looks, the Fury 735C and SLX reel will cost around $230ish. My question, is this the best I can do for this price range or would the SLX combo be just as good? I haven't seen much talk about the SLX rod, so I don't know how sensitive it is compared to the Fury.
I also considered some of the St. Croix rods. Feel free to offer up any suggestions (rod or reel) that may be better suited. Looking to stay under the $250 mark.
Thanks in advance.
browne762 reply :
I have a couple budget friendly setups with a St Croix Mojo Bass and SLX reels. I like them quite a bit for the money and they seem pretty sensitive in that price range. Should be at about $240 for the rod and reel.
I have other Shimano rods, but no experience with the SLX rod line. Was planning to get a SLX 6'10" Medium over the next few weeks though to give them a try.
Also no experience with Dobyns products, not sold around my area.
jtjohns reply :
On 8/13/2019 at 1:16 AM, browne762 said:I have a couple budget friendly setups with a St Croix Mojo Bass and SLX reels. I like them quite a bit for the money and they seem pretty sensitive in that price range. Should be at about $240 for the rod and reel.
I have other Shimano rods, but no experience with the SLX rod line. Was planning to get a SLX 6'10" Medium over the next few weeks though to give them a try.
Also no experience with Dobyns products, not sold around my area.
Thanks. What's been your favorite St Croix Mojo Bass rod for jigs?
browne762 reply :
I like their 7'1" Medium for that. If you want something a bit stiffer they have the same length rod in a Medium Heavy. The St Croix Medium seems a bit heavier then some other brands, I prefer their Medium. If you are using heavier jigs then you might want the HM.
Mikeltee reply :
That fury 735 is going to be a broomstick. Much more than my broomstick which is the fury 734. Broomstick = no sensitivity. Once you get over medium power, cost accounts for pretty much sensitivity. I'd get at least the champion rod and downgrade the reel if that's your total budget. You can get a champion 734, which will be plenty for 1/2oz jigs and less and maybe even 3/4oz + trailer for $200 if you look hard enough. I assure you that fury 735 will be collecting dust or be your frog rod within a month. My 734 has sat since its first trip put. I keep trying to assign something but it just doesn't suit my taste in sensitivity and action. YMMV
jtjohns reply :
On 8/13/2019 at 2:43 AM, browne762 said:I like their 7'1" Medium for that. If you want something a bit stiffer they have the same length rod in a Medium Heavy. The St Croix Medium seems a bit heavier then some other brands, I prefer their Medium. If you are using heavier jigs then you might want the HM.
Thanks. I'll look into the St. Croix Medium; hadn't really considered anything other than MH. Most of my jigs are 3/8oz (maybe why I'm catching dinks) so a medium should work.
On 8/13/2019 at 3:17 AM, Mikeltee said:That fury 735 is going to be a broomstick. Much more than my broomstick which is the fury 734. Broomstick = no sensitivity. Once you get over medium power, cost accounts for pretty much sensitivity. I'd get at least the champion rod and downgrade the reel if that's your total budget. You can get a champion 734, which will be plenty for 1/2oz jigs and less and maybe even 3/4oz + trailer for $200 if you look hard enough. I assure you that fury 735 will be collecting dust or be your frog rod within a month. My 734 has sat since its first trip put. I keep trying to assign something but it just doesn't suit my taste in sensitivity and action. YMMV
Do you think the medium would be a better fit like Browne said above? I can be flexible with the budget. My main reasoning for looking into the budget friendly rods is that I'm pretty rough on equipment... it's only a matter of time before I snap it, lol. Breaking a $100 rod hurts a lot less than breaking a $250 rod.
I hadn't looked into the Champion series at all; I'll check them out and get back to you.
Thanks for the input.
waymont reply :
I have the 735c Fury. It's a great rod but I think you would be better off with a 704c Fury.
It's a better all around rod. You might want to check out the Daiwa Tatula rods too. They are more sensitive and have a nicer over all build than the Fury series. I have four Fury rods and three Tatula rods and I think sensitivity is much better with the Tatula rods.
Mikeltee reply :
On 8/13/2019 at 3:53 AM, jtjohns said:Thanks. I'll look into the St. Croix Medium; hadn't really considered anything other than MH. Most of my jigs are 3/8oz (maybe why I'm catching dinks) so a medium should work.
Do you think the medium would be a better fit like Browne said above? I can be flexible with the budget. My main reasoning for looking into the budget friendly rods is that I'm pretty rough on equipment... it's only a matter of time before I snap it, lol. Breaking a $100 rod hurts a lot less than breaking a $250 rod.
I hadn't looked into the Champion series at all; I'll check them out and get back to you.
Thanks for the input.
Mediums are for more finesse techniques and Light jerkbaits. For jigs a MH for light cover And Heavy for heavy cover for sure. The lightest I have is a M-MH and it is for weightless plastics, ned rigs, drop shots etc etc.
Jason.Domingo reply :
I own a Mach Crush..got it for like $120 for the combo..I absolutely love it. My only gripe is that its a bit on the heavy side and its uncomfortable to palm due to the trigger being so high on the handle.
BassWhole! reply :
Get the Fuego or Tatula to go with the Fury, The SLX is a good reel, but it's size and weight make the Fury feel unbalanced, specially a longer one like you are considering. The SLX rods are good if you like an XF taper.
FishingGeekTX reply :
Consider St Croix bass X - A light-weight, quality rod:
https://stcroixrods.com/products/bass-x-casting
I'd put more into reel than rod. A quality rod in the proper action/taper is usually sufficient. I have expensive rods and cheap rods, and I fish them all well. I don't really fish any cheap reels. Casting, reeling, drag, thumbar/action..lots of technical feely stuff in a reel. If a quality rod is correct action/taper and weight, it's unlikely to feel bad unless it's something about that line in particular like a strange grip or something.
Get a good Shimano, Daiwa, or Lews reel IMO, best in your budget.
jtjohns reply :
On 8/13/2019 at 7:10 AM, Jason.Domingo said:I own a Mach Crush..got it for like $120 for the combo..I absolutely love it. My only gripe is that its a bit on the heavy side and its uncomfortable to palm due to the trigger being so high on the handle.
Thanks. I'll have to start considering weight a bit more than I have been. I've started noticing my wrist aching after a long day with the blackmax combo.
On 8/13/2019 at 8:06 AM, BassWhole! said:Get the Fuego or Tatula to go with the Fury, The SLX is a good reel, but it's size and weight make the Fury feel unbalanced, specially a longer one like you are considering. The SLX rods are good if you like an XF taper.
Are you saying get the Fuego or Tatula reel to go with the Fury? Sorry if this should be obvious.... New to "fishing", spent my whole life "hoping". I gotta do some research and see what impact the XF taper has; I'm in way over my head and realize that now.
On 8/13/2019 at 9:27 AM, FishingGeekTX said:Consider St Croix bass X - A light-weight, quality rod:
https://stcroixrods.com/products/bass-x-casting
I'd put more into reel than rod. A quality rod in the proper action/taper is usually sufficient. I have expensive rods and cheap rods, and I fish them all well. I don't really fish any cheap reels. Casting, reeling, drag, thumbar/action..lots of technical feely stuff in a reel. If a quality rod is correct action/taper and weight, it's unlikely to feel bad unless it's something about that line in particular like a strange grip or something.
Get a good Shimano, Daiwa, or Lews reel IMO, best in your budget.
I had been looking at those rods, specifically the 7'1'', MH/F. Will this rod allow me to feel more than the blackmax rod I currently have?
I've seen the Lews Tournament MB's on clearance, would that be a better reel than the SLX?
______________________________________________
Next time, I'm going to just buy something and say, "hey, look what I got". Thank you all for the input.
aPaul19 reply :
I have that same setup. Love Dobyns (as many on here do as well) and most of my setups are Dobyns rods. I didn't love the SLX reel though, I still use it but I've always used Lews and I just couldn't get over the brand change so I went back to Lews.
Overall it's a nice set up, just personal preference on my end with the reel but you can't go wrong with that combo.
RedRob reply :
Just some food for thought. Use your budget and buy the best reel that you can. Then save again for a nice rod. I would much rather put a $200 reel on a $40 ugly stick. The higher end reel will last forever. And the ugly stick becomes kids or grandkids best rod. And that $200-250 reel will sit nice with most rods. Once you get in the upper price range it kind of is a what feels good to you and balances out good. Buy once cry once. And that's a lie cause after you start buying the nicer rod and reels it seems to never stop.
jtjohns reply :
On 8/14/2019 at 12:27 AM, RedRob said:Just some food for thought. Use your budget and buy the best reel that you can. Then save again for a nice rod. I would much rather put a $200 reel on a $40 ugly stick. The higher end reel will last forever. And the ugly stick becomes kids or grandkids best rod. And that $200-250 reel will sit nice with most rods. Once you get in the upper price range it kind of is a what feels good to you and balances out good. Buy once cry once. And that's a lie cause after you start buying the nicer rod and reels it seems to never stop.
You're the second person in this thread to suggest that. I thought the opposite to be the general rule of thumb based on other threads I've read. My conclusion was that a higher quality rod should come before the reel. Thanks for clarifying.
I don't really mind spending a bit more to get a good rod and reel, I know just like in any other hobby, there comes a point where you are no longer paying for quality, but bells and whistles. What level rod and reel do you believe is that point where you're getting the best bang for your buck?
RedRob reply :
I can wear out a $40 cheap reel in half a season. Even taking it apart and cleaning greasing and oiling. Hence I haven't bought a reel under $200 in many years, and I still have them all. Rods I have a couple ugly sticks one catfish and one my 7yr old daughter uses with a shimano static CI4+. Eventually I have a St Croix avid x I will let her use but rods seem to mysteriously get the tips broke off around kids and some adults. That reel will probably leave the house with her.
jtjohns reply :
On 8/14/2019 at 1:13 AM, RedRob said:I can wear out a $40 cheap reel in half a season. Even taking it apart and cleaning greasing and oiling. Hence I haven't bought a reel under $200 in many years, and I still have them all. Rods I have a couple ugly sticks one catfish and one my 7yr old daughter uses with a shimano static CI4+. Eventually I have a St Croix avid x I will let her use but rods seem to mysteriously get the tips broke off around kids and some adults. That reel will probably leave the house with her.
Good point.... Maybe I'm chasing a white whale. Searching for a sensitive rod to help feel bites has me going in circles.
RedRob reply :
Yeah finding the ultimate setup for yourself can be a chore. I mainly use a Daiwa exist Lt2000 on a St. Croix Legend Xtreme 7ft light fast. 10lb power pro SS8 V2. With 8lb fluorocarbon leader. I use mostly light and ultra light just cause I love the fight.
BassWhole! reply :
On 8/13/2019 at 9:56 PM, jtjohns said:Are you saying get the Fuego or Tatula reel to go with the Fury?
Yes.
Joshua van Wyk reply :
On 8/13/2019 at 8:06 AM, BassWhole! said:Get the Fuego or Tatula to go with the Fury, The SLX is a good reel, but it's size and weight make the Fury feel unbalanced, specially a longer one like you are considering. The SLX rods are good if you like an XF taper.
My slx balances wonderfully with my fury 733, it’s one of my most comfortable combos to fish.
RedRob reply :
The tatula sv is a good price point. Probably best bang for buck is around the $200 mark. Over that isn't just bells and whistles. But more quality. I don't think a $700 reel is truly $500 better than a $200 reel but side by side you can definitely tell a difference. I've thought about the tatula sv for myself as a return to baitcasting.
jtjohns reply :
On 8/14/2019 at 2:46 AM, BassWhole! said:Yes.
Tatula SV or CT?
On 8/14/2019 at 3:46 AM, RedRob said:The tatula sv is a good price point. Probably best bang for buck is around the $200 mark. Over that isn't just bells and whistles. But more quality. I don't think a $700 reel is truly $500 better than a $200 reel but side by side you can definitely tell a difference. I've thought about the tatula sv for myself as a return to baitcasting.
I was looking at the CT due to a previous suggestion and actually like it. Looking into the SV now for comparison.
On 8/14/2019 at 3:04 AM, Joshua van Wyk said:My slx balances wonderfully with my fury 733, it’s one of my most comfortable combos to fish.
What presentations are you using with the fury 733?
BassWhole! reply :
On 8/14/2019 at 3:04 AM, Joshua van Wyk said:My slx balances wonderfully with my fury 733, it’s one of my most comfortable combos to fish.
And some folks think a Big Mac is a good burger, it's what makes the world go around.
Joshua van Wyk reply :
On 8/14/2019 at 3:50 AM, jtjohns said:Tatula SV or CT?
I was looking at the CT due to a previous suggestion and actually like it. Looking into the SV now for comparison.
What presentations are you using with the fury 733?
Its my weightless plastic rod and treble hook rod.
RedRob reply :
On 8/14/2019 at 3:58 AM, BassWhole! said:And some folks think a Big Mac is a good burger, it's what makes the world go around.
Hey now I eat a Big mac about once a year.
jtjohns reply :
Just watched several reviews on the Tatula SV... this thing looks amazing. Found a very slightly used one for $130; think I have my reel.
Just a matter of finding the right fury at this point..... or ugly stik ????
RedRob reply :
Oh see now you found a sell let us help you spend the rest. A St.Croix eyecon or Bass X would put you right at the $230-250 mark. Now you have a nice reel and a nice rod.
jtjohns reply :
On 8/14/2019 at 5:39 AM, RedRob said:Oh see now you found a sell let us help you spend the rest. A St.Croix eyecon or Bass X would put you right at the $230-250 mark. Now you have a nice reel and a nice rod.
Yup!! $130 is pretty reasonable, correct me if I'm wrong.
I've been looking and comparing rods. Most of the reviews have given the edge to the fury. I don't have any brand preference though.
Shimano_1 reply :
If ur for sure on the slx reel I'd get the combo. American legacy had them for like 139. I've owned the combo and for that money it's hard to beat. If ur new to casting reels I'd suggest a fuego ct over the slx. Just an easier reel to use in my opinion and they're thanks. Fuego on a fury would make a sweet combo.
jtjohns reply :
On 8/14/2019 at 7:49 AM, Shimano_1 said:If ur for sure on the slx reel I'd get the combo. American legacy had them for like 139. I've owned the combo and for that money it's hard to beat. If ur new to casting reels I'd suggest a fuego ct over the slx. Just an easier reel to use in my opinion and they're thanks. Fuego on a fury would make a sweet combo.
Just purchased the tatula sv. Rod hunt continues...
Shimano_1 reply :
I'm sure that sv will serve u well. The fury is a fine rod. Dicks has the Falcon lowrider rods for like 99 can be had cheaper with coupons. I personally like the omens black rods and basspro carbonlite rods as well. Plenty of good options around 100 and some for less. Good luck I know its tough making decisions. Maybe take ur reel to a store and try it on some rods.
new2BC4bass reply :
$130 for a Tat SV in good shape is a decent price. An SV reel is good if you are a beginner with baitcast gear. An SV spool is good if you plan on using the reel for skipping. An SV spool is good for lighter baits.
How light will your lures be...in total? If the total weight is going to be around 5/16 oz. and over (and you have some baitcast reel experience) then you don't 'need' a reel with an SV spool. A standard Tatula CT will serve you well, and can be had for less. I will say I really like the looks of my Tat SV. Definitely not trying to talk you out of an SV. Just pointing out that an SV may not be necessary in your case if money is tight.
Also would you consider buying used? You can get some very good deals off this and other boards. Probably my best buy was $65 for a used reel in very good condition that listed for $250 new. Also closeouts can be very good occasionally. Try $98 for a new reel that previously sold for $200. 
This would be over your budget, but if looking for a sensitive rod you might want to give it a look anyway.
http://tackletour.com/reviewabuvillaincasting.html
jtjohns reply :
On 8/14/2019 at 8:16 AM, new2BC4bass said:$130 for a Tat SV in good shape is a decent price. An SV reel is good if you are a beginner with baitcast gear. An SV spool is good if you plan on using the reel for skipping. An SV spool is good for lighter baits.
How light will your lures be...in total? If the total weight is going to be around 5/16 oz. and over (and you have some baitcast reel experience) then you don't 'need' a reel with an SV spool. A standard Tatula CT will serve you well, and can be had for less. I will say I really like the looks of my Tat SV. Definitely not trying to talk you out of an SV. Just pointing out that an SV may not be necessary in your case if money is tight.
Also would you consider buying used? You can get some very good deals off this and other boards. Probably my best buy was $65 for a used reel in very good condition that listed for $250 new. Also closeouts can be very good occasionally. Try $98 for a new reel that previously sold for $200.
This would be over your budget, but if looking for a sensitive rod you might want to give it a look anyway.
http://tackletour.com/reviewabuvillaincasting.html
Thanks for the info. The Tat SV will be here this weekend! This will only be my 2nd baitcaster so I'm far from a pro. So far, most of my baits are 3/8oz so maybe slightly over 1/2oz total weight. Once this reel is set up, I'll have a little wiggle room with 3 different rods, 2 baitcasters and 1 spinner.
I'll have to keep an eye out for used stuff on here; haven't done that much so far. Knowing me, I'll be buying another setup in a month or so.
related Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
most viewed Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
© 2025 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.