Qaulity and Overkill 2024

KYbass1276 reply :

Rw started a post on price points of rods and reels which got me to thinking of where does the price your paying for qaulity and just overpaying for it start and stop. For example I think that once you get over the $100 dollar range for a reel your actually starting to get qaulity reels, So I'm takeing a guess a opinion really that $100 would be the starting point of paying for qaulity and would run up to around $400 before I would consider it overkill I'm taking a stab here at the rods too I'm going to say that $150 would be a good starting point for qaulity could possably be a little lower. A stopping point for amount spent on rods I really don't have a guess for. I think what really got me thinking was looking through my new BPS catalog at chronarchs and happend to look over at the next page and seeing the shimano Calais 4X8 DC at $649.99 which has a digital brake control system, which personally I can't see the point in that but none the less I' think thats overkill for myself but might not be for others. I'm just curious to what some of you guys think. I'm not a expert by far I'm just looking for your thoughts.

Marty reply :

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For example I think that once you get over the $100 dollar range for a reel your actually starting to get qaulity reels, So I'm takeing a guess a opinion really that $100 would be the starting point of paying for qaulity and would run up to around $400 before I would consider it overkill

It's like beauty, it's in the eye of the beholder. I'm very pleased with the quality of my $50 Daiwa Regal-Zs and various $40 rods. Maybe ignorance is bliss, but I never say to myself, I really need more expemsive equipment.

KYbass1276 reply :

This is what I'm talking about everyone has different opinions on where the price they pay and feel they getting a qaulity product differs. What I might pay for something is obviously different from what you would pay. Theres nothing wrong each others opinions, thats what I'm looking for different opinions Thanks for contributing marty hopefully threre will be more

Raul reply :

Personally I would not want to fish with something that 's smarter than me, like a digitally cast controlled reel..

shimanogloomis man reply :

to me a 50.00 baitaster isnt going to cut it, especially if someone is new to a baitcasting setup cause its just not going to cast right plus a crapy brake system, im a firm believer u get what u pay for,I think if u spend at least 100.00 min on a baitcaster your ganna save yourself a lot of future problems,now 650 for the dc calais is a little overboard but if i had the money to drop hell yea id buy it, but as for spinning reels if u spend 50 bucks or more u should be fine, ill tell ya my cuz has a sedona (shimano)and what a reel for the money.i have a stradic 4 now that i love but will be buying a twinpower mg 2500 cant wait ;D

crank it reply :

Yea I agree you get what you pay for me personally I would rather spend more on my rods than my reels. but for baitcasters I think you need to spend over 100.00 to get a good reel. I learned on a cheap one and it did the job but when I got a shimano citca man what a difference. but I guess is all in what you personally consider good equiptment and how much you fish and what you want to spend.

fish-fighting-illini reply :

I'd say $60 for a spinning reel is about the minimum starting with the Pflueger president. Next level goes to $79 for PFL Medalist and Shimano Symetre. I personaly couldn't justify more than $180 for a reel of any sort just due to all the other things that the money would take away from. If all the kids were grown and gone it might be a different tune. Due to a late in life double surprise package I've got another 15yrs left before even thinking about it! LOL

As far as rods I don't have any experience with high end rods but $100 would probably be my top limit possibly $150. If it required higher than that and I might as well go back to golf for the exercise.

FishTank reply :

When it comes to a man and his toys there is no such thing as overkill. ;D ;D ;D ;D Just kidding.

I have been lucky. I was able to pick up a new (previous model) Curado for $45, a Calcutta for $30, and a Quantum Energy 20 Pti for $80. I would hate to compare any one of them to a full retail priced $50-$100 reel.

I hope in the future I can find some quality reels at basement bargain prices again. I just wish I could have the same luck with rods.

Crabcakes reply :

Thats a line drawn by the individual person based on his tackle preferences, financial situation, and personal opinions.

senile1 reply :

I agree with the concept of "you get what you pay for," but only up to a point. Once you leave the bargain basement and are purchasing mid-range to high end equipment I believe that "you get what you pay for" is a bit simplistic. At the risk of offending every Harley rider on this site, I will say that Harley-Davidson motorcycles are the perfect example of this. I have ridden motorcycles since the early 70s and raced motocross in my teens. At one time, I read four motorcycle magazines cover to cover every month and I used to do all the mechanical work on my motorcycles. During that time, Harleys have never been close to being the fastest motorcycle, the best handling motorcycle, the most powerful motorcycle, or the longest lasting motorcycle. Why then do they command the highest prices and the best resale value? In a word . . . . . image. They sound cool, look cool, and they are marketed as individualistic and against the grain. If they are so against the grain, why is everyone buying them? The success of Harley's marketing is so phenomenal that the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have tried to copy the Harley mystique with their own big V-twins. None of these bikes perform to the standard set by other Japanese and European bikes but the almighty dollar is what business is about and these bikes sell by the truckload.

Are they the best for the money? If you are a performance afficionado like me, the answer is no way. If you like a solid bike that looks cool, sounds cool, and gets attention then maybe they are the best for you. Are they the best performing bike for the money? Absolutely not. (For years, Harleys have been awesome in flat track racing, due to the tremendous torque produced by the long stroke V-twin engines. This successful performance hasn't transferred well to their street bikes in most instances. The recent introduction of the V-rod in 2002 gave Harley one production motorcycle that could be considered high performing but you can get the same performance for a lot less money in other bikes.)

I think the same can be said for high end fishing equipment compared to some of the best mid-range equipment. The high price doesn't justify the meager benefits received over mid-range equipment. So I buy mid-range rods and reels: $115 - $200 for reels and $110 to approximately $200 for rods. I am open to being persuaded, however.

ww2farmer reply :

I agree with an above post.........$60 will buy you a great spinning reel (my favorite the pflueger presidant, shimano shara, daiwa regal all are good reels) but quality baitcasters can be had for less than $100. The BPS Extreme, and Rick Clunn models are both great values at $79 and $99 and have the same brakes/casting controls as most $200 reels. Also the Daiwa Procaster 100H ($70) Team Daiwa Advantage ($100) use Daiwas time proven mag force cast control. The Pflueger Trion also ($100) has the same brakes as the higher end president. And lets not forget the ever popular and relaible round Abu-Garcias.....most of the basic ones sell for less than $100 as well.

As far as rods go.........well I fish with $100 BPS extremes, $80 BPS Bionic blades, $50 BPS cranking sticks, and love each and every one of them. The most expensive rod I have ever owned was a Fenwick Techna AV, which I sold to buy more BPS rods. Before that I pretty much used $30 Berkley Lightning rods.........which I still think are a good rod. I am not embarassed, or fishing any less effectivly than I would if I had $300 rods..............but I will say this every time I go to BPS I drool over the latest and greatest high end stuff, some day I will get off the wallet and buy a high end rod and reel.

Alpster reply :

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If you are a performance afficionado like me....
...I am open to being persuaded, however.

senile1,

I too am a motorcycle afficionado and I agree with everything you said about the hype of Harley Davidson, however I ride a Honda GL1800 Goldwing. Though it is comparable in price, it out performs every Harley ever made (the V-Rod being the only exception). Note the V-Rod engine is made by Porsche and not HD. The goldwing is not about hype, it is (at least in my opinion) the ultimate in a touring motorcycle and easily worth the rather high price. Nothing compares with it (JMHO) 1800cc 6 cylinder, electronic cruise control, XM radio/w 240 watt amp, CB radio, heated seats & grips, my daughter watches DVDs on the back seat and routinely sleeps on the road.

I say all this to say... that although some companies win with hype, there really are those who perform beyond our expectations.

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Personally I would not want to fish with something that 's smarter than me, like a digitally cast controlled reel..

Raul,

You should try one before you make that judgement. I think you would be impressed. I read your posts often and I admire your knowledge & experience. My DC is an engineering marvel and worth every penny to me. JMHO

Ronnie

kennyh reply :

I agree with you Senile 1, Harley has done an unbelievable job markleting their products and developing customer loyalty. Think of it: what other manufactures have such insanely loyal customers that would tatoo their company name on their body. Actually I was thinking about getting 'Pflueger' with on my back but then I sobered up and revisited the idea.

A lot of what's popular and what sells the most is a result of marketing.

How many of you guys years ago bought a 'dancin eel' cause Bill Dance said so? Sure you can pay a little and get junk, pay a lot and get quality. But is a $10 spinnerbait that much better than a $6 one?

RiskKid. reply :

I think overkill is different for each of us depending on finances and how much you enjoy owning expesive gear. Expensive gear is always nice and "helps" one to be more successful but the fisherman's skill is always going to have the biggest effect on catching fish.

The bait monkey told me there is no such thing as overkill regarding fishing stuff ;D

KYbass1276 reply :

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I'd say $60 for a spinning reel is about the minimum starting with the Pflueger president. Next level goes to $79 for PFL Medalist and Shimano Symetre. I personaly couldn't justify more than $180 for a reel of any sort just due to all the other things that the money would take away from. If all the kids were grown and gone it might be a different tune. Due to a late in life double surprise package I've got another 15yrs left before even thinking about it! LOL
As far as rods I don't have any experience with high end rods but $100 would probably be my top limit possibly $150. If it required higher than that and I might as well go back to golf for the exercise.

Well one way you can help offset your expenses if your open to it is save copper and cash it in. I know it sounds corny but with copper selling a $2.10 a pound it soon adds up. For instance here is a good example at work they have added on to the building and had new phone, elec and alarm wires installled these guys where just throwing all there scrap in a pile to be thrown away that is untill I asked if I could have it. Well I saved and still saveing it untill I have enough to get what I want which is a new reel that happens to be a chronarch. Heres the deal though I have gift cards and plenty enough money to just go and buy it and the other things I want. But I figure by doing it this way I can get even more by using the money I get from copper I can get the reel and then use my money for a new rod or what have you. As it is right know I'm guessing I have enough to cover all but $50 dollars of the reels cost in copper. It might sound stupid to some but I want everyone to keep thinking that ecspeacily the ones who just throw it away, By the way if anyone does do it always ask even if you know it's getting thrown away. With copper thefts on the rise it's always best to ask

dodgeguy reply :

i think over $200 for a rod and over $200 for a reel is ridiculous.$400 for a combo would be my absolute max.the price of fishing equipment has become absurd and we are to blame.

cart7t reply :

Good point Senile.

In the TV business, Sony was easily the Mercedes of Televisions at one time. It was far and away the best. Cost wise, they were nearly double what the competition cost. They were worth it.....at one time. Competition has a way of evening the playing field. Sony is no longer the Top of Class by a mile. In fact they've been slipping the past 10 years and the competition has pulled even.

The same could be said for fishing reels and rods. Lots of people don't remember when Shimano first came into the marketplace. The reels were noisy and quite frankly, sort of junky when compared to the standards of the day, Garcia's and Daiwa's. That's obviously changed but anyone trying to tell you that you're not really fishing if you're not fishing a Shimano or a Loomis or St. Croix rod is just kidding himself and you.

The playing field has been leveled. At the $100 mark, most of those reels in that category are too close to call. The same at $150 or $200. It's all in the details at any price range. What reel feels best in your hand. Which is most comfortable or has the most features.

There's one thing I've noticed in the year and a half of selling used and new reels and rods that I've learned, Bass fishermen are never content with just one rod or reel (rarely) nor is the purchase for a lifetime. Somewhere down the line something new comes along that you must have. In the time that you own that $100 reel or $150 reel or $200 reel or rod, it probably won't break regardless of manufacturer. In fact, you can spend less than those amounts and still have a reel or rod that will get you through several seasons. I'd say most anglers are turning their equipment over every 5-7 years or so or sooner. Buying a reel anymore that'll last a lifetime is silly because few people will want to keep them that long and in any case, 10-15 years (or sooner) down the road you won't be able to get parts for it if it breaks anyway.

I'm always a little dismayed when I see newbie anglers on here with a couple hundred dollars or so to spend on a R & R combo and the advice given is often dis-heartening. Telling said newbie that they need to drop the entire wad on a single rod and reel is bogus and here's why.

1. The guy/gal is new to fishing. He/she has no experience in rods or reels. During their time fishing, they will form their own opinions of what rod and reel works best for them. Down the road they will make the change (like I said, the average fishermen changes equipment every 5 years-7 or so).

2. Telling them to put all their eggs in one basket by explaining that a R & R combo is not good for beginners or for fishing or it will make their first rod owning experience less satisfying is bogus. I can go out right now and buy a BPS Extreme baitcaster on sale for $50 and match it with a Bionic blade for $50 or even a Lightning rod for $35 and have a very nice beginners rod and reel that will easily last 5 years. For that $200 amount that new angler can get both a medium and a med/hvy outfit. That's what will make his experience more enjoyable. Having the correct rod and reels for the types of presentations he'll be trying, NOT one outfit that blew the whole load because someone told him that unless he blew the whole load on one rod or on such and such brand, you ain't fishing.

3. I'll grant you that spending $30-50 bucks retail on a new baitcaster will probably get you a less than desireable reel for long term but remember, this angler will probably change equipment in the first 5 years anyway as his experience level grows or something more to his liking comes along. As for castability? I test drove a used Bill Dance Quantum reel once that I later sold. The thing was a $50 retail BPS special. The thing was definitely just as easy to cast as a Shimano and....gulp..... I actually caught my PB, over 8lbs on the thing while using it. ;D Yes, it didn't feel as solid as a garcia or a shimano or a Pflueger but for crissakes, the reel isn't supposed to be one for the ages. You use it, get a few years out of it and move onto better.

JMO of course.

guest reply :

Hey Fellas This is simple You like to fish,you work for your money YOU BUY WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPAY AND I BUY WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY THEN EVERYBODY IS HAPPY HAPPY Isnt that why we all started fishing anyway

Catt reply :

High dollar tackle will not make you a better angler

Case in point

Rick Clunn uses BPS reels & rods

KVD uses Quantum reels & rods

Hank Parker uses Abu Garcia reels & Berkley rods

So you're saying they are less of an angler because of the tackle choices?

fish-fighting-illini reply :

Man some well thought out posts that don't all agree but awesome opinions.

Grey Wolf reply :

Would I buy a 1000.00 rod and reel set up ? You bet !

Would it make me a better fisherman ? NO !

Why would I buy them ? Because I can !

Am I crazy ? Maybe !

Seriously most people buy what they consider has the best value for the money . This is called common sence !

flechero reply :

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High dollar tackle will not make you a better angler
Case in point

Rick Clunn uses BPS reels & rods

KVD uses Quantum reels & rods

Hank Parker uses Abu Garcia reels & Berkley rods

So you're saying they are less of an angler because of the tackle choices?

You are partially correct... high dollar tackle will not always make you a better angler... but in many cases it WILL contribute to better catches. Put an IMX or GLX in the hands of someone who buys their worm rods at walmart and see their eyes light up on the first cast I've seen it many times and I was one of them many years ago. I don't catch that many more fish than I used to but I consistently catch bigger fish than I used to with cheap rods. I say with complete confidence that I feel more subtle bites than I did back then and my deep water fishing improved tremendously- instantly.

To the pros... do you know for certain that the rods they use are rack rods? I bet you don't! Sure, they may use a few for spinnerbaits or crankbaits but I'll bet some big money that they aren't using anything off the BPS rack for worm and jig fishing. Do you have any idea how easy it is to match any of the rods you listed with only a decal and thread color? I can make GLX lightning rods if you provide the decals. ...lol Even the All Star plant has a seperate room where sponsored angler's rods are built... but the decals and thread colors are the same as the rack stuff.... been there and toured it.

roadwarrior reply :

The "best value for the money" is an excellent motto to live by, but we often violate this principal for the things we are passionate about. In economics it is referred to as the "law of diminishing returns." For each aditional dollar spent, the value of the gain is proportionately less.

When applied to fishing equipment, it's hard to quantify the dollar value of the "fun factor."

flechero reply :

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In economics it is referred to as the "law of diminishing returns." For each aditional dollar spent, the value of the gain is proportionately less.

So true. Fishing rods are the perfect example of this... the $100 difference in IMX and GLX is not very big, and so not too many people can justify it. But the difference is there.

Catt reply :

flechero

I have seen what's in Rick Clunn's, KVD, & Hank Parker's boat

I have been in Larry Nixon's & Tommy Martin's boat

I'll say it again in 2006 I caught

Total Bass Caught: 1056

Total days on the water: 66

Average daily catch: 16

Bass under 14: 275

Bass over 14: 781

Bass over 5 lbs: 57

Bass over 6 lbs: 31

Bass over 7 lbs: 9

Bass over 8 lbs: 3

Bass over 9 lbs: 1

Double Digits: 0

All were caught on CastAway rods

High dollar rods are super sensitive in the hands of some one who knows what they are feeling for.

senile1 reply :

This is always a good topic for generating many thoughtful posts. As I have said, I tend to stay in what I consider mid-range equipment (rods and reels below $200) but I am always open to persuasion. There is no reason to be close-minded about which equipment is the best for the money. I read an interesting article about how our own expectations will influence the value we perceive that we receive from a product. The link is below.

http://finance.yahoo.com/columnist/article/moneyhappy/19279

dodgeguy reply :

a lot of people buy overpriced products so they can impress people.it has nothing to do with performance or common sense.there is a point where it becomes ridiculous.

Siebert Outdoors reply :

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The "best value for the money" is an excellent motto to live by, but we often violate this principal for the things we are passionate about. In economics it is referred to as the "law of diminishing returns." For each aditional dollar spent, the value of the gain is proportionately less.
When applied to fishing equipment, it's hard to quantify the dollar value of the "fun factor."

Ahh a business perspective. RW must be a business man. 8-)

The main reason I buy quality equipment is this.

I dont have alot of time to fish and the time I do have I dont need equipment failure. I also want to get the most out of my time and enjoy it. I dont go crazy in purchasing the latest or most expensive goods but I do like good quality equipment.

The_Natural reply :

I wouldn't say a lot of people buy expensive rods and reels to impress people- maybe cars or clothing...something people will actually see a lot. Nobody but your partner sees your rods and reels. I'm not going to be naive and think there aren't some kids who buy a high end rig because they see other folks online with them, and think they are the 'thing to have', but I do think performance is the main factor, something that is apparent immediately when you pick up a high dollar rod at Bass Pro and feel the incredible light weight. Weight is why I bought my first Loomis; I needed a heavy action rod, but all cheaper pitchin' sticks just felt like 2x4's. There is obviously a point of dimenishing returns, and if you don't care about having the lightest and most senstive rod out there, and just want a good combo that won't hold you back; I think you can spend $200 on a combo and be fine. I probably recommend a Shimano Citica and Loomis IMX combo more than anything (about a $300 combo)...this combo won't set you back a ton of cash, yet won't hold you back from feeling a finicky bass slowly inhale a football jig in 30ft of water.

RoLo reply :

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a lot of people buy overpriced products so they can impress people

It's hard to imagine an angler who'd be impressed by another angler's gear, which might stand a better chance of stirring jealousy.

Holding a $500 rod, adds more to one's state-of-mind, than to one's state-of-being.

The most important fishing tool lies between our ears.

Roger

Alpster reply :

Quote

Quote
a lot of people buy overpriced products so they can impress people

It's hard to imagine an angler who'd be impressed by another angler's gear, which might have a better chance of stirring jealousy.

Holding a $500 rod, adds more to one's state-of-mind, than to one's state-of-being.

Roger

Thanks Roger,

That's what I wanted to say.

Ronnie

roadwarrior reply :

I don't know about impressing other people with high end fishing gear. The only people I ever notice paying much attention are other guys with pricey gear and fishing guides. It seems like everyone wants to know what lure you're using, the color and if they are bold enough, where you were catching them. Rods and reels are certainly THE hot topic among cyber-fishermen, but I rarely hear it in the real world.

Raul reply :

I buy the best I can afford,

if I can 't afford it right now I save,

I buy what I want and what I like,

if I like expensive reels I don 't care if you think it 's too much,

if you think I purchase stuff to impress people you are dead wrong.

KYbass1276 reply :

I don't think anyone so far has given a wrong answer because if we all thought alike then this forum would not be as fun as it is. It really dosen't matter what you use or how much you spend and that has come clear to me now. It's all in what you like. It's a passion and we all are welcome to spend as much or as less as we want in the pursuit of our passion

But I still think and no offense to anyone who uses one that a ditgital brake control on a baitcaster is a little much. I mean seriously shimano is really trying to make a buck on that Electronics and water Don't mix

Raul reply :

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I don't think anyone so far has given a wrong answer because if we all thought alike then this forum would not be as fun as it is. It really dosen't matter what you use or how much you spend and that has come clear to me now. It's all in what you like. It's a passion and we all are welcome to spend as much or as less as we want in the pursuit of our passion

RIGHT ! nothing compares to the feel you get when fishing with obscenely priced tackle.

Long Mike reply :

One Ugly Stick - $39.00.

One St. Croix Rod - $115.00.

The difference in sensitivity? - Priceless!

Mike

Bud reply :

Quote
I buy the best I can afford,
if I can 't afford it right now I save,

I buy what I want and what I like,

if I like expensive reels I don 't care if you think it 's too much,

if you think I purchase stuff to impress people you are dead wrong.

My thought exactly Raul. It is my money I work for it and I will spend it like i want to.

CSB reply :

I only buy the best so I'll have one less thing to blame for my lack of ability! 8-)

Im a firm believer in the old adage "you get what you pay for". If I cant afford the best in anything I do, whether it be fishing, trucks, computers, etc. I wont buy anything. Buying one quality product thats lasts ten years is better than buying two or three lower quality products that last three years. Price isnt always directly related to quality, though.

Alpster reply :

I get a kick out of those who are convinced that spending $300 on a reel is "rediculous" "overkill" "can't be worth it", "I can catch more fish with a willow branch", etc. They obviously don't fish much with a high dollar reel. Everyone wants to make a case for what they do LOL. If you are happy fishing with a Zebco 202 combo, GREAT! Live & let live. If some guys want to spend their hard earned bucks on a Stella or Steez, they aren't hurting anyone. I don't understand the animosity, if you don't want to spend a lot of $ on fishing gear, that's AWESOME, but why be nasty to the ones who do? :-/ (scratchin my head?)

Ronnie

scbassin reply :

Muddy Man is happy did he buy a Shimano??????

Long Mike reply :

After my above post, I got to thinking about RW's "diminishing returns" As far as I am concerned, the value (increased ability to catch fish) gained between a low-priced rod and a medium range rod is enormous. But what does the value curve look like when one goes from a $100 rod to a $300 rod? My assessement is that the curve is very steep when it comes to going from low-priced to mid-range rods, but how quickly does the curve level off when one steps up from a $100 to a $300 rod? I would venture to say that the value (remember?, the ability to catch fish?) curve gets real flat and real fast.

Mike.

Catt reply :

My point is that in some anglers hands a high end rod & reel will make a difference but in some anglers hands it will not. When fishing deep structure with Texas Rigs, Jigs, Carolina Rigs, or Drop Shots some people don't get and many never will.

ww2farmer reply :

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I get a kick out of those who are convinced that spending $300 on a reel is "rediculous" "overkill" "can't be worth it", "I can catch more fish with a willow branch", etc. They obviously don't fish much with a high dollar reel. Everyone wants to make a case for what they do LOL. If you are happy fishing with a Zebco 202 combo, GREAT! Live & let live. If some guys want to spend their hard earned bucks on a Stella or Steez, they aren't hurting anyone. I don't understand the animosity, if you don't want to spend a lot of $ on fishing gear, that's AWESOME, but why be nasty to the ones who do? :-/ (scratchin my head?)
Ronnie

I have seen it the other way too, guy's with the top of line stuff that walk around with a chip on there shoulder who think if you aint' fishing with whatever they ue you just aint fishing.

I do see a little of that here, but I see more of what Ronnie is talking about. Too bad, but

! guess it's unaviodable, we have guys who like high end stuff, guys who like mid range stuff, guys who buy what they can afford, guys who buy nothing but cheap stuff no matter what, guys jelous of the guys with the high end stuff, guys with what they could afford but wish they could afford more, guys with cheap stuff who thinks it's just as good as any high end rod/reel, guys with high end rods/reels/boats who think it ain't fishing unless you have all top dollar gear...........................what I am saying is we are all here to talk 1 thing, bass fishing, right??? Sure when some one asks fo advice on a rod/reel we should give it along with a usefull opionion. But really all this ranting on OPINIONS is getting old.

cart7t reply :

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One Ugly Stick - $39.00.
One St. Croix Rod - $115.00.

The difference in sensitivity? - Priceless!

Mike

One Berkley Lightning rod - $35.00

One St. Croix rod - $115.00

The difference in sensitivity? - Hmmm... makes it a little tougher.

I went to an early boat show last night. One of the magazines I picked up had an article about the cost of a new rod and reel. None other than Rick Clunn himself stated that once you go over the $150 mark for either, you really see diminished returns. That in fact, for around the $70-90 mark, you can pick up a very nice rod or reel for the price and that even lower end combo's, that price out for around $100-130 can provide a great experience for a new angler.

As he stated, dropping $300-400 on a single rod n reel combo is beyond the means of many, many people. You're much better off when you start to buy a couple combo's within your budget that allow you fish multiple techniques.

There's nothing that makes me want to roll my eyes more around here than having a new angler asking about what baitcasting rig he should buy as his first with $200 to spend. Invariably the usual folks insist he go out and spend a little more than that amount on more premium gear. They're reasoning? The stuff will last you a lifetime.

I think you're better off directing that new angler towards purchasing a couple nice rods, one medium and one M/hvy and let him learn the rods and techniques with it and THEN let him decide what kind of rod is best for a longer term after he's had time and experience on the water.

guest reply :

There is no doubt that many products are priced waaaaaaaay above what would could called a reasonable profit margin.

But there is no such thing as "too much quality" things are constantly improving and that costs money.

But again. Value is in the eye of the beholder.

Raul reply :

Quote
I get a kick out of those who are convinced that spending $300 on a reel is "rediculous" "overkill" "can't be worth it", "I can catch more fish with a willow branch", etc. They obviously don't fish much with a high dollar reel. Everyone wants to make a case for what they do LOL. If you are happy fishing with a Zebco 202 combo, GREAT! Live & let live. If some guys want to spend their hard earned bucks on a Stella or Steez, they aren't hurting anyone. I don't understand the animosity, if you don't want to spend a lot of $ on fishing gear, that's AWESOME, but why be nasty to the ones who do? :-/ (scratchin my head?)
Ronnie

Very well put Ronnie, it 's funny, many of you guys think that spending 3 or 4 hundred dollars in a rod and a reel combo is waaaaaaaaaayyyyy too much, however are willing and spend 10,000 dollars and more in bassboat.

flechero reply :

Quote
None other than Rick Clunn himself stated that once you go over the $150 mark for either, you really see diminished returns.

Hmm... what does a rick clunn combo cost? Sounds like he is representing his sponsor perfectly.

While I don't disagree with the concept and I think most people on this site agree as well... I do have an issue with the price range. Anyone who says there is very little difference in a 50MG and anything that fits into the above scenario is either being pad to say it or really is clueless. I fished Abu 4600's all my life and still say there are great, but to say they compare to my 50MG's would just be dishonest.

Quote
As he stated, dropping $300-400 on a single rod n reel combo is beyond the means of many, many people

Also very true, but very off topic.... just because someone can't afford a certain piece of equipment, doesn't mean it's not better. The size of a person's budget has no bearing on the quality of a company's product.

Quote
There's nothing that makes me want to roll my eyes more around here than having a new angler asking about what baitcasting rig he should buy as his first with $200 to spend. Invariably the usual folks insist he go out and spend a little more than that amount on more premium gear. They're reasoning? The stuff will last you a lifetime.
I think you're better off directing that new angler towards purchasing a couple nice rods, one medium and one M/hvy and let him learn the rods and techniques with it and THEN let him decide what kind of rod is best for a longer term after he's had time and experience on the water.

I couldn't agree more.

senile1 reply :

Quote

Quote
I get a kick out of those who are convinced that spending $300 on a reel is "rediculous" "overkill" "can't be worth it", "I can catch more fish with a willow branch", etc. They obviously don't fish much with a high dollar reel. Everyone wants to make a case for what they do LOL. If you are happy fishing with a Zebco 202 combo, GREAT! Live & let live. If some guys want to spend their hard earned bucks on a Stella or Steez, they aren't hurting anyone. I don't understand the animosity, if you don't want to spend a lot of $ on fishing gear, that's AWESOME, but why be nasty to the ones who do? :-/ (scratchin my head?)
Ronnie

Very well put Ronnie, it 's funny, many of you guys think that spending 3 or 4 hundred dollars in a rod and a reel combo is waaaaaaaaaayyyyy too much, however are willing and spend 10,000 dollars and more in bassboat.

I think this might be comparing apples to oranges. A new $10,000 bass boat is the low end of the price range, and therefore would compare with the low end of the rod and reel range. Due to the boat's purpose and the expense of making it fill that purpose, it is naturally going to cost much more than rods and reels. Of course, here I still follow my principles. I bought a cheaper used boat that meets my needs fine.

Well, we all have our own opinions. I don't think anyone is ridiculous for whatever they buy. If it's good for them, great. Much earlier in this thread, before some of us started getting miffed, I stated that for me the benefits received from the highest price gear aren't enough to justify purchasing anything more than around a couple of hundred dollars . . . for me . . . . maybe not for anyone else. And as always, I'm more than open to changing my mind if I find that some of the highest priced equipment proves me wrong. My opinions aren't set in stone. We are all trying to achieve the same thing . . . . catching that big Momma bass. We just have different priorities and different ways of reaching the same goal.

cart7t reply :

Quote

Quote
None other than Rick Clunn himself stated that once you go over the $150 mark for either, you really see diminished returns.

Hmm... what does a rick clunn combo cost? Sounds like he is representing his sponsor perfectly.

While I don't disagree with the concept and I think most people on this site agree as well... I do have an issue with the price range. Anyone who says there is very little difference in a 50MG and anything that fits into the above scenario is either being pad to say it or really is clueless. I fished Abu 4600's all my life and still say there are great, but to say they compare to my 50MG's would just be dishonest.

Quote
As he stated, dropping $300-400 on a single rod n reel combo is beyond the means of many, many people

Also very true, but very off topic.... just because someone can't afford a certain piece of equipment, doesn't mean it's not better. The size of a person's budget has no bearing on the quality of a company's product.

Quote
There's nothing that makes me want to roll my eyes more around here than having a new angler asking about what baitcasting rig he should buy as his first with $200 to spend. Invariably the usual folks insist he go out and spend a little more than that amount on more premium gear. They're reasoning? The stuff will last you a lifetime.
I think you're better off directing that new angler towards purchasing a couple nice rods, one medium and one M/hvy and let him learn the rods and techniques with it and THEN let him decide what kind of rod is best for a longer term after he's had time and experience on the water.

I couldn't agree more.

I've currently got for sale or will have soon the following:

Chronarch 100

Curado CU200

BPS Pro Qualifier 1000 LP reel

A Pflueger Supreme, 5 bearing older model. ( I may not sell this one)

Blindfolded, the difference in the mechanics of the reels is virtually imperceptable. Physically there are differences but not mechanically. The reels are all extremely smooth and feel solid. All the manufacturers are making quality reels. Once you get above around $120 in price the mechanical differences are barely perceptable. The physical differences don't justify the extra money.

BASS fisherman reply :

Quote
i think over $200 for a rod and over $200 for a reel is ridiculous.$400 for a combo would be my absolute max.the price of fishing equipment has become absurd and we are to blame.

[move]And BINGO was his name-o![/move]

Thats all Im going to say on this matter. ;D

guest reply :

I buy high end equipment. It's not for show. Untill I started meeting with people via BassResource.com I always fished alone. Now I only 'almost" always fish alone.

It is a totally subjective thing.

I got a chuckle out of the "value curve" post

Are you selling the fish? If not then every dime you spend on fishing is wasted.

It's not about value, or price point, or anything other than enjoyment.

I love my new GLoomis BSR852. It's light, sensative, and the recoil guides are perfect for fishing braided line. RW was kind enough to lend me a stradic reel. It's a fine reel, but I'm saving my nickels and dimes because I want a steez. Will I catch more fish with the steez? possibley, but I doubt it, but I love the "feeling" of oneness and connectivity I have when using state of the art equipment.

It adds to my enjoyment.

This is my hobby, no.....my passion. I'll spend whatever I can afford to make it as enjoyable as possible.

You either "get it" or you don't.

KYbass1276 reply :

To me how much anyone spends on something that makes them happy is ok. I think the main point that I am trying to get is this. Do you ever feel that you have overspent on something and start thinking that maybe you could have gotten something just as suffecient for your needs but for lesser money. I bought a new curado last year and I like it, it does a great job but after looking at a citica I start thinking that really theres not hardly any differance in the two reels other than price. Thats really what I was after

fish-fighting-illini reply :

Not yet for me because I haven't bought one of the high end ones. I do have some reservations on the overall cost of all the "toys" combined. But I try not to add them all up ( at least not in front of the wife. LOL

Grey Wolf reply :

Everyone has the right to buy what they want !

Nobody has the right to be-little them for buying it !

the ohh face reply :

You can fish fairly cheaply with explosives and it makes a cool splash

FishTank reply :

Personal enjoyment is an opinion no matter what it cost. I wonder how much it cost to post our toughts about high quality and low quality equipment or whatever. I will guess that the average computer cost $750-$1000 and internet services is about $300 a year. How much fishing equipment could you get if you forego the computer experience? Would any of us trade $1000 computer for a Shimano Calais $650 and a $350 G Loomis Rod? What's more fun, posting our thoughts on the computer or fishing? What's the priority? These are the weird questions that I ponder every time this topic comes up since we all have a computer and fishing in common.

And again,

Fishing is fun no matter what you do or use.

hwsanders reply :

You for sure can go to cheap. I would tend to agree with you that $100 to $150 seems to hold the key to a good reliable quality reel or rod. What I think is ironic though......Those celebrities that endorse $650 dollar reels and $300 dollar rods are not buying them......their getting them from the manufacturer in order to market and endorse the product.

bugman reply :

My rule of thumb is buy the best you can afford. What I mean by "best" is will the reel do what you want it to do and hold up over time. To me having a bunch of options I don't use is not "best". And it always comes down to money. Is your name Billy Bob or Bill Gates.

JT Bagwell reply :

I knew there were a lot of very expensive reels on the market, but I

never really paid attention to how many there were until I read this

thread. Just browsing through a BPS catalog I was amazed. As far as

I am concerned, there is nothing that would make me spend $300, $400

or $500 on a single reel. That to me is just over kill and probably a little

bit of price gouging (or something along those lines).

Several years ago I was talking to a guy from Shakespeare about their

Pflueger reels. We were discussing price points and things of that nature.

At some point in the conversation I asked why a particular reel was priced

so low, when comparable products from rival companies were $40-$50 higher.

The guy said something along the lines of "would the reel be any better if we

charged that much money?" He also stated that they weren't in the habit of taking

advantage of their customers. If they can keep it where anglers can afford them without

having to get a second job and still make a profit, then everybody wins.

I was very surprised by his statement and I can tell you that the guy was being very

genuine when he was talking. He wasn't trying to sell me anything at all. It was just a

casual conversation.

JT Bagwell

guest reply :

See poll regarding pros using "off the shelf" products

KenDammit28 reply :

I think Long Mikes post is kinda the best one out of the bunch. The value curve...when is the price range where you start to get good quality and a good price?

Theres a certain sweet spot of price AND quality that I personally feel exists between 100-200 dollars. I would never buy a 200 dollar rod as I feel a 70 dollar Berkley Series One feels just as good. I'd spend up to 200(220 if I'm getting to choose the Quantum Tour Edition PT...) on a reel...but for me, that quality is good enough to get the job done and many of the reels in that price range have been proven over time.

Buy what you wanna buy..but I think its a little naive to think that the higher the price goes, the better the quality is.

Bass Smacker reply :

I think it all comes down to what you exspect out of the gear. I fish about 40 days a year and all my bass rods and reels put together run about $400. Now if i fished 200 days a year I could justify $400

rod and reel combos and if I made a living by fishing a $1000 dollor R&R would be resanable.

but it comes down to what you can aford if you want a $1000 R&R and don't have to brake (or rob) the bank to do it its all cool....

As far as is that $1000 dollor reel better that the $100 dollor reel i'm sure the $1000 has more abavantages. But better is all a matter of persbective.

Just my .02

Bass Smacker

k4phd reply :

A person usually gets the product he pays for. I saw a Shimano commercial on TV this morning and a fisherman cast a bait with the Calais DC and handed it to another guy while the camera was on the reel. It cast till all the line spooled off without backlashing at all. That was awsome. If I had a lot of extra money to spend in this manner I probably would buy one or more, but the fishing I do which is for fun and relaxation do not feel I should spend this kind of money for my tackle. I have a couple of green Curados and a new Citica and a few others and I am tickled to have these. I am glad that those products are made and people buy them. The more that are produced and sold the more the technology trickles down to my level of fishing. Bass Resource Forums are great. Thanks to Glenn and all that are responsible for it.

Jim

Alpster reply :

Quote
I am glad that those products are made and people buy them. The more that are produced and sold the more the technology trickles down to my level of fishing. Bass Resource Forums are great. Thanks to Glenn and all that are responsible for it.
Jim

Jim,

Your post is very insightfull! I think you get it. BTW WELCOME ABOARD!

Ronnie

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Qaulity and Overkill 2024

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