Rod brand recommendations ($250-$350) 2024
MDbassin reply :
I currently have a lineup of Dobyns Champion XP and Dobyns Champion Extreme HP and was wondering if theres anyone out there with experience with these and others and preferred the other over the dobyns. I'm not saying I dont like my dobyns but if theres better, more sensitive, lighter rods for the same price than I'm always all ears
kayaking_kev reply :
I'm a Dobyns guy also, the only rods I can think of that would be close to the Extreme IMO, is the Expride in that price range, maybe the Helium 3 and the Megabass Orochi. The Megabass Destroyer but it is a little over that range.
chubaka reply :
I like my IMX Pro. Handles really well. Very sensitive. Aesthetics is pleasing.
waymont reply :
IMX Pro are super nice
Cityangler7 reply :
I'm a Dobyns fan as well, I know they are a lower price point but I have a couple of Shimano Zodias rods that I really like. Based on my experiences with the Zodias I am going to pick up an Expride soon, it's just I need fishing rods, like I need a hole in my head.
new2BC4bass reply :
Maybe a Witch Doctor Shaman. TT said the 7'6" Extra Heavy Fast tested was light and well balanced. Sensitivity on par with similar priced rods. Picked up a used MH in excellent condition at a super price, but no chance to use it for another 2-3 months.
No idea how sensitive the ALX Enox is, but am liking the Zolos I have. Reviewers of the Enox all seem to love this rod.
TT's review said the Ark Reinforcer has very good sensitivity.
The Expride reviews often mention it being the best rod in its price range...or even higher.
As mentioned the Helium 3 also is said to be very sensitive. TT called its sensitivity 'superb'. Received a used 7'1" MH-EF Friday, but...again...will be 2-3 month before I use it.
LonnieP reply :
Kistler H3
MDbassin reply :
On 2/18/2020 at 8:08 AM, new2BC4bass said:Maybe a Witch Doctor Shaman. TT said the 7'6" Extra Heavy Fast tested was light and well balanced. Sensitivity on par with similar priced rods. Picked up a used MH in excellent condition at a super price, but no chance to use it for another 2-3 months.
No idea how sensitive the ALX Enox is, but am liking the Zolos I have. Reviewers of the Enox all seem to love this rod.
TT's review said the Ark Reinforcer has very good sensitivity.
The Expride reviews often mention it being the best rod in its price range...or even higher.
As mentioned the Helium 3 also is said to be very sensitive. TT called its sensitivity 'superb'. Received a used 7'1" MH-EF Friday, but...again...will be 2-3 month before I use it.
I have a reinforcer and I like it probably more than my dobyns. But my worry/gripe is the same as TT and that's the guide train. I posted a whole review on it and comparing it to my dobyns Extreme on here a couple weeks ago
new2BC4bass reply :
On 2/18/2020 at 8:41 AM, MDbassin said:I have a reinforcer and I like it probably more than my dobyns. But my worry/gripe is the same as TT and that's the guide train. I posted a whole review on it and comparing it to my dobyns Extreme on here a couple weeks ago
I'll look for your review. Think I missed it.
gilkeybr reply :
Comparing my Expride to my Champion XP (different lengths/tapers, so not apples to oranges), I prefer the Expride. They seem to live up to all the hype, IMO
FryDog62 reply :
Hard to beat the balance of a Dobyns (I have a Champ Extreme and Champ XP), but yes there are other rods that are lighter and more sensitive. I like Orochi XX, Expride A, Helium, Tatula Elite. If you're using MH and Heavy rods, I wouldn't steer you towards St. Croix. They are quality rods and sensitive enough but heavy like Dobyns and not as well balanced IMO.
rcjoutdoors reply :
Shimano/Jackall: Poison Adrena
Abu Garcia: Fantasista Premier
MDbassin reply :
On 2/19/2020 at 3:57 AM, FryDog62 said:Hard to beat the balance of a Dobyns (I have a Champ Extreme and Champ XP), but yes there are other rods that are lighter and more sensitive. I like Orochi XX, Expride A, Helium, Tatula Elite. If you're using MH and Heavy rods, I wouldn't steer you towards St. Croix. They are quality rods and sensitive enough but heavy like Dobyns and not as well balanced IMO.
I'd love to get ahold of the Exprides but they are always sold out. I've handled St.Croix before and I love there rods. I just have a hard time switching from dobyns as I get 30% off from them. But I just know theres gotta be better out there. My dobyns are sensitive but it's a dull sensitivity. I feel the rocks, I feel this and I feel that but I just feel for the price the dobyns should be crisper. I dont know it's hard to explain. My only complaint about megabass and shimano is the warranty when compared to Dobyns and St.croix. I'm thinking of giving the St.croix legend tournaments a try I have a couple mojos and I really like them especially for the price so I'm interested to see how much better the LTB's amd even tho it isnt lifetime warranty like dobyns its 15 years and let's be honest within 15 years something new and better will be out so who would need a warranty that long lol
MDbassin reply :
On 2/19/2020 at 4:09 AM, rcjoutdoors said:Shimano/Jackall: Poison Adrena
Abu Garcia: Fantasista Premier
I've read some good reviews on the Abu Fantasia and its caught my eye. I'm a fan of the very open reel seat it has and it looks like a lot of companies are starting to trickle in that kind of reel seat. And its refreshing to see it seemed like rod companies all used the same fuji seat for a while....at least the brands I've always looked at I even tho its marketed as a "exposed blank" reel seat you can only get your pinky on it. The new reel seats I'm starting to see like that fantasia. The arks have it (at least the invoker pro does) you can actually get 2 or even 3 fingers in contact with the blank. And on the spinning side of things the reel seats on the fantasia, the st.croix LTB, etc. Those spinning reel seats I really like how they feel and for how most of us hold spinning reels almost your whole hand is in blank contact which i think even tho sensitivity is ultimately all in the blank material amd construction having more blank contact with your hand just adds to that sensitivity and overall feel of the rod
FryDog62 reply :
On 2/20/2020 at 1:09 PM, MDbassin said:I'd love to get ahold of the Exprides but they are always sold out. I've handled St.Croix before and I love there rods. I just have a hard time switching from dobyns as I get 30% off from them. But I just know theres gotta be better out there. My dobyns are sensitive but it's a dull sensitivity. I feel the rocks, I feel this and I feel that but I just feel for the price the dobyns should be crisper. I dont know it's hard to explain. My only complaint about megabass and shimano is the warranty when compared to Dobyns and St.croix. I'm thinking of giving the St.croix legend tournaments a try I have a couple mojos and I really like them especially for the price so I'm interested to see how much better the LTB's amd even tho it isnt lifetime warranty like dobyns its 15 years and let's be honest within 15 years something new and better will be out so who would need a warranty that long lol
I had LTB’s for 15 years. In a Medium or ML they are very good rods. But in MH and Heavy they weigh a lot - most 5-5 1/2 ounces and very tip heavy. Once you pick up one of the other brands listed above and compare side by side, it’s pretty amazing. But then the other brands are 20-30% lighter and better balanced.
MDbassin reply :
On 2/20/2020 at 10:01 PM, FryDog62 said:I had LTB’s for 15 years. In a Medium or ML they are very good rods. But in MH and Heavy they weigh a lot - most 5-5 1/2 ounces and very tip heavy. Once you pick up one of the other brands listed above and compare side by side, it’s pretty amazing. But then the other brands are 20-30% lighter and better balanced.
I honestly dont care if a rod is balanced. I'm all about the sensitivity. If I can feel a fish fart then the fact that a rod balances 3 inches in front of the reel as opposed to 2 is negligible in my eyes. Would you say the LTB are more sensitive than the Champ XP or Champ Extreme HP? I cant get my hands on them to try all they have around me is the mojos which I already have a few and to be honest I grab for my mojo more than my Champ XP
Hulkster reply :
I would be looking at the IMX Pro as well. i haven't fished with one but i hear they are awesome.
evo2s197 reply :
The newer redesigned Legend Tournaments are much better, lighter and more "balanced".
In your $ range I would look at the below rods that I have all owned in no particular order.
St Croix Avid, Avid X or legend Tournaments.
Shimano Zodias or Expride
G loomis IMX
And I definitely would not overlook the Major craft MS-1 Series excellent rods at an awesome price point they rival certain more expensive rods at a realistic price point.
Phenix rods are good from what I hear from buddies but I have no personal experience with them just word of mouth.
Dobyns rods are way overrated for the price range they have them at with what you get performance wise, anyone that thinks the price point is justified compared to other rods in that range are just fooling themselves, the first dobyns rods that came out when they still used Lamiglass blanks were solid but that was years ago.
FryDog62 reply :
On 2/21/2020 at 12:03 AM, MDbassin said:Would you say the LTB are more sensitive than the Champ XP or Champ Extreme HP?
Yes, but I think there are some great options that are both more sensitive than a Dobyns, and not a pool cue like an SC.
waymont reply :
On 2/20/2020 at 1:09 PM, MDbassin said:LTB
The LTB casting rods I've fished were all very tip heavy. Nicely made rods, and great looking, but too uncomfortable for me. I had the 6'10" MH and a 7' H, both have been sold. The Legend Walleye spinning rods I have are beautiful tho, well balanced and very sensitive.
STBen1215 reply :
IMO I'd take a look at Phenix, Shimano, Megabass.
rcjoutdoors reply :
On 2/20/2020 at 1:49 PM, MDbassin said:I've read some good reviews on the Abu Fantasia and its caught my eye. I'm a fan of the very open reel seat it has and it looks like a lot of companies are starting to trickle in that kind of reel seat. And its refreshing to see it seemed like rod companies all used the same fuji seat for a while....at least the brands I've always looked at I even tho its marketed as a "exposed blank" reel seat you can only get your pinky on it. The new reel seats I'm starting to see like that fantasia. The arks have it (at least the invoker pro does) you can actually get 2 or even 3 fingers in contact with the blank. And on the spinning side of things the reel seats on the fantasia, the st.croix LTB, etc. Those spinning reel seats I really like how they feel and for how most of us hold spinning reels almost your whole hand is in blank contact which i think even tho sensitivity is ultimately all in the blank material amd construction having more blank contact with your hand just adds to that sensitivity and overall feel of the rod
It's a nice rod, clean looking, crisp, sensitive and the reel seat is comfortable. Tackle Tour has done a few write ups as well as w1r3d2fish..... as you mentioned.
Abu also has great customer service. I asked them about buying a guide for an out of warranty rod, they gave me some options and they offered me 45% off on any new model, so the Fantasista was a no brainer. I fixed the other rod locally for about 10 dollars.
fishwizzard reply :
At $350 the new Poison Adrenas are worth looking at, I have the 611M+ and it’s an amazing rod.
MDbassin reply :
My only problem with megabass is no hook keeper. That's not picky but still. I'd live to get my hands on a Expride butvthey are on backorder all the time and for months at a time. As far as Phenix goes I've never heard anyone talk about them really and I have absolutely no experience or way to get a ahold of one in person
NorthernBasser reply :
On 2/23/2020 at 2:57 AM, MDbassin said:My only problem with megabass is no hook keeper. That's not picky but still. I'd live to get my hands on a Expride butvthey are on backorder all the time and for months at a time. As far as Phenix goes I've never heard anyone talk about them really and I have absolutely no experience or way to get a ahold of one in person
Exprides don't have a hook-keeper either. Ridiculous for these pricey rods.
fishwizzard reply :
I see the no-hook keeper thing as a bonus, I think the Fuji keepers are superior to any factory one and being left handed means most factory ones are on the wrong side for me anyway.
5by3 reply :
I fished Dobyns champion xp line and still own a few of their rods for moving baits that I fish regularly. Made the switch to the ALX Zolo last year and never looked back. They aren’t quite as balanced as a champion, but they are lighter and more sensitive. The build quality and customer service are great too, not to mention they cost less than a champion too.
The Expride also gets excellent reviews. They are on my bucket list to try.
Seems like kistlers get a lot of love too.
Midwest Big Bass reply :
I just picked up 2 Kistler Heliums. They have a promotion running for 35% off if you buy two. Regularly $350 each and I got them for $227.50 each. I’ve gotten a little obsessive with reading up on rods and reels lately and it sounded like the best overall value at that price range. I can give some feedback in a week or so if you are more patient than I am.
NorthernBasser reply :
On 2/23/2020 at 3:31 AM, Midwest Big Bass said:I just picked up 2 Kistler Heliums. They have a promotion running for 35% off if you buy two. Regularly $350 each and I got them for $227.50 each. I’ve gotten a little obsessive with reading up on rods and reels lately and it sounded like the best overall value at that price range. I can give some feedback in a week or so if you are more patient than I am.
I have a Helium I bought last year. Amazing sensitivity. The new ones are made with a different blank so I'm curious how those feel. Hopefully as good or better since they raised the cost of them by $50.
MDbassin reply :
On 2/20/2020 at 10:01 PM, FryDog62 said:I had LTB’s for 15 years. In a Medium or ML they are very good rods. But in MH and Heavy they weigh a lot - most 5-5 1/2 ounces and very tip heavy. Once you pick up one of the other brands listed above and compare side by side, it’s pretty amazing. But then the other brands are 20-30% lighter and better balanced.
I picked up a 7'5 Heavy pitching LTB for a good price and compared it to the closest dobyns I had which was the Champ xp 765 flip and even tho the dobyns balance point is closer to the reel seat the st.croix isnt that much further away. And I weighed both and even thos the St.croix is 1" shorter it weighed in a little over an oz lighter than the dobyns. I just wish they didnt use micro or mid micro guides whatever size they are. My leader knots get stuck everytime
On 2/21/2020 at 1:02 AM, evo2s197 said:Dobyns rods are way overrated for the price range they have them at with what you get performance wise, anyone that thinks the price point is justified compared to other rods in that range are just fooling themselves, the first dobyns rods that came out when they still used Lamiglass blanks were solid but that was years ago.
I wouldnt go that far for the price there are more sensitive rods but the feel and how they fish makes up for it. I just want more sensitivity to me Sensitivity > Balance
On 2/23/2020 at 3:16 AM, 5by3 said:I fished Dobyns champion xp line and still own a few of their rods for moving baits that I fish regularly. Made the switch to the ALX Zolo last year and never looked back. They aren’t quite as balanced as a champion, but they are lighter and more sensitive. The build quality and customer service are great too, not to mention they cost less than a champion too.
The Expride also gets excellent reviews. They are on my bucket list to try.
Seems like kistlers get a lot of love too.
I'm not a fan of the tapers on ALX rods
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