Want to buy one super high end rod - which one should it be? 2025
freelancer27 reply :
Hi all,
I got a little raise at work and decided to buy one high end rod that should be kind of my all around rod with a heavy emphasis on jigz (up to 1oz) and paddle tail swimbaits.
I would pair it with either (SV103 XS, Metanium MGL, Antares DC).
Here are some options that I am thinking of:
* Shimano GL Conquest Cast Rod 7' Heavy 844C MBR
* G. Loomis NRX Casting Rod Blue 7'5" Heavy 894C JWR
* Daiwa Steez Compile-X Cast 7'1" Hvy
* Daiwa Steez SVF AGS Casting Rod 7'1" Heavy
Since i am bankfisherman for the most part, the rod should be as robust as a high end rod can be 
Thanks for your thoughts!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dwight Hottle reply :
The conquest 844C MBR is a very versatile blank. Match it up with either the Met mgl or Ant dc. It will probably balance better with the Ant dc.
burrows reply :
Buy the most expensive most expensive is always better
roadwarrior reply :
The G.Loomis GLX MBR844C might be just what you are looking for.
http://www.gloomis.com/content/g-loomis/us/en/home/conventional/rods1/bass/classic-bass/CLASSIC_MAG_BASS.html
freelancer27 reply :
What I forgot to mention:
I also have a damaged St. Avid X. that I could upgrade to a St. Croix Legend X Series Casting Rod 7'1" Med Hvy
Turkey sandwich reply :
I have a St. Croix Legend Elite jig rod, and so far I'm very, very happy with it. I picked it up at a massive discount exchanging a broken Rage series. The best I can tell, the only big difference between the Elite and Extremes are the grips. If you like the full cork handle (I do for a lot of presentations), the Legend Elite is a great $380-$450 rod.
However...
if you're fishing mostly from the bank, I'd suggest putting some of the money towards a kayak or Jon boat if possible. A high end rod will, in most cases, serve you well wherever you're fishing, but a big part of the appeal comes in sensitivity in deep water/current/feeling changes in bottom composition, and to me, the money would be better spent getting off the shore and onto the water. I'd consider exchanging the Avid X and through the warranty getting an Elite/Extreme/Tournament and putting the rest toward a used kayak.
bigfruits reply :
MB FMJ
bigturtle reply :
Megabass Destroyer X7 F5.1/2-70X7 Diablo Fastmove. 3/8-1.5oz H/MF
rippin-lips reply :
The Megabass X7 extreme mission would be a good choice. The problem is finding one. Nrx rods have been known to not balance all that great. I’ve also heard about build quality not being the best. Just look into the exact rod a bit. The new glx rods are very close to the nrx. The new conquest hasn’t been out long enough to have many reviews. Why not a custom built exactly how you want it?
Yudo1 reply :
Of those choices, I'd go with the nrx 894, but I'd also look into the kistler z bone 5 power.
Angry John reply :
On 11/25/2017 at 3:21 AM, Turkey sandwich said:I have a St. Croix Legend Elite jig rod, and so far I'm very, very happy with it. I picked it up at a massive discount exchanging a broken Rage series. The best I can tell, the only big difference between the Elite and Extremes are the grips. If you like the full cork handle (I do for a lot of presentations), the Legend Elite is a great $380-$450 rod.
However...
if you're fishing mostly from the bank, I'd suggest putting some of the money towards a kayak or Jon boat if possible. A high end rod will, in most cases, serve you well wherever you're fishing, but a big part of the appeal comes in sensitivity in deep water/current/feeling changes in bottom composition, and to me, the money would be better spent getting off the shore and onto the water. I'd consider exchanging the Avid X and through the warranty getting an Elite/Extreme/Tournament and putting the rest toward a used kayak.
I would grab the legend c74hf. This rod has monster power and fishes heavy jis and swaiver 168's great. The 76mhf is a rod I would like to try out if you need a longer stick.
Jason Penn reply :
Congrats on the raise!!!
Of your choices, I've only owned the comp-x. Lots of folks seem to think they're not really that sensitive, but I never had a problem. It's been a few years since I've had it, and I believe cheaper rods have improved a lot. I'm not sure I would make the call for the steez rods nowadays.
i would probably go with the Megabass Destroyer if I was looking at a high end rod now. I've read a lot of positive reviews on them, and they are cheaper than the Daiwa.
Loomis, I haven't used in 10-15 years, so nothing current do I know about, but it's still Loomis.
Drunkentigerrr reply :
Conquest
freelancer27 reply :
I have the 2017 Helium 3 Heavy 7' 0" X-Fast Fishing Rod on order. ( I am going to do Kayak Fishing next year, hence a shorter rod). My first Kistler. With the 30% off it is just too good of a deal to pass on. I think I will use the rod and see how I feel about it. If I still crave for more, I will buy a high end rod then.
Thanks all for your comments. Again, learned something!
DaveT63 reply :
I would wait until Cyber Monday starts at St Croix. They sent out an email hinting that the previous generation Legend Elites would be on sale. They usually sell them for between 70 and 50 percent off. I would put them in the same league as a Loomis GLX, but cheaper given the sale.
Yudo1 reply :
On 11/25/2017 at 11:38 AM, freelancer27 said:I have the 2017 Helium 3 Heavy 7' 0" X-Fast Fishing Rod on order. ( I am going to do Kayak Fishing next year, hence a shorter rod). My first Kistler. With the 30% off it is just too good of a deal to pass on. I think I will use the rod and see how I feel about it. If I still crave for more, I will buy a high end rod then.
Thanks all for your comments. Again, learned something!
You're going to love that rod.
Sam reply :
G. Loomis or Steetz.
Price them out and decide which ones you like the best.
kickerfish1 reply :
The Helium 3s are very nice rods especially on sale. IMO hard to beat for the money.
The terms high end and Helium 3 are likely not going to mix well. Meaning a Zbone would be Kistler's high end rod if that is the brand you are most interested in.
High end rods for me would be GLX, NRX, Megabass Destroyer and above, customs built on high end blanks, Phoenix K2s, high end Croixs (I would never own one though), and other JDM rods like Evergreen or Gancraft.
I would not even consider a Conquest rod as I just don't see them being worth the money nor can you seem to find any consistent feedback that clearly indicates the rod is above the NRX line.
Just under the high end rods there are lots of options like the Dobyns Champion Extremes, MB Orochi XX, Kistler H3, various Croix rods, Phenix Ultra MBX, Loomis IMX, some custom builds, and some JDM rods like Majorcraft.
I can see the performance difference between the two tiers in most cases. The key is that NO one needs the top tier to be successful or to catch fish. Plenty can be caught in that $250 - $350 tier and have all the performance and attributes a person could ever want out of a rod. Climb down into the $150 - $250 range and still plenty of great rods and choices. A step further down into the budget rods around $100 or so and you will find plenty of fishable options too.
There is not any one best rod, brand, price point or blank out there. Pick the rod manufacturer, blank, rod line, rod model, etc... that best fits your personal preferences and fish it!
Raul reply :
For ages I wanted a Megabass F5-66X Bearing Down but I was never able to get one, nowadays I don’t give a rat’s rear end.
fishindad reply :
Spend the money to upgrade to the Legend Extreme (or Elite) MHF. I spent much of my youth fishing from shore and can tell you that transporting and fishing a one-piece rod that's over 7 foot is asking for trouble. Unless it's an Ugly Stik. No way I'd be taking an NRX 7'5" rod in and out of the vehicle and hiking through the brush.
Would also agree with TS, save money towards getting off the shore, whether kayak, float tube, jon boat, etc.
freelancer27 reply :
Yep, thanks again guys.
Hobie purchase is planned for early 2018. Hence the reason to get the 7 foot rod rather than the 7'3.
As it has been said before, super sensitive rods shine when fishing deeper water, which is not always possible from the shore. So, I will revaluate next year to see if I have to upgrade my choice.
Thanks again!
iabass8 reply :
Go custom
kschultz76 reply :
Helium 3 at the current sale prices is a lot of rod for a great price. You won’t find it lacking for sensitivity or other performance factors. That’s a better investment then buying some of the enthusiast higher end rods until you dial in what’s you really want in a rod. Investing in the kayak will do a lot more to open up your fish catching potential then a more expensive rod will.
I have ave some nice high end rods, they’re beautiful. Some of them I love and will get a lot of use out of. Others I occasionally regret because they just won’t get used enough and I should have learned more about the rod and my needs before diving in.
Enjoy the new outfit!
freelancer27 reply :
On 11/26/2017 at 1:29 AM, kschultz76 said:Helium 3 at the current sale prices is a lot of rod for a great price. You won’t find it lacking for sensitivity or other performance factors. That’s a better investment then buying some of the enthusiast higher end rods until you dial in what’s you really want in a rod. Investing in the kayak will do a lot more to open up your fish catching potential then a more expensive rod will.
I have ave some nice high end rods, they’re beautiful. Some of them I love and will get a lot of use out of. Others I occasionally regret because they just won’t get used enough and I should have learned more about the rod and my needs before diving in.
Enjoy the new outfit!
So, which ones you love and why?
LOZSteve reply :
When you step up in price range there are many great options. It really depends on what you are looking for general purpose or technique specific. If you are set for your emphasis on heavier jigs and paddle tails then the 894c NRX is going to be hard to beat. Several great options with MB Orochi rods or higher lines from them. Tactical basin just did a high end guide on utube with some good suggestions on it. I would just make sure you know what you are looking for in the rod (general purpose vs. technique specific) and research your buying options. At these price points you should never pay full price.
kschultz76 reply :
On 11/26/2017 at 1:33 AM, freelancer27 said:So, which ones you love and why?
In the higher end bracket I have a MB 2017 USDM Destroyer FMJ and Addermine, a 2016 version Loomis GLX 844 MBR, and a St Croix Legend Xtreme 6’8” MXF spinning rod (previous gen with cork grips).
I have ave a bunch of MB Orochi XX rods, a couple Helium 3s, a St Croix LTB, a St Croix Avid, and a KLX.
Currently my favorite stick that just love is the Addermine, it’s truly a functional work of art to me, and the taper and power are fantastic. I’ve not fished it nearly enough but I know it’s going to be a very versatile rod with the “it” factor. Despite wanting to be better with some other techniques I catch a lot of my fish on finesse and this rod is perfect for it and even handles larger soft plastics like 5” Senkos.
The FMJ is again a work of art, but I’ve had limited time to fish, and may never fish enough heavy cover jigs to do it justice. This is one purchase I question bc I jumped into it wanting it with knowing if I needed it. Hoping next year I’ll have more opportunity to make myself fish with it and get comfortable with it.
The GLX 844 MBR is a recent purchase that I want more time with, but already with the small amount of time I had on the water I think it’s going to be a favorite. The taper is really easy to cast and pitch with, and the taper handles various weights really well. Balance and weight are fantastic and I’m an a huge of the reel seat and full cork grip. I see an 843 MBR in my future.
I like all all my Orochis quite a lot, the only one I don’t love is the Tour Versatile. It’s heavier and less balanced then the others and find it’s taper and power a bit awkward to cast with for some reason. I love the full cork grips on these rods and the quality of construction.
My two Helium’s are fantastic. Super lightweight balanced and clean simple builds. I think they are two of my best casting rods, the blanks and tapers are just really supple. They’re right up there with my Diablo spec R and GLX for casting ease and accuracy.
I’ve sold off a couple St Croixs that just weren’t right for me, and have one more LTB that will get moved on. I’ve also sold off a Dobyns I didn’t care for.
What I’ve learned is not to splurge on the highest end rods unless I know exactly what I want that rod for and am confident it’s going to be what I wanted. I think for me the sweet spot of performance and value is in the $200-300 range. I’ve realized investment in versatile rods is better for me and gives me more flexibility. I also like trying different brands and seeing what they have to offer, early on I spent a lot on one manufacturer bc they were good deals, and I’ve found lots of other rods I like better then those I’ve moved on. At this point this is a hobby and passion that is far more about what I want then what I need.
TnRiver46 reply :
The highest end rod I have is $20. I usually go with the $12.99 ones though.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/26/2017 at 2:33 AM, TnRiver46 said:The highest end rod I have is $20. I usually go with the $12.99 ones though.
I find it difficult to find these quality rods locally. Where Online should I go for these value sticks? 
kickerfish1 reply :
On 11/26/2017 at 3:21 AM, new2BC4bass said:I find it difficult to find these quality rods locally. Where Online should I go for these value sticks?
Maybe he is talking about mozzarella "sticks". You can get 4 or so for under $10. Spiral wrapped, if you pull it apart and the cheese wraps around itself!
TnRiver46 reply :
On 11/26/2017 at 3:21 AM, new2BC4bass said:I find it difficult to find these quality rods locally. Where Online should I go for these value sticks?
You can use a willow branch with a few micro guides, thread and epoxy. Seriously though I get mine at academy sports, shimano makes the ones they have now. They have different ones every year, daiwa used to have good ones called "crossfire" for $20
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/26/2017 at 4:49 AM, TnRiver46 said:You can use a willow branch with a few micro guides, thread and epoxy. Seriously though I get mine at academy sports, shimano makes the ones they have now. They have different ones every year, daiwa used to have good ones called "crossfire" for $20
Funny you should mention the Daiwa Crossfire as I was doing some research last night and came across a blog about "cheap" rods. The blogger was surprised at how well the Crossfire fished. He wound up buying a second one as he felt it was a much better rod than the first cheap rod he had tried at twice that price. Not to say I would actually buy one...or try that willow branch either. Kind of outgrew those.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 11/26/2017 at 5:19 AM, new2BC4bass said:Funny you should mention the Daiwa Crossfire as I was doing some research last night and came across a blog about "cheap" rods. The blogger was surprised at how well the Crossfire fished. He wound up buying a second one as he felt it was a much better rod than the first cheap rod he had tried at twice that price. Not to say I would actually buy one...or try that willow branch either. Kind of outgrew those.
I have 3 crossfires, one of them I got for $2.99 at academy. The only downside is the hook-keeper, whoever invented those things should be publicly flogged. I have to bend them down on every single rod they make nowadays and sometimes it's not that easy. Filing them down seems to work best
Angry John reply :
On 11/26/2017 at 9:10 AM, TnRiver46 said:I have 3 crossfires, one of them I got for $2.99 at academy. The only downside is the hook-keeper, whoever invented those things should be publicly flogged. I have to bend them down on every single rod they make nowadays and sometimes it's not that easy. Filing them down seems to work best
Real rods dont come with hook keepers
hawgenvy reply :
On 11/25/2017 at 3:53 AM, bigfruits said:MB FMJ
Good suggestion for a high end jig rod. Would love to have that stick someday. BTW, nice tardigrade photo.
basseditor reply :
If Kistler is in the mix, you could go all out with the custom Zbone. Add a balancing kit. I have a couple of custom ZBones with select components. But there’s no discount on those.
Rodney Smith reply :
Shimano GL Conquest Cast Rod 7' Heavy 844C MBR
.ghoti. reply :
Contact Mike at Delaware Valley Tackle, and tell him EXACTLY what you want. He can build it for you.
BassWhole! reply :
On 11/26/2017 at 1:27 AM, iabass8 said:Go custom
This ^. Just like suits. Nothing wrong with an Armani, Hugo Boss, or Brooks Brothers, but when you get some really nice fabric (about 2 yards in my case) in the hands of a taylor that knows what they are doing, its magical.
Chance_Taker4 reply :
I have not personally used any on your list. The closest I came was a GLX. However my favorite rod to use is the Kistler Z-Bone. You could use either the MH or Hvy. I love that rod and it is made with real NFC blanks and great components.
On 11/26/2017 at 5:12 PM, basseditor said:If Kistler is in the mix, you could go all out with the custom Zbone. Add a balancing kit. I have a couple of custom ZBones with select components. But there’s no discount on those.
This ^^^^
Choporoz reply :
Unsure whether you've fished from a kayak before....but if not, consider that many on here, including me, prefer shorter handles when yak fishing. That may not be a 'quality' that was on your list of considerations before.
evilcatfish reply :
On 11/26/2017 at 2:32 AM, kschultz76 said:
In the higher end bracket I have a MB 2017 USDM Destroyer FMJ and Addermine, a 2016 version Loomis GLX 844 MBR, and a St Croix Legend Xtreme 6’8” MXF spinning rod (previous gen with cork grips).
I have ave a bunch of MB Orochi XX rods, a couple Helium 3s, a St Croix LTB, a St Croix Avid, and a KLX.
Currently my favorite stick that just love is the Addermine, it’s truly a functional work of art to me, and the taper and power are fantastic. I’ve not fished it nearly enough but I know it’s going to be a very versatile rod with the “it” factor. Despite wanting to be better with some other techniques I catch a lot of my fish on finesse and this rod is perfect for it and even handles larger soft plastics like 5” Senkos.
The FMJ is again a work of art, but I’ve had limited time to fish, and may never fish enough heavy cover jigs to do it justice. This is one purchase I question bc I jumped into it wanting it with knowing if I needed it. Hoping next year I’ll have more opportunity to make myself fish with it and get comfortable with it.
The GLX 844 MBR is a recent purchase that I want more time with, but already with the small amount of time I had on the water I think it’s going to be a favorite. The taper is really easy to cast and pitch with, and the taper handles various weights really well. Balance and weight are fantastic and I’m an a huge of the reel seat and full cork grip. I see an 843 MBR in my future.
I like all all my Orochis quite a lot, the only one I don’t love is the Tour Versatile. It’s heavier and less balanced then the others and find it’s taper and power a bit awkward to cast with for some reason. I love the full cork grips on these rods and the quality of construction.
My two Helium’s are fantastic. Super lightweight balanced and clean simple builds. I think they are two of my best casting rods, the blanks and tapers are just really supple. They’re right up there with my Diablo spec R and GLX for casting ease and accuracy.
I’ve sold off a couple St Croixs that just weren’t right for me, and have one more LTB that will get moved on. I’ve also sold off a Dobyns I didn’t care for.
What I’ve learned is not to splurge on the highest end rods unless I know exactly what I want that rod for and am confident it’s going to be what I wanted. I think for me the sweet spot of performance and value is in the $200-300 range. I’ve realized investment in versatile rods is better for me and gives me more flexibility. I also like trying different brands and seeing what they have to offer, early on I spent a lot on one manufacturer bc they were good deals, and I’ve found lots of other rods I like better then those I’ve moved on. At this point this is a hobby and passion that is far more about what I want then what I need.
I think you'll really like the FMJ once you give it a little more time. I'd bought mine primarily for jigs and plastics but quickly found out how versatile it is. Frogs, swimbaits, horny toads, chatterbaits, and bigger topwaters are all well within it's capabilities. As a guy who often fishes from smaller craft and can't bring out a dozen setups, a versatile rod is important
BassWhole! reply :
On 12/6/2017 at 10:24 PM, Choporoz said:Unsure whether you've fished from a kayak before....but if not, consider that many on here, including me, prefer shorter handles when yak fishing. That may not be a 'quality' that was on your list of considerations before.
Not to mention that watching the diamond encrusted gold leafed NRX heading to the bottom of the lake while fishing from a pointy wading pool isn't for the faint of heart...
WRB reply :
On 11/26/2017 at 1:27 AM, iabass8 said:Go custom
^^^this^^^
Contact site sponsor DVT who can make the exact rod you want from any blank availble with state of the art components.
Tom
18RangerZ520L reply :
Conquest...
904C or 905C
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