What are some good Rods in the $180-$220 Range 2024
matbellon3 reply :
Looking to upgrade some of my lower end rods for the upcoming season. Will be buying two rods within this price range. I'd like to get one for 3/8 oz-1/2 oz jigs. and the other for spinner baits. Have been looking at the G. Loomis E6X and the Ritual Angling rods. Just wondering what else is there. The jig rod will be paired with a Shimano Curado I and a Scorpion DC for the spinnerbaits.
bayvalle reply :
Loomis is an excellent rod builder but the E6X has not been receiving good reviews. ALX, St Croix, and Dobyns are getting good reviews in that price range. St Croix has stiffer tip than Dobyns giving it an advantage in sensitivity for lighter rods. Dobyns is better balanced and is the best bang for the buck IMHO. I don't own an ALX but I checked them out at the show and talked to the reps. They are built in the US and appear to be high quality. There are many good rod companies today you need to check them out for yourself to determine what you like.
Stephen B reply :
I'd look at the St Croix Avid X, Shimano Zodias, Daiwa Tatula Elite, Megabass Levante (when released). Those are the best rods around that price range IMO.
Ultimately, buy what you like and feel comfortable with. No ones opinion is more valuable than your own personal preferences.
mcipinkie reply :
Almost every rod you buy in that price range will be a good rod, but maybe not good for you. Once you get out of the cheap rods, it's really a matter of what suits you and the way you fish.
The Loomis guys will say their's are the best. St. Croix, Dobyns users the same. All fine rods, but so are dozen other brands. Pick 'em up and try 'em.
If you haven't squandered a thousand or so trying rods, you really ain't playing the game.
matbellon3 reply :
On 2/15/2019 at 11:12 AM, bayvalle said:Loomis is an excellent rod builder but the E6X has not been receiving good reviews. ALX, St Croix, and Dobyns are getting good reviews in that price range. St Croix has stiffer tip than Dobyns giving it an advantage in sensitivity for lighter rods. Dobyns is better balanced and is the best bang for the buck IMHO. I don't own an ALX but I checked them out at the show and talked to the reps. They are built in the US and appear to be high quality. There are many good rod companies today you need to check them out for yourself to determine what you like.
I have read both good and bad reviews on the E6X I was considering only because it felt good in the hand. I will have to look at the ALX rods. Thanks for the advice.
SMITTY0045 reply :
I like the E6X for the price personally, it’s made a great T Rig rod for me. I’ve worked with the Avid X too and the sensitivity is definitely there with that rod too. Like others have said, it really comes down to preference at the end of the day. If you can get some of the rods in this price range in your hands, it’ll be a lot easier to decide.
I would definitely check out the new Tatula line up too. I have the original series (first gen) and it’s easily one of the most sensitive rods I own.
Ppennin986 reply :
I like my Denali rods
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
Based on handling it in the store, the E6X is not worth it. I have used the Dobyns sierra at $180, and like it a lot. Others will recommend Zodias, Avid X, Tatula elite.
GReb reply :
Kistler and falcon
waymont reply :
On 2/15/2019 at 11:37 AM, SMITTY0045 said:I like the E6X for the price personally, it’s made a great T Rig rod for me. I’ve worked with the Avid X too and the sensitivity is definitely there with that rod too. Like others have said, it really comes down to preference at the end of the day. If you can get some of the rods in this price range in your hands, it’ll be a lot easier to decide.
I would definitely check out the new Tatula line up too. I have the original series (first gen) and it’s easily one of the most sensitive rods I own.
Also check out the new Tatula rod with the cork handle. I have two spinning rods in that line and they excellent.
I bought them over the Elite versions. I liked the handle better and they are really well put together.
Some of the most well balanced rods I've felt.
rangerjockey reply :
The Denali Lithium 883 would do both depending on how you fish a spinnerbait.
If you like a shorter rod for the blade there is a shorter spinnerbait specific rod in the line as well.
Also the Witch Doctor Surman 50G is a outstanding spinnerbait and moving bait rod in that price range.
basseditor reply :
Kistler is launching (relaunching) the Argon series. Retail will be about $200 but watch for their occasional sales.
Go to their website and sign up for email list. You’ll get sales offers from them.
I sold my old Argons to buy their Feel N Reel rods, now I regret that. Argon is a nice rod in the price range. I think you’ll see the rods on the website in early March.
dodgeguy reply :
On 2/15/2019 at 10:55 AM, matbellon3 said:Looking to upgrade some of my lower end rods for the upcoming season. Will be buying two rods within this price range. I'd like to get one for 3/8 oz-1/2 oz jigs. and the other for spinner baits. Have been looking at the G. Loomis E6X and the Ritual Angling rods. Just wondering what else is there. The jig rod will be paired with a Shimano Curado I and a Scorpion DC for the spinnerbaits.
Johnny Morris Patriot series. Best bang for $200 out there.
On 2/15/2019 at 7:59 PM, dodgeguy said:
Johnny Morris Patriot series. Best bang for $200 out there.
Show me another rod in this range with Fuji sic guides. You can't.They are also extremely light and well balanced and sensitive.
Topwaterdude reply :
Dobyns champion series hard to beat for $200
5by3 reply :
Dobyns champion line is really nice but a bit above your price range at about $230-250.
Have seen lots of outstanding reviews on ALX rods but have not tried one myself.
shimano zodias gets mentioned a lot too
LonnieP reply :
Kistler helium 3 is on sale now 21 percent off .Should be at the top of your price range. I have that and a Loomis e6x. The kistler is way better than the e6x. Night and day difference.
evilcatfish reply :
If you wait for a sale the Dobyns Champ and other rods a little above your price range become attainable. Wouldn't be surprised if there are some sales this weekend for Presidents' Day
Chunk_Chaser reply :
I have a handful of the E6X rods and they have been excellent for me. No complaints.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 2/15/2019 at 10:07 PM, LonnieP said:Kistler helium 3 is on sale now 21 percent off .Should be at the top of your price range. I have that and a Loomis e6x. The kistler is way better than the e6x. Night and day difference.
X2 saved me from typing the same thing
WRB reply :
When you buy price range you stated for bass rods there are several options and what sets mfr's apart is their customer service. Can't go wrong with ALX, Dobyns and St Croix, all have good CS. To test out customer service call each company and ask them your questions.
Tom
PS, my ALX custom rods are similar to Enox Cyclone series.
matbellon3 reply :
Just got the Loomis E6X 854 JWR and the 812 SBR both for $140 at a local retailer. Thank you everybody for your input and advice.
Chunk_Chaser reply :
On 2/16/2019 at 5:52 AM, matbellon3 said:Just got the Loomis E6X 854 JWR and the 812 SBR both for $140 at a local retailer. Thank you everybody for your input and advice.
Sweet deal! Nice!
mcipinkie reply :
What did I tell you? Every one is telling you what THEY like, or who sponsors them. You've got to do your own homework and find what YOU like.
I wouldn't even start to recommend you throw my rods.
If you have that kind of money to buy rods, you are going to get a pretty darn good rod, no matter what brand you buy.
I am quite secure financially, probably a lot better off than that. I don't buy $200 rods, and I can afford them.
jbrew73 reply :
Falcon Cara Head Turner and/or Lizard Dragger would be my choice.
FryDog62 reply :
ALX Zolo
Kistler Helium 3 (when on sale)
Daiwa Tatula
jbsoonerfan reply :
On 2/16/2019 at 4:00 AM, WRB said:When you buy price range you stated for bass rods there are several options and what sets mfr's apart is their customer service. Can't go wrong with ALX, Dobyns and St Croix, all have good CS. To test out customer service call each company and ask them your questions.
Tom
PS, my ALX custom rods are similar to Enox Cyclone series.
I hope I'm am not the only one that read that differently than you meant for it to be. I'm still laughing.
Derek1 reply :
On 2/16/2019 at 7:55 AM, jbsoonerfan said:I hope I'm am not the only one that read that differently than you meant for it to be. I'm still laughing.
I read it the same way you did to myself and had to stop and go back and reread. Lol
WRB reply :
To me mfr's means manufacturer's and CS means Customer Service.
Tom
CrankFate reply :
On 2/16/2019 at 6:16 AM, mcipinkie said:What did I tell you? Every one is telling you what THEY like, or who sponsors them. You've got to do your own homework and find what YOU like.
I wouldn't even start to recommend you throw my rods.
If you have that kind of money to buy rods, you are going to get a pretty darn good rod, no matter what brand you buy.
I am quite secure financially, probably a lot better off than that. I don't buy $200 rods, and I can afford them.
Me too, most of the time. The only added benefit once you go over $200 is the rods get lighter and usually stiffer. I prefer softer rods because of how I fish. Guys who like “solid hooksets” and “lots of backbone” usually prefer more expensive rods, because they’re light and rigid. For me, I lose hooksets with that, because I swing the rod hard and fast.
Once you’re up at this price, only a few rods are not good, most will be very good or excellent. Try them out in person, unless you’re ok blowing $200 on something you might not like. I fish a lot, if I get a rod that doesn’t match what I intended it for, it will work for something else. If that’s not the case for you, go to a big store and bend and bounce all the rods til you find what you like. I got a Kistler magnesium custom recently for over $200, and all I’ll say is it was definitely worth it, even though I haven’t used it yet. I rarely feel that way about anything over $175.
FishTank reply :
For me in that price range, I would go with the St. Croix Avid.
Boomstick reply :
The only rod I have in that price range is my St. Croix Avid X 6'9 ML/XF spinning rod I use for ned rigs and drop shots. But I have handled a few rods in that price range, and I don't think I can say that any of them felt like bad rods.
If you can get your hands on some of them, buy the rod that feels like it has the proper action and tip for the uses you need. In my couple years of really fishing, I have learned what to look for for each presentation, and also what to expect from several rod manufacturers. For example, I use a 6'10" Daiwa Tatula MH/F rod for soft plastics, jigs, frogs, etc. and I got my oldest son a Dobyns Sierra 704C for his birthday which is good for the same techniques as well, but I prefer it for throwing 1/2oz jigs with large trailers or 3/4oz jigs because it has more tip, but may be less sensitive when fishing soft plastics to finicky fish -- although I will say he's never had an issue feeling weak bites. Neither rod is necessarily better than the other, they're just better for different things.
AnotherSenkoQuestion reply :
Phenix Feather, super lightweight and plenty sensitive rod. Their 73XH weighs only 3.8 oz. Lightest flipping stick/frog rod I've come across. Only grip, get a power above the rod rating. Meaning go H for M-H like power.
WRB reply :
On 2/18/2019 at 2:11 AM, AnotherSenkoQuestion said:Phenix Feather, super lightweight and plenty sensitive rod. Their 73XH weighs only 3.8 oz. Lightest flipping stick/frog rod I've come across. Only grip, get a power above the rod rating. Meaning go H for M-H like power.
3.8 oz is near average rod weight with today's light weight rods. My 6 year old custom ALX Jig & Worm 5 & 6 power rods with a fore grip weigh 3.8 oz for reference.
Tom
blckshirt98 reply :
Phenix all day long in that price range - M1/Feather/Recon Elite - take your pick.
dave reply :
On 2/15/2019 at 10:07 PM, LonnieP said:Kistler helium 3 is on sale now 21 percent off .Should be at the top of your price range. I have that and a Loomis e6x. The kistler is way better than the e6x. Night and day difference.
I bought one last month when they were 21% off. I believe that sale is done. I'd buy another if it was still 21% off.
DogBone_384 reply :
On 2/15/2019 at 11:17 AM, mcipinkie said:Almost every rod you buy in that price range will be a good rod
If possible, handle as many brands in the price point you're looking for. To me, the feel is the subjective element of a rod purchase that makes fishing more enjoyable. After all, you have the rod in your hands the whole time you're fishing.
I own Abu, Kistler, Loomis, and St. Croix in the range you're looking at. I like Abu's Villain ML/XF for drop shot, my St. Croix for treble hooks, and Kistler's M/F Magnesium2 for soft baits and their MH/MF for jigs and deep cranks.
If it helps, Kistler is celebrating their 21st birthday with a 21% off sale now, and their rods are made here in the US.
Best of luck picking out your new rods.
LonnieP reply :
On 2/18/2019 at 6:04 AM, dave said:I bought one last month when they were 21% off. I believe that sale is done. I'd buy another if it was still 21% off.
The 21 % off sale is still going on. Got an email Wednesday and also just checked the website to confirm it.
dave reply :
On 2/15/2019 at 10:07 PM, LonnieP said:Kistler helium 3 is on sale now 21 percent off .Should be at the top of your price range. I have that and a Loomis e6x. The kistler is way better than the e6x. Night and day difference.
Uh oh, good bye money...
dave reply :
On 2/18/2019 at 6:04 AM, dave said:I bought one last month when they were 21% off. I believe that sale is done. I'd buy another if it was still 21% off.
Lonnie is right, still going. You'll see the discount at check out.
new2BC4bass reply :
It is nice that people keep offering advice, but the OP bought his rods Friday. Still............I appreciate reading the new posts anyway. 
Just reminds me of all the different rods I'd like to try.
ResoKP reply :
On 2/15/2019 at 11:16 AM, Stephen B said:I'd look at the St Croix Avid X, Shimano Zodias, Daiwa Tatula Elite, Megabass Levante (when released). Those are the best rods around that price range IMO.
Ultimately, buy what you like and feel comfortable with. No ones opinion is more valuable than your own personal preferences.
This x1000
dave reply :
On 2/18/2019 at 9:05 AM, dave said:Uh oh, good bye money...
Yes, another $211 bites the dust. (21% off and deducting my points) Helium 3 number 3.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 2/27/2019 at 10:01 AM, dave said:Yes, another $211 bites the dust. (21% off and deducting my points) Helium 3 number 3.
i am seeing $300 for the helium before the discount. How did you get down to $211?
Deeare reply :
How would guys compare the helium vs the klx in terms of sensitivity? Is the helium worth spending the extra $40?
And do they fish to their power rating?
dave reply :
On 2/27/2019 at 11:11 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:i am seeing $300 for the helium before the discount. How did you get down to $211?
21% off. When you buy directly from Kistler, you gets points. You are able to buy Kistler stuff or apply to larger purchases.
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