Your # 1 rod choice 2024
Z71 reply :
All,
After many years of refraining myself from spending money on a high end rod, I believe I have convinced myself that it is now necessary. Let me explain, I own 20 or more rods of various sorts, all of which cost < $100, some much less, I could never justify the high $ rod in my style of fishing. I'm not a pro and seldom fish tournaments, but..
I have found that over the past several years I catch the majority of my fish on some form of soft plastic, and in the pursuit of larger fish, I now fish deeper water, (points, structure), more than shallow water. This justifies the greater expense of a soft plastics rod with the most sensitivity.
Please tell me the top two rods that you would purchase, the length, stiffness, and the reasons you think its the best. Please be specific on name & model. I'm talking a plastic worm/senko rod. Price not a consideration, unless it's just downright obscene. Also, any custom rod makers that might fit the need, or come to mind.
The reel will be either a curado 100 or mg50 I'm undeciced on that.
Thanks for the advice. I know there are many of you that use top quality equipment, and can help here.
PS My special guest for Christmas dinner? Mr. Baitmonkey himself will be joining! 
Hawgin reply :
Most everyone will get on here and tell you to buy a G Loomis, and if cost really doesn't matter to you (like paying $300 for a Loomis) then you should look at those. However if you are looking for a reasonably priced rod that is just as sensitive and light then I would recommend that you look at a Fenwick Techna AV. For my plastics I use this rod in a 7' foot medium heavy and I have no problems detecting even the most subtle bite. You can pick up one of these rods for around $170 new.
For a second choice I would tell you to look at the Powell lineup of rods, or any of the Kistler rods.
roadwarrior reply :
G.Loomis GLX MBR844C would be my first choice. The same model in the IMX series would be #2.
This is a 7' Heavy Power/ Fast Action rod. I fished the IMX for five years and thought it was the finest baitcasting rod on the planet. The handle came loose and I replaced it through the Xpeditor service, swapped the new replacement rod with BPS and paid the difference. You will be COMPLETELY satisfied with either series, I just wanted the GLX.
Note: Although I consider the MBR844C my #1 baitcasting rod, I fish soft plastics exclusively on a Medium Power/ Fast Action spinning rod. Specifically, St. Croix Legend Elite ES70MF matched with a Shimano Stella 2500FB and #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft.
Munkin reply :
6'6" -7' MH baitcaster on any of the better rods whatever your preference. If you like Kistler look at the graphite series before you get a LTA? I have both and to tell you the truth I like the $100 graphite series rod better than the $230 LTA rod.
Allen
rocknfish9001 reply :
under $100- definatley bass pros bionic blade. I love the thing to death!
Over $100- i would suggest the loomis IMX from what satisfied customers have told me.
vtbassin reply :
I really like the St Croixs I built for myself. ;D If you just want to purchase why not talk with ReelMech and get a rod custom made for whatever technique you choose. ;D If money is no object custom is the way to go.
gatrboy53 reply :
i'll put my g-blanks up against any rod for feel,balance,and performance.made w/ the shikari s-1 blanks which is as good a blank as any made.they may not have all the fancy wrap and shine but at $125.00 are the best rod made for the money.
Lightninrod reply :
My first choice for a reasonable price...
Price no object:
QuoteF4-610XDti Elseil (Regular, 1/4-3/4 oz., 8-20 lbs.)
QuoteDTi is entirely different from both GTi and FTi in the way titanium wires are used. Instead of a parallel application down the length of the blank, the wires are applied in the manner of a double helix (like D.N.A.). The result is a fish scale like mesh pattern, and with super hard Ceramite Metal Shield wrapped to the last guide, it is awe-inspiring to the eyes. The Destroyer Evoluzion Series rods have gained higher tension power (ability to recover/rebound from the force that is applied to it) than the regular Destroyers due to titanium and other metal components devised for the series.
Dan
chs773 reply :
i really like my bass pro extreme rods. they are also reasonably priced. ive read alot about the st. croix avid rods and have held a few in the store. i really like them alot b.c i think they are pretty light weight and heard alot of good about them and they are a little cheaper then g-loomis. im hoping to get one soon
roadwarrior reply :
Lightnirod,
Man, that was a GREAT post!
FishTank reply :
My personall favorite is the GLoomis GLX MBR783C. This has become my general purpose rod. I have yet to find anything that fits so many needs.
If your looking for something just for soft plastic and Senkos, I have been using a G Loomis GLX BCR803. I still need to fish this rod for a whole season to say it is perfect but so far it is the most sensitive rod I have ever experienced.
flechero reply :
For rack rods, I would say Loomis MBR784C or MBR844C or MBR843C in IMX or GLX. (I actually prefer IMX in the 784 because it has slightly stouter tip, but that's just my style... most like the GLX better)
Either of those in GLX or IMX will blow your mind, and blow it big time with a 50MG... talk about a primo worm and light jig set up!! I used the 784 as my dedicated t-rig rod for over 10 years. (tried many others but never found one better.)
I've used some St.Croix blanks that I really like but I can't tell you anything about the factory built rods.
With the G. Loomis warranty and customer service, I would think long and hard before buying a different brand in this price range...
guest reply :
I have two rod preferences St. Croix and G Loomis. They both build outstanding rods, but it's the customer service that sets them apart from other quality rod builders including Kistler and Megabass.
Any problems that arise with a loomis or St. Croix rods with the lifetime warranty will be handled hassle free and minimum out of pocket payment. for example I broke a St. Croix Tournament bass casting rod out of stupidity. They sent me a brand new rod for 20.00
If your the kind of guy who never steps on rods, gets it caught in a car door, snaps the tip freeing snags, or leaves the tip dangling over the edge of the boat. etc. then warranties and company reputations shouldn't matter to you.
I on the other hand..........well lets just say ALL the above apply to my fishing experience.
Sinjin Kim reply :
Personally, I have been using Rogue Rods for the last few years and absolutely love their design philosophy. They are the lightest rods I have ever used, all spined properly (something G. Loomis is horrible at), priced VERY reasonably and in my opinion one of the best USA rod makers on the market today. Bob Loomis designed many of their rods and it is an honor to be sponsored by them.
With a $30 warranty cost (not $50 like other rod manufacturers), I think paying less for a superior rod just makes sense.
cabela10 reply :
QuotePersonally, I have been using Rogue Rods for the last few years and absolutely love their design philosophy. They are the lightest rods I have ever used, all spined properly (something G. Loomis is horrible at), priced VERY reasonably and in my opinion one of the best USA rod makers on the market today. Bob Loomis designed many of their rods and it is an honor to be sponsored by them.With a $30 warranty cost (not $50 like other rod manufacturers), I think paying less for a superior rod just makes sense.
Pimping a sponsors product, how fitting. ;D
Sinjin Kim reply :
QuoteQuotePersonally, I have been using Rogue Rods for the last few years and absolutely love their design philosophy. They are the lightest rods I have ever used, all spined properly (something G. Loomis is horrible at), priced VERY reasonably and in my opinion one of the best USA rod makers on the market today. Bob Loomis designed many of their rods and it is an honor to be sponsored by them.With a $30 warranty cost (not $50 like other rod manufacturers), I think paying less for a superior rod just makes sense.
Pimping a sponsors product, how fitting. ;D
Here we go... lol. I am sponsored by Rogue Rods not via bass fishing, but through my surf fishing knowledge here in Southern California. Surf fishing is a fast growing sport here in Southern California and I am fortunate enough to have gotten sponsored by a product company I believe in.
Raymond of Fishing 25 in Los Angeles is my bass fishing mentor and through him, I hope to transition smoothly into competitive bass fishing. My first love is the salt, but since bass fishing is the most competitive sport (fishing) out there, I have decided to become a student of the sport.
Well, I hope that explains my avatar and look forward to meeting some of you guys on the water. BTW, Rogue ROCKS! lol. Happy holidays.
Munkin reply :
Lightninrod,
Would I have to take out a second mortgage on my house to get one of those?
Allen
Lightninrod reply :
QuoteLightninrod,Would I have to take out a second mortgage on my house to get one of those?
Allen
Welllllllllllllll, not quite .
Dan
Hot n Tot reply :
QuotePersonally, I have been using Rogue Rods for the last few years and absolutely love their design philosophy. They are the lightest rods I have ever used, all spined properly (something G. Loomis is horrible at), priced VERY reasonably and in my opinion one of the best USA rod makers on the market today. Bob Loomis designed many of their rods and it is an honor to be sponsored by them.With a $30 warranty cost (not $50 like other rod manufacturers), I think paying less for a superior rod just makes sense.
I got a Loomis rod IMX MBR782 replaced at just the cost of shipping, I don't remember exactly how much it cost but it was far less than $50! By the way, It was my own fault that I broke it, and I even told them that! A brand new IMX rod arrived in the mail shortly..I think within a week or so, anyway it was certainly sooner than expected. You are misleading people by telling them it cost $50! It may for the expeditor service, like to get a rod the next day...but that's not the warrantly cost, it's expedited next day air service!! Use your Rogue rods, but don't misrepresent other manufacturers warranties.
basspro48 reply :
Anything Kistler, they are by far the best rod I have ever used. I will never buy another brand.
Z71 reply :
Everyone,
Thanks for all the good information. The lifetime warranty makes alot of sense to me, especially when spending alot of money.
The Megabass rods, no pricing or mention of warranty on the website, so I sent off for the info, but WOW, THE PICTURES alone look like they're worth $50! Anyway, thanks again for all the well thought out replies, I'll let you guys know what I end up buying. I plan on trying to put my hands on as many different types as I can before buying.
Z
cabela10 reply :
I just got my second Falcon Cara Reaction rod for xmas today and Falcon has a Lifetime Warranty, plus, even if you abuse the rod, they will replace it for a discount. Which works for me. Aren't the St. Croix Rods 5 year warranties, use to be 3 year.
dink reply :
St. Croix PREMIER has a 5 year warranty. Not sure about the Avids, but the Legend Elites and Legend Tournaments are both lifetime. Speaking of warranties, I had to send a Premier back to St. Croix for fixing. I took it back to my bait shop to see if they could do anything for me. They paid the shipping AND got my rod fixed in about 7 days. I guess this is where "customer loyalty" to a business really pays off. So many people do not realize the amount of preferential treatment one can get by developing a relationship with a local bait shop or company. It really is sort of like being "sponsored". Oh, did I say the "S" word? ;D Seriously though, St. Croix has taken very good care of me and offers a top-notch product and service.
TournyFish001 reply :
can't go wrong with a st. croix/loomis/kistler: all great companies and products take your pick.
5bass reply :
I used All Stars (mainly Titaniums) for many many years until they sold out to Shakespeare.After that I started thinning the AS herd and have been buying Kistler's and G-Blanks.The Kistlers are excellent rods and so are the G-Blanks.....those are the 2 brands I'm using the most now.Both are well built,light as a feather and extremely sensitive.I havent had to use the warranty with either of them yet but I would expect that any warranty claims to be dealt with properly.
Dont tell RW but I do have 3 Shimano rods that I use on a regular basis and they have taken the abuse well.
Crabcakes reply :
These are the rods I would purchase if buying an off the rack rod at various pricing points. Truthfully many companies provides a fine product when you spend this much money. To a certain degree it comes down to personal preference.
At the sub 100 dollar level:
Airrus Co Matrix
Sub 200:
Powell Max (I currently use and like this rod very much at this pricing point)
sub 300:
Airrus Puls-r GL
sub 400:
G-Loomis GLX
400 or more
If you plan to spend this much you shouldn't have to need my advice
Some other advice:
If they're on sale the bps rods are good or if ou need a reel the combos basically give you the rod so always check out what they have.
I don't say this list is the "best" but it's what I would purchase with my money.
ben23 reply :
Airrus:
Best Warranty (15$ no questions asked new rod)
Balanced rods fish better than light rods IMHO
GREAT value
THERE MUST BE A REASON THEY WIN BEST OF SHOW almost every year in Icast!!!
Excellent features/ performance
Ben
cabela10 reply :
QuoteAirrus:Best Warranty (15$ no questions asked new rod)
Balanced rods fish better than light rods IMHO
GREAT value
THERE MUST BE A REASON THEY WIN BEST OF SHOW almost every year in Icast!!!
Excellent features/ performance
Ben
How old of a company is Airrus?
Would a new fishing rod company offer lifetime warranties to get people interested in their rods and then in a couple years, change things.
ben23 reply :
They are a relatively new company, but believe me, Ken (owner) values his customer opinions and realtions more than anything. There is no way he would ever change his policy like. If you call him 702 395 2173, you will understand why soo many people like him. Hes just one cool, freindly guy. he'd be glad to answer any questions/ suggestions you have about the company.
ben
Redlinerobert reply :
I second Roadwarrior. For your application, GLX MBR844C is the best choice. Megabass rods are great, but I hear that their customer service leaves alot to be desired. No disrespect meant here Lightninrod-
lubina reply :
I don't have an overall #1 rod. My preference change with technique, season, boat vs shore or just my mood at the time. This month my favorite is my newest and 1st Kistler Helium LTA 6.6 ML, I can cast a Baby Griffon w/o a flinch, love it
Siebert Outdoors reply :
Loomis BCR854
best rod I have ever used for fishing jigs/worms etc. It is heavy enough for structure and light enough for smaller jigs. Excellent rod
Ky_Lake_Dude reply :
Any all star.
basspro05 reply :
Falcon Expert and Cara Series, by far the best small jig rod in my opinion is their 6' 10" MH or Heavy action pitchin rod, falcon has great rods, I have owned three lowriders for about five years and i still horse in big fish no problem.
nightbasser reply :
Kistler Helium LTA. By far my favorite rods.
Brad_Coovert reply :
If $$$ are not your biggest concern, go custom on the blank of your choice.
Brad
Pa Angler reply :
I like the BPS Johnny Morris rods when on sale an excellent rod for the money and they won't break the bank.
Chow
guest reply :
I too am impressed with Rogue rods. They are excellent.
Kistlers original LTA's used Rogue blanks (may still do ??)
I just got so spoiled by the CS at St. Croix and Loomis, that I couldn't see changing.
I am suprised by the 4 power loomis being the #1 choice for so many. I think the MBR 783 is probably the best all around rod made. When you go to the BCR series it is noticeably stiffer and the 3 power rating is good for most anything except swimbaits and frogs.
BTW, I have no problem with a pro advocating for a sponsor. I would however like to see all sponsor affiliations listed in the sig line.
The_Natural reply :
QuoteI am suprised by the 4 power loomis being the #1 choice for so many. I think the MBR 783 is probably the best all around rod made.
Me too. I love my 844, but as you stated, the 3 power is much more versatile (Loomis's #1 seller), and the reason Tackle Tour uses it as a base for their rod comparisons.
QuoteKistlers original LTA's used Rogue blanks (may still do ??)
The first year of the Kistler LTA, the '04s, were built on Rogue blanks. In '05, they went to Batson, whom makes all their components for them overseas, and then the rods are assembled in Texas. Most Helium users claim the more parabolic action of the Rogue blanks were better, and I think if you were to ask custom rod builders like George Roth if they would rather use a Rogue blank or a Batson; the Rogue would be preferred hands down. Rogue blanks are notoriously great blanks to build custom rods on, and I can't see a reason other than cost as to why Kistler outsourced to Batson. Kistler did start to put flanged guides on the '05s, which is a very basic guide quality that should have been on the '04 Heliums.
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