New casting rod and reel shopping

[MattyP]

Hey guys,
I recently started using baitcasters a currently own a couple Berkeley Lightning Rods with Abu Garcia Silver Max's. I like the feel of the Lightning Rods but want something a little stiffer. I like the Silver Max's but notice some slipping, alot of noise. And they just dont seem that well built. I have been looking at Revo's, Currado's and reels like that. For rods ive been looking at Vendetta's, Varitas, and Carrot Stix.

I want to stay under $100 on the rod...and in the $100-$150 range on the reel.

Do you guys have any advice, experience, or any info that would help me with me choice ?

I live near a Gander, Dick's, and a BPS. Im open minded to any brand as long as it's quality.

[Carlos H]

Matt

If I was you, I would look used once you have found what you like. I have a few rods and reels and I do not think I have bought very many new..most are used and get them for better than 1/2 price.

Mike used the berkely rods and they seem to work well for him. What action do you have? You can get different actions to help get your desired feel or to help with what ever you are throwing.

My preference has been Quantum reels and BPS JLM rods. Again, most are bought used as there is NO way I could afford them new!!!

You could open up a can of worms here some people get very passionate over what they like to use......

[herndonpro]

Check the Christmas sales. I got a Abu Veritas last year on on sale plus got a $20 gift card at Gander Mnt. By the time was all said and done a $99 rod cost me $60. I really like the 7 foot MH Veritas. I use it for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, jigs and shallow cranks.

HP

[HalBrown]

SOLD AND ITS TWIN ALSO SOLD.
Matty, if you need a frogging reel I have a Citica 200D in absolutely perfect condition, rarely used and modified to 7:1 with ABEC 7 bearings I have listed on the reels for sale forum. I need $85 delivered to your door. I live in Dumfries. I have the original box and papers in like new condition. Here is a pic of the reel. I clean my own reels, so the bearings are oiled with Yellow Rocket Fuel, gears with SuperLube and the drive shaft bearing and worm gear are lubed with ReelX. brown_hl@comcast.net




Modified by HalBrown at 4:03 PM 12/15/2011

[Crosseye]

Matt,

Just like Carlos said, buy your stuff from the rod and reel forums. You will get like new gear for 1/2 the price of new.

I am the type that prefers to have one type rod and one type reel for all my set-ups. I use Kistler rods and Quantum reels and have no complaints.

Good luck in your search.

[JoshKeller]

at the beginning of the year gander mountain in winchester will close out a ton of their previous year rods. Last year, I bought falcon originals on sale for $59, and then they discounted it another 25%. I think I bought 8 or so.

[MattyP]

Halbrown, if that was a left hand crank i would come pick that up! Im right handed but use only left hand crank for spinning and casting. Im going to fight the black friday crowd and see whats going on at Gander.

[MD Doug]

Hey Matty-

If your interested, I'm getting ready to post 2 new (still in the plastic sleeve)American Rodsmith rods for sale. They are 6'6" MH Limit Sticks. I believe they retail for $100, but I'm going to list them both for $125 shipped, or $100 with local pick up. I won them at a tournament. They are nice rods, just too short for me. Let me know if your interested.









Legend Boats was a sponsor for the tournament and both Rods have the Legend logo on them

[MattyP]

Ended up getting a Revo SX on a 7' MH BPS Carbonlite...feels reel nice in my hands !

[bcjensen]

you will like that rod!

[esfanderson]

Pm sent

[Tom Rollins]

Although I like the round Abu 4600s and older Browning Citori rods, I've been buying made in America. Not cheap, an Ardent reel and a Falcon Lowrider will set you back $300!

[MattyP]

Tom, thats about what i have in The revo and BPS Carbonlite rod. Ive used the rod once and i love it. Has a real good feel to it !

[Tom Rollins]

Yeah , I've got 4 Revos to, nice reels so far. Bought them on sale at Greentop and Cabelas. Two were made in Korea, 2 made in China. I've got a couple of the original lowriders and I'm still using them. Quality product.
Matty keep your eyes open a lot of tackle vendors will soon be putting good stuff on sale!

[thstratos]

You cannot go wrong between the combination of performance, price, and warranty...St Croix.

they may be more like $130, but not too far from your range.

I've been building customs for about 15 years and I'll build want ever a customer wants but ALL of my personal rods for about the past 10 have been St croix


FWIW