kschultz76

Agree with a couple others, 3/8 oz to me is not a finesse jig. For 3/8 jigs I’d look at the Kistler Helium 3 MH/XF 7’1”. For consistently fishing 1/4 oz or 3/16 oz finesse jigs I’d suggest the Kistler Helium 3 Light MH/F 7’0”. The St Croix LTB series and Megabass Orochi XX as others have noted are great options in your price range. Agree with @Bluebasser86 on power/taper for St Croix based on jig size.

Legend X are basically a Legend Elite with a split cork grip. If you’ve fished a Legend Elite or a Legend Extreme then the X should handle nearly identically.

You don’t mention what weights you’ll be throwing or to what cover, which for me impacts the decision. I’d be looking at the appropriate power in either: Kistler Helium 3 Loomis GLX MBR Megabass Orochi XX St Croix LTB I own all of them and I like them all, but the Kistler and MB are really tied for my favorites. I love casting with the GLX MBR but it’s reel seat is not as comfortable for pitching as the others. All my MB Orochi are gen 1 models.

Hard to quantify any advantage in absolute terms. Pros of the Zillion for me are a lighter spool with less restrictive braking profile but still well controlled. More versatile in selection of compatible spools across the Daiwa and aftermarket spool lines. And with the Zillion having the free floating spool design I can service and swap out spool bearings without partially tearing the reel down. How that all translates to on the water performance will vary based on many other factors. Price wise and and I believe spool weight wise the Zillion is a closer comparison to the Chronarch MGL. I have a Tat SV as well, and it’s a great performer but I had mine tuned and stick bearings swapped for HH ZRs, so it’s a different animal then stock. My Zillions have ZPI bearings in them.

I’ve got a rack full of first gen Orochi XX, and two 2017 US Destroyers. Knock on wood no issues with breakage on any yet and been very happy with them. Ive no hands on experience with the gen 2 Orochi XX rods yet and seems they handle different them the first gen from what I’ve read. Obvious choice would be the Braillist. My gen 1 Diablo can actully be used to casting and pitching up the 3/8 jigs and trigs, super versatile. Not sure how comparable the new version is though. Good luck on your choice.

The St Croix Avid or Avid X in the 6’8” M/XF is a great choice, I like it in both spinning and casting for Senkos. An LTB or Legend Elite would be even better . Another great senko rod rod in my arsenal is the Kistler Helium 3 Light MH/F, I have a 7’0” and it also comes in a 7’3”. Very versatile and great taper. Id be looking at the Zillion SV TW for Senkos or the Tat SV if budget is tight.

I’ve never used a Zodias so can’t really recommend anything that I know in comparison is better. But in or close to that price range some very good options are the Kistler Helium 3, or the St Croix LTB - on sale these will be close to $200. I’ve heard good things about ALX but have never used one.

I think the Kistler KLX Crank Rip Twitch rods are worth a look, I really like mine, I’d recommend the 7’3” MH version which is a Medium Fast taper. I also have the 6’9” version which is good if you like a little shorter rod but the handle is shorter so not great for deeper baits. These are both likely a stiffer feel then your Loomis, but still versatile enough with the right line to really cover the gamut of moving baits. I also really like my Orochi XX Flatside Special but mine is the first gen, and it’s just as versatile. Last year i also bought a Hammer Rods 7’3” MH ModFast rod out of their regular line up, not the crank specific rod, and is a great cheap and light crank rod, very sensitive. The tip is very supple easily throwing 1/4 oz baits with my Tatula SV. Build fit and finish not the finest and I’ve seen some posts/reviews on quality as well. But if you get a good one it’s a great multipurpose moving bait rod. This rod is the lightest power and most mod action of the ones I’ve listed. My Dad loves the 6’6” Avid MH/Mod Crank rod I got him a couple years ago, full handle, more traditional build, great sensitivity. He personally likes shorter rods but you can get that in a 7’0”. Good luck I’m sure your Dad will love whatever you choose.

Start with function over form upgrades. Have it professionally cleaned and supertuned as a starting point. Then upgrade spool bearings with the HH ZRs, then add bearings under the knobs to replace the plastic bushings, and while having it professionally cleaned add level wind bearings. Not all of those are required upgrades, and some of them will be barely noticeable on their own, but put it all together and the result is a really smooth and high performing reel in my experience with my Tatula SV.

I’ve never used the Airs, only the ZRs. Haven’t noticed any problems with smoothness and the spool runs really fluidly on them on the cast. They’re a bit noisier, but any aftermarket ceramic bearings that’s properly oiled is going to be louder then stock bearings. Especially stock bearings that are over oiled/greased.

Totally agree and exactly my experience, the Tatula SV really comes to life and shines with some HH ZR bearings. The Zillion SV also does well with the ZPIs installed.

For a beginner and for the control it offers I’d go Tatula SV in that price range. Get the bearings flushed and properly lubed, get the reel tuned, add a couple extra knob bearings and it’s a killer reel. Ive not used the Curado K, but it looks like a solid offering and I’m also happy with all the Shimanos in my stable including my Curado Is. The learning curve maybe a bit steeper but you’ll train your thumb faster.

Buzz baits are not very aerodynamic and not the best casting lures. To give you versatility and ease of control when you need it I’d suggest the Tatula SV or find a good deal on a Zillion SV.

Check out the Kistler Helium 3 Light Medium Heavy/Fast spinning rod. Should handle all of that well it’s a really versatile all purpose kind of stick. If you get one of their good sales it’s right around $200. As mentioned above St Croix is always a solid bet and still offers spinning rods like you’re looking for.

You really can’t go wrong with St Croix LTB or the Helium 3. I prefer the Helium 3 bc of its lighter weight, better balance, and unfinished blank. Every LTB I’ve owned has been tip heavy, and for the time period they had the SK reel seats I wouldn’t consider them. Certainly St Croixs customer service and service plans are of value. But it really you should buy one of each and decide for yourself!

Check out the Kistler Helium 3 Light Medium Heavy, comes in a 6’9”. Get it on a sale for close to $200.

That’s a great point! Something like a GLX MBR 843 or 844, Helium 3 MH 4 power, or Orochi XX Diablo Spec R are all really versatile sticks that can be used with plastics and jigs but also throw spinnerbaits, swimjigs, chatterbaits, topwater, small swimbaits, lipless, even some squarebills.

All of them....1 at a time. Seriously first choice would be plastics/jig rod or finesse plastics rod where sensitivity matters most. Id be looking at Kistler Helium3, St Croix LTB, G Loomis GLX or IMX Pro, Megabass Orochi XX, maybe an ALX. But it if you get one on sale I think the Kistler Helium 3 is the best bang for your buck.

No brainer. Fuego CT and don’t look back.

If you prefer graphite cranking rods and want to stay in that $100-130 price range then take a look at the Dobyns Fury 705CB. I’ve no personal experience with it but it’s a mod fast rating, and seems to be a very well reviewed budget friendly versatile cranking stick around here. If if you can catch a sale on one I really like the Kistler KLX CRT series rods which are graphite mod fast cranking sticks that are not noodles and very versatile, come in M and mH in several lengths. I can also suggest the Hammer Rods MH Mod Fast rods(not the crankbait series), I have a 7’3” but they come in other lengths, very supple tip with a smooth transition into back bone. The Hammers fit/finish have gotten some dings in reviews but for what I paid for mine it’s not awful, the epoxy work on the guides is just not as clean as it could be. But the blank is great.

It’s a brand new model of a new generation of the Orochi XX rods. About the only hands on info out there on them is the preview on TackleTour. Will be awhile before anyone has the hands on experience to answer your question unfortunately.

I read a post somewhere else referring to the red Winn grips, but I believe it was not confirmed that would be the production build. Those rods I believe were one of Kistler’s pro staff and it was thought they were possibly custom sticks made for that individual. Its possible theyd go to winn grips, they’ve done it on their less expensive offerings. But I agree if they move away from cork at that price point I wouldnt have much enthusiasm for the rods. Especially if they’re red.

Like DVT said you’re overthinking this. Your 6’10” LTB MLXF is for all intents and purposes the same rod built for the same purpose as the 6’9” MLXF Avid version, but you’re LTB is a better grade of graphite and better guides. The length difference in design likely is a result of the difference in materials used, grip type/length, and balance.

I’m a MB fan but in this case I’d take the Avid X. The Levantes just haven’t been reviewed as well as other MB offering some, or as well as other rods in that price range. I also personally much prefer cork handles to the Eva. I have the Tour Versatile in the Orochi XX series, it’s a heavy powered stick for sure. It can throw a 3/8 oz jig plus trailer but you’re definitely at the edge of its lower weight capability. It just loads better casting heavier lures then that. Your 1/2 jigs will be right in its wheelhouse. All of that said if you really want a Tour Versatile go to The Tackle Trap website or give them a call. They still have the original Orochi XX Tour Versatile for $199 and that’s a steal!

Sorry I just edited my most bc it’s wording wasn’t good. I haven’t fished the spinning rod specifically but I have a baitcasting rod in the KLX CRT series and like quite a bit, it has a great taper. Base did on the blank materials and ratings I’d assume the multi technique spinning would have a good taper. If you like the light medium heavy power they have a Helium 3 spinning rod in that power. I’d also recommend looking at Hammer spinning rods, they have a MH ModFast in a spinning rod. I have a casting rod from them that’s 7’3” MH ModFast that’s a great taper for cranks yet really sensitive. I’ve thrown cranks from 1/4 oz to 3/4oz with it no problem. Only complaint is the epoxy work on the guides is kind of sloppy, but it’s purely cosmetic.