I picked up a Pflueger President XT 9525 last fall for trout fishing, I've fallen in love. My only experience with them was an old Trion a friend used..and still does occasionally. My master plan was to buy a Fenwick 6'6-7ft medium-medium light rod so it would be more appropriate for bass, mostly plastics and lighter lures. It's currently on a UL 5'6, too light IMO for anything but trout. Upon searching for a deal on a new rod I came across a combo deal for the President XT 9530/Fenwick HMG for about $115. The reel retails for $79, and the rod for $99. Was about to click the 'purchase' button when I spied another combo. Pflueger Patriarch 9530/Fenwick Aetos for $246. Retail on rod and reel is both $199 each.
Now I have experience with both rod and reel on the lesser priced combo and love the performance of each. My question to you all is how much of a step up is the Patriarch, and more importantly the Aetos from the HMG. I loved my old HMG, it was ahead of it's time when it was new. I don't mind spending the extra cash on such a great deal but want to know for sure I'm getting a significant improvement. I'm going to see if my local BPS has a Patriarch and Aetos that I can put in my hands before buying, but lately they have not been stocking up on the higher end reels.
Part of me wants to just buy 2 of the lesser combos and leave one in my FL house, another part wants me to buy the higher end one. Help me because the bait monkey has me this time.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
