Lost In The Pile Of Rods

[kowz76]

I've only really gotten serious about fishing this past season and I'd really like to pick up another setup for next year. Previously I'd fished a lot of cranks and jerkbaits and such, and I've been getting more into soft plastics and weighted T-rigs. Right now I have a shimano compre M/MF rod, a citica 200G and a revo SX, so clearly I need a new rod to slap one of those reels on.

So I'm looking for a rod that will be good for throwing soft plastics, but with all the selection out there I'm really pretty lost. Really I'm just looking for some suggestions in the $100-$150 range. I like my current shimano rod, but is the veritas better? Would it be worth it to shell out for a GL2? Or are they all pretty similar and I just need to go somewhere to get my hands on them?

Any help would be very...um...helpful. Thanks

[rockchalk06]

I can't comment on any Shimano rods other than the Sellius rods but I have 4 different Veritas rods and will probably never by another style of rod in my life.

I like nothing shorter than 7'. If your talking weightless or light weighted plastics, I would go with a 7' medium. I have the 7' M/F micro guide that I use for top water and 1/4 oz or less weighted plastics mainly pitching tubes and creature baits.

[moguy1973]

The Abu Veritas rods are on sale on WalMarts website for about $76 after tax and free shipping. Normally $99 before tax.

I just got one and while I haven't used it yet it feels great paired with my 3rd gen Revo S.

[kickerfish1]

Don't get the gl2. Loomis rods really only become justifiable once you get to the imx line and above in my opinion. For around that price point $150-$170 take a look at the dobyns savy series, the Powell endurance series, and phenix recon rods. I have all 3 and at that price point the recon is my favorite and in my hands feels the most sensitive. I would suggested the 714 or 744 for all around use but if you are wanting to use heavier weights and have some pretty thick cover you may opt for the 715. If you do some digging online you may be able to locate a shimano cumara marked down to $180 give or take. Also the St. Croix avid rods can be had for under $200. These would be better choices than a gl2 in my opinion and can be had for under $200 for the most part.

Lots of good choices that will give you lifetime warranties once you jump up to $150+ rods. If you are leaning toward staying closer to the $100 price point the veritas is one of the best options out there.

[ClackerBuzz]

x2 on powell endurance and dobyns micro. very nice rods. i also like st croix. i just scored a legend xtreme on ebay for $140 (regularly $330). i just got a fenwick tech smallmouth for spinning/finesse and LOVE it. they have casting rods too for $129 w/ lifetime warranty. Cabelas and GanderMT carry them if you want to hold one in ur hand.

if you don't need it till next season take ur time. tackle ware will have 20% off black friday and christmas. check our forums every few days b/c members post some great rods. and of course if u live on the edge..flea bay.

i'd stick w/ a M or MH for plastics (I use a powell 674 MH/XF for my senko rod and LOVE it). i fish from a kayak/canoe so i like between 6'6" and 7'. are you fishing from boat or shore?

St croix is discontinuing their Legend Tourn Bass rod so you can find them for 50% off ($120 vs $240). you can't go wrong with them. light, sensitive, strong, lifetime warranty.

Edited October 10, 2012 by ClackerBuzz

[skeletor6]

I would get the Powell Max 703c. It costs $140 and has a lifetime warranty. This rod is very light at 3.9 ounces and will balance well. It has very good sensitivity for its price which comes in handy while fishing t-rigs and plastics. Furthermore, the XF tip on this rod is nice for quick hooksets with those t-rigs and other plastics, not to mention it helps sensitivity wise as well. This rod will also be versatile. Having a MH powered, 7 foot rod gives loads of versatility and allows many techniques to be fished with just this one rod.It sounds like at this point you are only going to have 2 rod/reel combos after this next rod purchase. Therefore, you are going to want versatility out of your rod.

Many people rave about the Abu Garcia Veritas rods, but not at the price point that you listed. That rod can be had brand new for $80 (this is below your range). In my personal opinion, the powell max series is a step up from the Veritas rods. That isn't to say there is nothing wrong with the Veritas rods, there are many that love them and they offer good price to performance ratio, but personally you will notice a different level of crispness, feel, and sensitivity with the Powell Max.

Now if you are talking about buying a used rod, you are opening yourself up to many more options. For instance, ClackerBuzz who got the Legend xtreme for $140 jumped on a really good deal that would blow away any recommendations of rods that are in your suggested price range of $100-$150. If you want to stick with Shimano Products, a used Cumara wouldn't be too bad either.

I think if you are looking to grab a rod right now and want the best in the $100-$150 price range, grab the Powell Max 703c. You will not be disappointed with this rod IMHO.

[zachb34]

Veritas definantly

[mikeeasttn]

Take a look at the Shimano Crucial Rods. I know it is just me but like them as well as some Loomis Rods I have.

[38 Super Fan]

x2 on powell endurance and dobyns micro. very nice rods. i also like st croix. i just scored a legend xtreme on ebay for $140 (regularly $330). i just got a fenwick tech smallmouth for spinning/finesse and LOVE it. they have casting rods too for $129 w/ lifetime warranty. Cabelas and GanderMT carry them if you want to hold one in ur hand.

if you don't need it till next season take ur time. tackle ware will have 20% off black friday and christmas. check our forums every few days b/c members post some great rods. and of course if u live on the edge..flea bay.

i'd stick w/ a M or MH for plastics (I use a powell 674 MH/XF for my senko rod and LOVE it). i fish from a kayak/canoe so i like between 6'6" and 7'. are you fishing from boat or shore?

St croix is discontinuing their Legend Tourn Bass rod so you can find them for 50% off ($120 vs $240). you can't go wrong with them. light, sensitive, strong, lifetime warranty.

That's what I'd go with.

[ClackerBuzz]

abu and shimano rods are nice saplings rods compared to a broomstick. they become broomsticks when you put them up against st croix, powell, dobyns etc. don't get me wrong they are strong, light and have nice components but they don't have the tip that nicer rods have. with higher quality rods you can cast twice the distance with half the effort...and you get twice the sensitivity. you can't get that from a rod off the shelf at walmart or dick's. i've never cast a 'high end' shimano/abu rod but at that price point I'll take a used g loomis IMX or higher as kickerfish mentioned

[webertime]

Wait for a sale and get a Phenix Recon 715.

[kowz76]

Thanks for the advice guys. $150 is definitely the most I'd want to spend, but if there's a big jump from the veritas/compre range to something like the powell max, I'd definitely go for it.

I haven't had much luck finding a cheap Legend tourn. bass but I'll keep looking. Also I'm pretty set on getting a M rod. MH just seems like a bit of overkill for me.

[TNBassin']

IMO, the Veritas can do it all. Great rods and won't break the bank. Walmart.com has them for $70.80 right now for the winch and micro guide models.

[kickerfish1]

If you wait until the black Friday sales you can get 20% off with free shipping so the Powell line, dobyns savy, and phenix recons will all be well under $150. If we compare these three to a veritas I would take them any day of the week plus the lifetime warranty to boot.

[ClackerBuzz]

If you wait until the black Friday sales you can get 20% off with free shipping so the Powell line, dobyns savy, and phenix recons will all be well under $150. If we compare these three to a veritas I would take them any day of the week plus the lifetime warranty to boot.

x2. the powell max skeletor suggested is great as well.

keep in mind the ratings are different with nicer rods. some would say they had it right the first time and the big box manufactures messed it up. regardless....a MH nice rod is like a M cheap rod. a H nice rod is like a MH cheap rod. i would stick with a M like ur planning b/c you want to throw soft plastics. you won't be disappointed. did i mention twice the accuracy?

[BASSHUNTER1961]

Take a look at the Falcon Bucoo (Micro) as well... It is extremely light 3-4oz, very sensitive, and casts like a dream. The grip is so much more comfortable than the veritas, and it has a real reel seat, unlike the Veritas.

[kowz76]

x2. the powell max skeletor suggested is great as well.

keep in mind the ratings are different with nicer rods. some would say they had it right the first time and the big box manufactures messed it up. regardless....a MH nice rod is like a M cheap rod. a H nice rod is like a MH cheap rod. i would stick with a M like ur planning b/c you want to throw soft plastics. you won't be disappointed. did i mention twice the accuracy?

That's interesting. I've been pretty surprised at how light my M compre is, would the powell/dobbyns/etc suggested be even lighter in the same power? The max looks like a good choice, I will probably still wait for a sale though.

Take a look at the Falcon Bucoo (Micro) as well... It is extremely light 3-4oz, very sensitive, and casts like a dream. The grip is so much more comfortable than the veritas, and it has a real reel seat, unlike the Veritas.

What advantage to micro guides give? Any? And I'm pretty set on getting something a step up from the Veritas, but what do you mean it doesn't have a real reel seat? EDIT: Nevermind I see the difference in the reel seats.

Thanks for all the advice, it's been super helpful.