Rods Or Reels

[War Eagle 44]

I have more high dollar reels than I do rods, I feel the point of diminishing returns is reached faster with rods. Having said that, the reels and rods I use the most are Citica E's and Powell Max series. Here the rods cost more than the reels, but the majority of the time my reel costs more than my rod. Case in point, one of my favorite crankbait combos is a GLoomis CBR 845 with a Calcutta TE DC mounted on it. Here the reel is double the price of the rod. The combo I have that has the biggest disparity between reel and rod is my "pond" combo (I call it that because it's the combo I always throw in the bed of my pickup and go pond hopping) which is a Chronarch B 101 mounted on a Shimano Carbomax rod. Both I bought brand new, the reel at full MSRP of $269.99 and the rod on clearance at $19.99. Even at full MSRP these rods were only $79.99 for the most expensive one but I still like fishing with the combo. I run 40# Power Pro on it so sensitivity is never a problem. Braid, to me, is a great way to make a cheaper rod better.

 

Here's a pic of the combo, I use it ALL the time. I've had a lot of fun with it and if I break the rod one day, no big loss.

[bmlum415]

I seem to be the opposite of most people then, I'll spend 200-400 on a rod but about 150-200 on a reel

[SirSnookalot]

My addiction is catching fish, I don't care what I'm using to catch them.  This is far from the largest of season and I'm catching them on a $30 spinning reel.  I don't need anything else and yes I'm having fun.

[rockchalk06]

So which one is the worse addiction for you? Which are you willing to drop more money on? I know I can get the job done with wally world combos have been for years, but what fun is that?

I would sink more money into a reel than a rod. You can buy a 50 dollar Ugly Stick that will last longer than you will and be happy. Not as you would with a high end rod but it works and won't mess up.

As for the reel. If you scrimp on it, it will make a bad day even worse. Expensive line can add up fast. Constant back lash will ruin your line.

[Bankbeater]

I rarely look at rods and reels when I go to the store.  Cranks and plastics are another story.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I have an addiction to trying out new gear period but I tend to spend around 150-200 for both but I do alot of clearance and bargain shopping for the biggest part.  I am a little more adventurous when it comes to rods and have a variety of different makes and models but with reels, I tend to stick with what I like.  I have reels from Shimano, Daiwa, Pflueger, Quantum, and Abu, but I fish mainly the Shimano and Daiwas.  My rods are another story; Daiwa, Damiki, e21, Pinnacle, Dobyns, Abu, Quantum, Shimano, Berkley, Powell, Castaway, St.Croix, BPS, Field & Stream, Fenwick, Lucky Craft, Tackle Industries...I think thats it.

[skeletor6]

It used to be reels until I got my hands on $300+ retail rods. Casting, on any reel then becomes very easy and the amount of feel you get with just about any line is off the charts. Cast 5'' weightless senkos with a $50 H20 Mettle and a $600 NRX 893c and you will see what I mean. 

 

Really though, I would say diminishing returns begins as you go over $200 for rods and reels.

[Maico1]

I like both....Then again I like "the hunt".

[JunkYard814]

I don't have a rod over $110 although I'm slowly building my way up to them. My reels are around $150-$180, but usually purchased for much less as I visit Cabela's, BPS's and TW's almost daily and wait until something gets put on sale.

 

I should also add that I spend almost half the amount on my spinning reels than I do on casting reels. I am planning on putting a finesse soft plastics set up together and looking at a reel between $60-$80 and a rod between $150-$200.

[upnorthbassin]

I've always been sort of a bargain shopper but I don't limit myself to one certain price range. If I can get a $300 rod for $150, I'll probably buy it. If I can get a $60 rod for $20 I'll probably buy that too. I like nice things but I'm no gear snob....I'll use it all as long as I like it.

[38 Super Fan]

Yet another bargain hunter here, the retail of the rods and reels I use tends to run right around $200, but I always buy rods on sale and reels usually on eBay.

[Mikey]

reels .......... although I just ordered a Mega-Bass rod.

[thehooligan]

Im also a bargain shopper, if i see a rod or reel that ive wanted for awhile on sale most likely im getting it, lol. But, im pretty much 50/50 on rods and reels, i enjoy both and think they both complete the combo, so i want to pair the best reel with the best rod i can. 

 

I found a cumulus at a great price and jumped on it, then i thought, i really want a nice reel to go with it. So after much reserching the sustain was the reel to go with, and thats my most expensive combo i own.

 

But, reel shopping is much easier for me, im pretty much 99% shimano spinning reels, rods are a different story, i like getting my hands on all of them and trying them out.... Lately though, ive been paying more attention to shimano rods as well...

[war-eagle]

I'D say reels. My range is 90.00 to 150.00

On reels,and 80.00 to 100.00 for rods.

[mnbassman23]

Bargin shopper here too.. the E, TW, and BTD are my friends when it comes to buying most of my gear. I plan ahead of time and try to order my big purchase items when I know there will be sales. 

 

In general I purchase reels in the 100-160$ range and my rods usually range from 80-200$.  I never pay retail price though, for example I picked up my last rod, 190 retail, for 100 brand new shipped to my door. Good sales are out there if your patient and do some looking. 

 

Than again, I have a 60$ spinning combo that I catch bass on with no problem.. 

[new2BC4bass]

I have more high dollar reels than I do rods, I feel the point of diminishing returns is reached faster with rods. Having said that, the reels and rods I use the most are Citica E's and Powell Max series. Here the rods cost more than the reels, but the majority of the time my reel costs more than my rod. Case in point, one of my favorite crankbait combos is a GLoomis CBR 845 with a Calcutta TE DC mounted on it. Here the reel is double the price of the rod. The combo I have that has the biggest disparity between reel and rod is my "pond" combo (I call it that because it's the combo I always throw in the bed of my pickup and go pond hopping) which is a Chronarch B 101 mounted on a Shimano Carbomax rod. Both I bought brand new, the reel at full MSRP of $269.99 and the rod on clearance at $19.99. Even at full MSRP these rods were only $79.99 for the most expensive one but I still like fishing with the combo. I run 40# Power Pro on it so sensitivity is never a problem. Braid, to me, is a great way to make a cheaper rod better.

 

Here's a pic of the combo, I use it ALL the time. I've had a lot of fun with it and if I break the rod one day, no big loss.

 

 

That is a very nice pond fish. 

 

This is not directed to you, War Eagle.  The question was which do you spend more money on, not how much.  I have limited funds.  It goes without saying that I look for closeouts and follow the for sale ads.

 

In the spirit of disclosure, my current least expensive outfit is a 6' MH Lightning ($17) with a Procaster 100HN ($30) both purchased new.  My most expensive is a Daiwa Flip and Pitch rod with a Daiwa TD-Z 103HL Type R totaling $440 not counting line which is 55# Daiwa Samurai.  Both purchased used.

 

I am much more willing to drop $225 on a used reel whereas $175 on a used rod has been a one-time purchase.

[B@ssCrzy]

I spend more on reels. Huge difference between a cheap real and one in the $150-$200 range.  Normally try and spend around $100 for my rods. 

[Darren.]

Reels...

[Knightiac]

Definitely depends on the application for me. Bottom contact, ill be spending a little more on a rod than usual. If its just cranking, flukes or topwater, I will spend a little less.

[flippin and pitchin]

I have a penchant for new stuff, not more stuff. My problem is, as equipment became better and "newer" my pile grew.

[Maico1]

I have a penchant for new stuff, not more stuff. My problem is, as equipment became better and "newer" my pile grew.

I agree, that is my problem too.... It is that d**n technology that just does not quit..

[tracker01]

Bottom junk, I spend more on the rod, moving baits, I spend more on the reel.

[SudburyBasser]

Neither, I save my addiction for lures. If I had answer I'd say reels -- though my maximum for that would probably be $150 (though in practice more likely $100) and I would spend a max of $150 for rods. When (and if) the next promotion comes I'll probably up that but until then I'm satisfied with the quality of the gear I have.

[LuckyHandsINC.]

My five most expensive pieces of equipment are

NRX 893

Shimano Cumulus 7'1 MH

Revo MGX

DX 744

DX745

Looks like rods win.

[shootermcbob]

Neither, I am a deal and bargin shopper. I have assembled an arsenal of St Croix rods and Shimano reels mostly by buying used, or when stuff is on sale..

 

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