Which Combo

[Californiafisherman]

Hi I'm getting a new baitcasting combo and not sure which to go with. This will be my new Worm and Jig rod. Here's the rod and reels I'm currently looking at.

Rods: Phenix M1, Phenix Recon 2, St.Croix Avid, Shimano Crucial, lamiglas Pro X Bass.

Reels: Lews Tournament Pro, Shimano Chronarch200E, Shimano Curado200E,

So which would you pick? Thanks!

[Teal]

You really cant go wrong with any of those rods or reels. I am impartial to Lews reels. I like them alot. But it would be either the Tourney Pro or the Chronarch

The rod would be the Avid.

[mnbassman23]

Like Teal said all of the options you've listed are great. It really comes down to personal preference. Do you have the opportunity to go and hold these rods in person and put a reel on them to see how they feel? If so I think that would be a good idea.

 

For a rod I like the Avid and Recon 2. To me the Avid is more durable and time tested. The Avid has a faster tip which many people like for jig fishing. If you like a slightly slower tip than the Recon is a better choice out of the 2 i listed. Also do you have a preference between a full grip or split grip handle? 

[LgMouthGambler]

Do I really need to say anything here? Lol Ok, I will anyway, Crucial and Chronarch, ask RC, he has bit the Shimano bullet.

[Californiafisherman]

I have held the avid and it feels very nice and comfortable. I don't have a preference between full grip or split handle so that doesn't bother me..I just want a sensitive and reliable rod:) they both have a limited lifetime warranty so that's great..

Do you own both the avid and Phenix recon 2? If so which do you feel is more sensitive ?

[rockchalk06]

Do I really need to say anything here? Lol Ok, I will anyway, Crucial and Chronarch, ask RC, he has bit the Shimano bullet.

Lies I tell you....All lies!!

 

I fished a Lews in 7 gear the other day. It was a nice little reel. I don't think I will ever buy one as I am pretty content with my Abu's and my Shimano's

 

Yes I said Shimano's (Plural). I bought a Curado G the other day and damned if I didn't go get another one. I love the price point they have. Its between the 130 and 200 dollar mark. I still love my Revo's more. I am tempted to go buy a new Winch today too.

 

As for the E series, I have been told they are better than the G's but no longer made. If you can find a dealer with some new old stock, ****** it up.

 

I can't tell a major difference in the Chronarch over the Curado in the short time I've played with it but am told its better. For 40 bucks, I decided to stick with the Curado. I would imagine someday I would grab one.

 

As for your rods you have listed, I say the Crucial. I am head over heals for mine. Kinda pricey at 150-160 bucks, but the warranty is bar none

[Californiafisherman]

@lgmmouthgambler..

Haha I've heard so many good things about the chronarch and wanted to try for myself so that's definitely a reel I've looked into..same with the lews..Also I been wondering how does the Shimano Cruical compare to the older cumara? They're built on the same blanks do you feel any difference in sensitivity?

[rockchalk06]

Apparently ****** as in grab, is a bad word here and got axed. I had to pull deep down in my bag of juvenile smartelec words to figure out why. Now I have to wipe coffee off the phone

[LgMouthGambler]

Apparently ****** as in grab, is a bad word here and got axed. I had to pull deep down in my bag of juvenile smartelec words to figure out why. Now I have to wipe coffee off the phone

ROTFLMAO

[LgMouthGambler]

@lgmmouthgambler..

Haha I've heard so many good things about the chronarch and wanted to try for myself so that's definitely a reel I've looked into..same with the lews..Also I been wondering how does the Shimano Cruical compare to the older cumara? They're built on the same blanks do you feel any difference in sensitivity?

Just got a good look at your picture that is your avatar, I love it. That is all. Go Shimano.

[kickerfish1]

The older cumara is a better rod than the new crucial. While the modulus of graphite is the same the components, resins, scrims, and finished product isn't the same. The cumara is a lighter and more sensitive rod than the crucial.

Back to the rods and reels you listed I would take a strong look at the phenix 715 if You will be fishing jigs and t-rigs that are 3/8 oz and up. The 714 recon excels as a weightless bait rod, swim jig rod, and jigs under around 3/8 oz or less.

For the reels I would take any of those 3. All good choices that would match the recon nicely.

The recon 714/715 are a shade over 3.6 ounces and if paired with the chronarch 200e for example would be just under 11ounces. Good casting distance, sensitivity, weight, and looks. If you wait for a 20% off sale you can have your outfit for a bit over $300.

[Arv]

Close your eyes and point. Can't go wrong with any of those. For real though, of the rods I only have experience with the M1, but I'm beyond impressed. It's a GREAT deal for the money. Personally, I rank it up with my Dobyns Champion. St. Croix obviously has a proven track record of making outstanding rods so if you don't go with a Phenix, that would be my next suggestion. Of the reels, its a toss up again. Personally, I like my Curado 51E more than my Tournament SS. While they aren't the same reels I feel comfortable comparing them to you're selection. I just like the feel of the Shimano reels up against the Lews. Still, can't go wrong. If I was picking from that list, I'd go Chronarch and M1/Recon and call it a day.

[HeavyDluxe]

... I am pretty content with my Abu's and my Shimano's

 

Yes I said Shimano's (Plural).

 

Actually, technically you said Shimano - singular and possessive.

[LgMouthGambler]

Actually, technically you said Shimano - singular and possessive.

 

Possessive, as in he is gonna be very possessive over his Shimano's because nobody else can touch them. It happens, ask my wife

[38 Super Fan]

I love my Lews TP and Recon2 combo, but all the stuff you've listed is similar in quality. The action of the rods would be the biggest factor for me, like the bassman, I like a little slower action so the Recon 2 is a great fit. I'm not crazy about the very fast action of the St Croixs I've fished.

[rockchalk06]

Actually, technically you said Shimano - singular and possessive.

Yokay

[rockchalk06]

Possessive, as in he is gonna be very possessive over his Shimano's because nobody else can touch them. It happens, ask my wife

Your a bad bad man

[mnbassman23]

I have held the avid and it feels very nice and comfortable. I don't have a preference between full grip or split handle so that doesn't bother me..I just want a sensitive and reliable rod:) they both have a limited lifetime warranty so that's great.. Do you own both the avid and Phenix recon 2? If so which do you feel is more sensitive ?

 

I do own both and honestly it is a toss up in which one is more sensitive, they are both great! Like you said they both have lifetime warranties and each company is great to deal with in my experience. I choose the recon 715 for my jig/t-rig rod due to liking a bit slower action ( plenty of backbone though), but again that is personal preference. If you'd prefer a faster action pick up the Avid. Good luck man! 

[NorcalBassin]

Chronarch for sure. Then it's an Avid if you like cork or a Crucial if you like split grips. Haven't fished that series of Lamiglas yet, but they're made in the USA and have a very good reputation.