Sub $100 Rods

[fadetoblack21]

I posted about a week ago about my quest to find my first GOOD baitcaster reel, and I decided on the BPS PQ as my first. I mentioned that I was looking at the veritas rod in mh 7' as the rod. Now it is looking like my funds may be cut short on the rod, so I am looking for advice on what rod I should look at. I plan on throwing spinnerbaits, some square bills, and jigs on this rod. 

 

I thought about the vendetta, but I cannot find one for the life of me locally. I may just wait until the BPS Spring Classic to see what they have to offer, but am interested in what yall have to say.

[rockchalk06]

Do you have a Walmart locally? Take a look at the Lighting Shock rod from Berkley. Made for super lines, split grip, decent reel seat, and 40 dollars to boot.

Also the Shimano Sellus is a good 50 dollar rod. I may end up getting the top water rod next week with a PQ too.

[iabass8]

I have zero experience with todays rods in that price range but the shimano selus seems like it would be hard to beat for 50 or 60$.

[fadetoblack21]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. . . I've looked at the Lightning shock rods. My question is, is it better than the BPS IM6 Graphite rod that I already have?

 

I bought a cheap baitcaster a few years ago and paired it with a BPS graphite series rod that cost about $30. Only problem is that I'm looking for a MH rod and this one is a fairly flimsy M rod. 

[gripnrip]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. . . I've looked at the Lightning shock rods. My question is, is it better than the BPS IM6 Graphite rod that I already have?

 

I bought a cheap baitcaster a few years ago and paired it with a BPS graphite series rod that cost about $30. Only problem is that I'm looking for a MH rod and this one is a fairly flimsy M rod. 

IMO the shocks are better.  The older lightning rods would compare to the BPS

[fadetoblack21]

IMO the shocks are better.  The older lightning rods would compare to the BPS

I'm used to using the BPS Tourney Specials (step above the IM6 graphite series) with my spinning gear so maybe I'll check out the Lightning Shock rods. It's hard to buy good gear when your in college and broke as hell. 

 

I will probably wait until the BPS spring classic to see what they offer first, since I'm waiting to see if the PQ goes on sale then too.

[gripnrip]

The PQ's are awesome reels. I picked up 5 before Christmas.  They had them for 80.  I have heard they have had them on sale as low as 60-70 before.  I believe the way these reels perform, that they are a steal at 80.  

[LgMouthGambler]

Do you have a Walmart locally? Take a look at the Lighting Shock rod from Berkley. Made for super lines, split grip, decent reel seat, and 40 dollars to boot. Also the Shimano Sellus is a good 50 dollar rod. I may end up getting the top water rod next week with a PQ too.

Bingo!

[jhoffman]

I bought my veritas for $79. Go to dicks sports, buy a cheap item. Take the receipt home and get the $10 off coupon online. Then go when they are on sale... $79

[drew4779]

Around here, you can find some real good deals at some of the local mom and pop bait shops. The one I frequent has St.Croix premiers and fenwick HMX for $79. Also, its nice to support the small businesses.

[Greenstealth]

Bps had a pq rod and reel combo for $100 two weeks ago. Imo at $100 dollars the carbonlite rod might be your best value. Fenwick silverhawks run about $50 at cabelas and they feel great in my hands.

[upnorthbassin]

Powell Diesel 723CEF would probably be my first pick. Shimano Clarus rods are on clearance at a lot of places but those seem to be love them or hate them....they have the sellus and the convergence for less money though. I'd say it depends on whether you want a fast or extra fast rod and whether you want a split grip eva or full cork. If you like cork check out the Fenwick rods....they seem to have the best choices in that price range with full cork grips.

[smalljaw67]

I have the first Gen Vendetta, it is the cheapest rod I own but I really like it, I got it an an all purpose type rod and now it is primarily a spinnerbait stick. I have used it for jerkbaits, and senkos and even light jigs and you can't beat it for the price.

[Teal]

Powell Diesel, Daiwa T Rod, St. Croix Premier. All good rods for less than 80 bucks.

I have fished with all three of those and i was more than satisfied for the price.

I havent fished with shimanos Clarus, Sellus or Convergence but havent heard any thing horrible.

If you really want some bang for your buck, go with the Berkley Lightning Shock. Can be had for less than 50 and is terrific rod.

[BrettD]

Another vote for the power diesels great rod for the money. The lightning shock would be my second choice.

[SudburyBasser]

Another vote for the Shimano Selus. I was initially skeptical because I became a total pimp for the Compre line after last summer but the Selus reasonably impressed me for a rod at its price point.

[new2BC4bass]

Besides the rods already mentioned, you might consider these as well.  http://www.***.com/Quantum_Tour_Edition_PT_Casting_Rods/descpage-TEPTC.html

 

A friend who turned me onto the Fenwick Smallmouth series mentioned how well he liked these rods as well.  His older model was $150. so the MSRP has come down ($119.99 now).  Currently on sale for $64.88.  I ordered the 6'10" Heavy and 7' Medium.  They arrived at work today after I left.  Bummer.  Course it will be a couple more months before I can fish them. 

 

I picked up a Daiwa Jupiter rod at Wal-Mart last year just just before heading back home from Florida.   (Rod stayed there for next visit.)  Got to fish it one day.  I liked it.  $69.96

 

Dick's Sporting Goods has 2 models of the Tec Spec...both less than $100.  I've read good things about the H2O Xpress Ethos rod sold by Academy Sports.  I like the color as shown on the website. 

 

Sales should be coming up soon.  Will be a good time to pick up a $100 plus rod for less than $100.

[retiredbosn]

Shimano Convergence or Clarus, the Convergence is 10 bucks more than the Sellus, lifetime over the counter warranty. Clarus 20-30 more than Sellus lifetime warranty. Simmons sporting goods at Ebay has quantum energy pt rods for 40 right now

[new2BC4bass]

Shimano Convergence or Clarus, the Convergence is 10 bucks more than the Sellus, lifetime over the counter warranty. Clarus 20-30 more than Sellus lifetime warranty. Simmons sporting goods at Ebay has quantum energy pt rods for 40 right now

Wow.  That is a good deal.  Less than 50% of MSRP.  No idea how they fish, but a person would think they should be a lot better than a rod retailing for $40.  Thanks.

[Darren.]

Shimano Convergence or Clarus, the Convergence is 10 bucks more than the Sellus, lifetime over the counter warranty. Clarus 20-30 more than Sellus lifetime warranty. Simmons sporting goods at Ebay has quantum energy pt rods for 40 right now

 

I've toyed with the Sellus, but found it a bit heavy, especially compared with the Clarus on up. Think there's better money spent. However, I'll admit I haven't fished the Sellus, just had in-store hands-on.

[C-roy]

Just bought a h20 express yesterday already own a shock rod after comparing both I think I'm goin to like the h20 better its lighter better balanced in my opinion and more comfortable grip it's 20 bucks more but seems to be worth it got a 6'6" mh have a PQ on it

[Capt.Bob]

Around here, you can find some real good deals at some of the local mom and pop bait shops. The one I frequent has St.Croix premiers and fenwick HMX for $79. Also, its nice to support the small businesses.

A 79 buck St Croix Premier is a steel, what a bargain!!! That would be the best buy, do they make counterfeits??  If not thats to good to pass up, even if you don't need a rod!

[drew4779]

I bought 3. Two for me and one for my brother.

[ncbassfisher1496]

Shimano Convergence or Clarus, the Convergence is 10 bucks more than the Sellus, lifetime over the counter warranty. Clarus 20-30 more than Sellus lifetime warranty. Simmons sporting goods at Ebay has quantum energy pt rods for 40 right now

Is the Clarus worth the extra $20 over the Convergence? I'm in the same situation with rods under $100

[The Rooster]

I have two Shimano Compre rods from when they were full cork handles, and I paid $100 each. Love, love, love them. That said, for less than half the price of them when on sale, the Cabela's Tourney Trail rods are nice also. I got two of them last fall at $45 each on sale. That was a bargain for a rod like that. I haven't fished them yet but they feel nice in hand. Quality is there, too, don't think because they're a house brand rod that they're junk. Definitely not. The reels sit farther up the rod for the same length. Mine are all 6'6" rods. The Cabela's rods have about 2" more rear handle and 2" less rod in front as a result. I prefer this. The guides all line up exactly in the same places as the Compre rods. It's like the same rod but with more handle. I went with them because I still want full cork grips, not split grips made from foam. If you're into that though, the Tourney Trail has a full line of foam split grips also.

Edit...I hate spell correct on an iPad.