Another Spinning Rod Question

[QUIENYO]

I'm looking for a sub $150 spinning rod to pair with my Stradic FI 2500. This set up will be primarily for bottom bouncing soft plastics. I'm looking at the *** for $99 and the both the Compre ($75) and Crucial ($112). I'm also not sure what action I should be looking at. Is a MH going to be too heavy for such light presentations? Would a Medium be better or is that too light for anything other than DS and Shakeyheads? Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions. 

[Darren.]

Personally, I think a M power is fine for this. It's what I use, and I use Shimano Compre rods. However, the Crucial is a fantastic rod as well. And $112 is a great price. So is $75 for a Compre! Either way, I don't think you'd be disappointed.

[00 mod]

Check out the Pinnacle Perfecta rods!  I love mine.  In fact I just ordered another this week!

 

http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/s-13-Spinning-Rods.aspx#.USbkumev8aY

 

Jeff

[kickerfish1]

Lots of good options exist for that kind of dollar. There are always deals to be had on eBay, during online retailer's sales, and of course there is the buying used option. These are all good but require sort of a "hunting" approach to be able to wait it out for the right rod at the right price.

Having said that most folks want to be able to buy something relatively soon and make a decision based upon what is currently available. Both the crucial and *** are great rods to have on your radar. If you have a BPS close by it may be worth a look at a BPS microlite rod especially during the rod trade in sale. Also the fenwick elite tech smallmouth rods are great buys at $130. Based upon full retail price these would probably round out my top for rods under $150.

I am still a little confused by bottom bouncing soft plastics when using a spinning rig. Then you say for anything but dropshots and shakeyheads. What presentations are you wanting the rod to be able to fish? Maybe tubes, split shot rigs, smaller t-rigs? If that is the case a medium powered fast action rod would be my pick.

If you are looking for my pick from the 4 rods mentioned above I would opt for the elite tech rod. They have a 6'9 medium XF rod that would be a solid all purpose rod but necessarily a real utlra finesse or drop shot rod. With the sale TW is having the crucial would be a good pick as well. Both would look great with that reel!

[QUIENYO]

By soft plastics, I'm mostly throwing Texas Rigged senkos, lizards and creature baits. Yeah, I had forgotten about the elite tech, that is also a great rod. I guess that makes the decision a bit harder. Anyone own the ***? I read a great review on the *** on TackleTour and was hoping for some first hand reviews.

[SudburyBasser]

I think I've typed the words "I like the Compre" way too many times this week so I won't do it again. I'll cut and paste.

 

I like the Compre.

 

In all seriousness, that's what I use when tossing soft plastics, a Compre spinning rod. It's the one that actually turned me onto the line.

[kickerfish1]

For lizards, creature baits, and senkos that is typically a casting rod application for me. I may pass on referring a specific rod here, in favor of someone who fishes these techniques regularly on spinning gear. I would venture to guess a 6'8 or longer rod would be best in a fast action. If the weights used combinded with the soft plastic and hook would be below 3/8 oz my gut feeling would be a medium powered rod. For heavier rigs say 5/16-1/2 oz I would say that medium heavy rod may be better but less versatile.

I haven't fished the *** but they seem to be highly thought of. The crucial has a strong following as well plus the lifetime warranty. The elitetech has the lifetime warranty and has great overall performance espeically rod weight and balnace. Between the 3 there isn't a clear cut winner unless you break it down further... ie warranty, rod balance, weight, blank, resins, guides, cosmetic appearance, preferred legnth, power, action etc. Really you probably can't go wrong with any of these.