Best Bang For Your Buck

[Greenstealth]

Casting reel- bps pq

Casting rod- bps carbonlite

Honorable mention- fenwick silver hawk

If there is something you are really looking for specific, wait and keep searching. I have never paid retail for any of my rods/reels and I have at least 4 combos that retail over $700

[katmandew]

Powell Diesel is a great buy from a quality company.  They sell this rod cheaper because there is no warranty, but the quality is there..  $79 each and maybe cheaper depending on where you get it.  I bought their glass crankbait rod and love it.

[Sbennett9]

I think I'm going to have to go with the Diesel rod next time I pick one up. I picked up a Gander series two piece that is IM8 graphite for 52.50 on sale. I have had good experiences with the one piece rods in those models so hopefully It will not let me down. Couldn't agree more on the Pflueger reels I have had one for close to five years and banged it up pretty good but it has served me well. 

[fishingman88]

I wholeheartedly agree that you should continue to check the Flea Market and eBay.  There is absolutely no need to buy used.  Personally I would try to pick up a Shimano Curado 100D or a Revo S/SX/STX used.  For a rod, I absolutely enjoy the Shimano Crucial line.  I've been able to find all of the items mentioned for less than $100.  Don't rush your decision and take your time.  Eventually what you are looking for will show up at the right price.

[JellyMan]

Pro qualifier, Revo S. Rods - Mojo Bass, BPS Carbon Lite, Veritas.

 

There are still good quality items at cheaper though. But thats my 9 cents.

[bass1980]

Best Bang for your buck.......buy used gears. You just have to be careful but nothings guarantee. However there is a high chance that guys sell items just because they fall for the bait monkey and want to upgrade or change brands and it's not because their gears are bad. You should see some of them crazy Daiwa enthusiast. They buy and trick out their Daiwas only to sell them for a fraction of the cost and their gears doesn't even look like it was used much. Although those reels are far from best bang for the buck lol, but you get the point.

 

Buddy just picked up a used St. Croix Avid and a Shimano Citica E for $150. He beat me to it lol.