Help With Higher End Combo...

[alexandboi]

This might be a long and bit confusing post so bear with it please...

 

So I decided its about time I got a high end combo(which i keep telling myself will be my last rod/reel purchase, but I really doubt it). Well being a college student and part time worker, its hard enough as it is to find time for fishing. However, since summer break has begun I've been trying to get more hours at work to buy myself a really nice combo. I've looked through some stuff and would like some of your guys opinions. Performance is what matters most, but I also like my combos to match since I think they look a lot nicer. I'm looking for something that will be good for soft plastics, but okay for smaller jigs also. 

 

For reels I'm thinking a core51 or aldebaran(they're the same reel right?), or Metanium XG. For rods I'm looking at the newer cumara 7'2" med hvy, Phenix ultra mbx 7' med hvy, or nrx blue 893(I know the price gap is pretty big but I don't mind getting a rep sample which I've seen go for around 400). Reel wise I've also been checking out some daiwa jdm reels and wouldn't mind one of those either. 

 

Any other recommendations not listed are welcome. Willing to spend 400 on rod and reel each. 

[BradGuenette]

I just got the NRX893 and paired it with a Lew's TP, I was out with the rod tonight and I have to say this rod puts my Dobyns Extremes to shame, I love my extremes but the rod is in a class of its own, It's like this rod has a magic tip.

As far as the tournament pro goes, I now own 3 of them and couldn't be happier. Super light/Palmable, very smooth, and casts a mile.The Team Pro would also be something to look at.

[alexandboi]

I've heard a lot of positive reviews on the tournament pro. I may have to look into that a little more. As for the rod, I've heard plenty of positive review on it too. Just kind of curious how it will actually feel in my hands compared to my current rods. But thanks. 

[jherm87]

What do you have currently? You can get some very nice set ups that will be light and sensitive for half the money. Being that you aren't made of money, why not get a couple very nice set ups instead of one high end combo. It does depend on what you have now. You're post just leads me to believe that you're not set up already.

Not trying to talk you out of anything, it's your money, just remember that the fish don't know what you're using.

That said, I really like my kews tournaments and my chronarchs. My *** omens are nice too, but I also like fishing with my cabelas mag touch so I don't know what that says to you

[kickerfish1]

What type of rods and reels have you or do fish currently? Reason being if you fish mostly budget rods and reels ($100 each), the jump to anything you mentioned should be significant.

When you say jigs and t-rigs this doesn't help much unfortunately. If you are talking about finesse jigs and smaller t-rigs under 1/4 oz or if you are tossing big football jigs large soft plastics with a 1/2 oz sinker you are looking at different rods and maybe different reels.

Here are few examples of some rod/reel pairings assuming you are looking for medium heavy 3 powered rod for reference.

1. Core 50 mg7 with a new or previous generation cumara 7'2 medium xf or medium heavy fast. They will match perfectly and be pretty lightweight. You should be able to put this combo together for around $500 or less if you hit the sales right.

2. Curado 50e or scorpion 1000xt (they appear for sale one eBay and like places in good shape fairly regularly) with dobyns champion extreme 743 or 703 depending upon preference. Both with match the rod very well and balance well. You can probably score this for around $480.

3. Daiwa TDZ or previous Gen steeze with a megabass xx Tour Versatile rod. This would give you a true 100% JDM outfit with the only downside being the 3 year warranty on the rod. Your price for this will be dictated by the reel you choose here. Probably looking at over $500 with a steeze and under with the tdz.

4. Loomis 893 with any reel of your choice. You could go with a steeze, an Alphas, a shimano 50 sized reel even one of their DC series reels. This will be about as good of rod as you can buy but will also cost the most.

With an $800 budget your options are pretty endless, including about 90% of what is out there to buy. Most rods and reels over $200-300 a piece are great performers. I really don't think you can make a bad buy.

I guess the only word of caution I have is that Daiwa reels can be fussy compared to other manufacturers if you don't have alot of experience with casting reels. However like anything else your mileage may vary. Also I only included better quality shimano and Daiwa reels because I don't have experience with also of $200+ reels from other manufacturers, so I didn't include any of them.

[alexandboi]

Well I fish from the bank most of the time so I try to make my equipment versatile. Right now I have two casting set ups, A curado 51e paired with a recon2 715, and a chronarch 201e6 paired with a compre 6'10 med hvy. I also have one spinning combo, a symetre 2500 paired on a med 7' compre. I feel like I can use these rods and do well on most presentations. 

 

I want this combo to be used for what I fish most, which is senkos and 1/4oz jigs, that's why I'm willing to spend the money for a high end combo, plus i Just thought It'd be nice to have something like that in my little collection. 

[kickerfish1]

Any of the above rod/reel combinations would be fine. Stick to a 3 powered rod with whatever reel you want to match it up with. Throw in some high end floro line to help magnify those slack line senko bites and you are set.

[alexandboi]

Any of the above rod/reel combinations would be fine. Stick to a 3 powered rod with whatever reel you want to match it up with. Throw in some high end floro line to help magnify those slack line senko bites and you are set.

 

Okay thanks. I've been using invizx, and really like it, but is there any other floro you'd recommend?

[kickerfish1]

Okay thanks. I've been using invizx, and really like it, but is there any other floro you'd recommend?

Tatsu is the best slackline floro I have used bar none. It is formual is just incredible and all of the properties you look for in a good quality floro are present. For jigs and Texas rigs I really like shooter. Sniper would be my third choice followed by invisix.

[BradGuenette]

Tatsu is the best slackline floro I have used bar none. It is formual is just incredible and all of the properties you look for in a good quality floro are present. For jigs and Texas rigs I really like shooter. Sniper would be my third choice followed by invisix.

+1 tatsu has completely changed my view on floro. Running this line on 5 setups this season, couldn't be happier with it.

[alexandboi]

Tatsu is the best slackline floro I have used bar none. It is formual is just incredible and all of the properties you look for in a good quality floro are present. For jigs and Texas rigs I really like shooter. Sniper would be my third choice followed by invisix.

 

Okay I will have to get some and try it out on my current set ups. Thanks.

[kickerfish1]

Check TW... spools of Tatsu are $10 off their regular prices (looks to be about 20% off roughly). Then just toss a few more items in the cart until you hit $50 for free shipping.

[alexandboi]

Check TW... spools of Tatsu are $10 off their regular prices (looks to be about 20% off roughly). Then just toss a few more items in the cart until you hit $50 for free shipping.

 

Haha and luckily for me its free overnight shipping

[BigMoneyGrip]

I have the Core 51 on a Lamiglass Infinity Bass 735. That combo is magic!

 

I use this combo for bottom contact. The rod is rated for 1/4 - 1 1/2. The heaviest I've thrown was about an ounce and I think it would do the 1 1/2 just fine. And, It still throws a weightless senko just fine.

[sarcazmo]

I'd spend more on a rod and buy a less expensive reel.  I own a steez and a couple zillions and while they are very nice I catch just as many fish on my PQ. Also have a lews TP and BB1 and some others I cant remember.  My current fav reels are actually made by Okuma.  I have 2 helios and a komodo.  Very nice and I love their brake control mechanism.

 

Might cast a bit further but it wont help you detect strikes any better.

 

I just bought a couple dobyns champion extremes for a GREAT price. Read the reviews or look up the dx744 and 745.  744 is one of the most highly regarded rods I've ever researched.  Plus the 60 dollar no questions asked replacement policy is amazing.  If you're interested pm me and I'll give you the info.

 

As far as fluoro I've had great luck with sunline fc sniper.

 

How much do you want to spend?

[kickerfish1]

It sounds like about $800 total for the outfit, though I am sure he would want to get out for less.

[sarcazmo]

800 for one rod and one reel?  Wow You could get 2 NICE high end rods and 2 good reels for that...  

 

I went to a local pond earlier today and fished my buddies new KLX. Didnt catch anything but d**n was I impressed!  Heck of a value there as well. 

[skeletor6]

I just got the NRX893 and paired it with a Lew's TP, I was out with the rod tonight and I have to say this rod puts my Dobyns Extremes to shame, I love my extremes but the rod is in a class of its own, It's like this rod has a magic tip.

As far as the tournament pro goes, I now own 3 of them and couldn't be happier. Super light/Palmable, very smooth, and casts a mile.The Team Pro would also be something to look at.

Word. Don't have a lews TP, but with a tricked out curado 50e and some tatsu....the nrx893 just keeps getting better. Fantastic rod for what it does.

[kickerfish1]

Lots of options for sure. When he said a max of $400 for each it defidently makes the choices more difficult. More sensitive rod, more blinged out rod, lighter rods and reels, rare reels or rods, JDM gear and the list goes on.

The outfit possibilities I noted would get him out for under $600 depending upon the items chosen, if purchased new or used, if bought on sale or full retail. It is a tough call to pick the "right" rod and reel. It will ultimately boil down to what he want to achieve with the outfit or maybe just some have some looks and performance.

[skeletor6]

Like kickerfish said. That kind of money gets you at the top of the list both rod and reel. Choose wisely as this most likely will be your favorite setup and most used.

[Hogsticker]

Rod - Custom built if your gonna drop 4 bones. Personally if not going that route, I would buy a stock Kistler Z Bone. I'll take the NorthFork blank over any ShimLoomis blank all day every day. Better guide train too IMO. OR, spend a little less and get a Megabass XX. Reels - That's a tough one and for me, I would spend the bulk on it in this order (pricing most expensive to least)

1) Steez - Best all purpose reel on the planet

2) TD Zillion Japan or J Dream

3)Shimano JDM Aldebaran

4) Shimano Core

5) A gently used TDZ 103 or 100M (U.S Trails)

ALSO - As someone mentioned above get 2 combos. This route I would get two Gen. 1 Shimano Cumaras, and two Shimano Scorpion XTs. All very subjective, but this is my list.

[alexandboi]

Thanks for all the input guys. I am considering going with two combos, but then that would mean I'd either have to carry more rods, or leave some behind when I'm fishing from the shore which is about 90% of the time. I've never used any of the higher end daiwa reels, but how do they compare to shimanos? I'm definitely going to look into the steez though. 

[Capt.Bob]

Think about a Custom built your way, less than $500.00 invested in this St. Croix Legend Extreme MXF with the Team Lew's Gold, "SSS" = Smooth, Sensitive, and SWEEEET!! Most good Custom Rod Builders can set you up better Than factory with top of the line blanks for about the same money as a factory made rod, but will make it exactly the way you want it, and are very capable of guiding you thru the build for exactly the purpose you want it for, even multi purpose,,,,,,,,your way!