Okuma Calera Or Lews Laser Mg..

[WiregrassRiverRat]

If price was not an issue ( I CAN GET BOTH ABOUT THE SAME PRICE) the okuma would be about 10 dollars cheaper. Which would you get.

 

 The calera is 6.6:1 and the MG would be 6.4:1.. application may vary depending on what I put it on.. 

 

I have a speed spool already from LEWS so I know of their quality.. havent heard much about the calera.. 

ANY THOUGHTS!!

[frantzracing0]

Save A Bit More Money And Step Up To The Tournament, Or The Revo S. Avoid A Graphite Frame Like The Plague. Also LoOk Into The BPS PRO QUALIFIER. aluminum Frame, Lifetime Warranty Great Real At Only 20 More Dollars

[WiregrassRiverRat]

I like the speed spool and would get it over the tourney.. thanks for the advice though.. are the graphites just weak or what is the deal?

[Fishwhittler]

On 8/6/2013 at 1:20 PM, WiregrassRiverRat said:

I like the speed spool and would get it over the tourney.. thanks for the advice though.. are the graphites just weak or what is the deal?

 

A graphite-framed baitcaster may last, but the odds of premature breakdown are far greater than with a decent aluminum-frame baitcaster.  Graphite flexes under load and allows the internal parts to become slightly misaligned.  They spring back when the load is taken off of the reel, but do that enough times and the insides can get damaged.  Aluminum baitcasters are stronger, period.  They're worth the extra $$.

 

For the record, I've had one graphite-frame baitcaster, a Daiwa Megaforce (the old $60 model).  I could feel the frame flexing when there was a fish on, and in the end it kicked the bucket after less than a season of use.  The clutch wore out so it wouldn't reengage after a cast. Looked inside, and the problem was from a clutch spring having worn out its socket in the graphite frame.  The spring didn't seat properly and prevented the kick lever from slipping into position against the AR ratchet.  That issue along with the flexing frame has kept me from trying any more graphite baitcasters.

 

The Lew's Speed Spool is $90 TYD from The Tackle Trap.  To the best of my knowledge no BR sponsors carry the Speed Spool.

[5dollarsplash]

I palm my reels so to me the aluminum frame is a must.  I had two graphite/plastic baitcasters and with light use from the girlfriend (she doesn't palm the reel) they have held up for quite awhile longer than they would in my hands.

[WiregrassRiverRat]

any recommendations on a quality rod that would be less than the speed spool.. which I can get around $80-85?

 

I am really looking to save money on my frogging combo.. but to do that I am gonna have to skimp somewhere.. just cant decide what to do..

[new2BC4bass]

DSG carries the Field & Stream Tec Spec and Tec Spec Elite.  I think the former is being phased out because I don't find them on their website.  They run $60 if you can find the power you need. The 7'6" HXF Elite runs $80.  Check out the Ethos rods at Academy Sports.  Academy may carry another rod or two made by a different company that would be in your price range.  TW has the 7'6" Heavy Lightning Shock for $55.

 

I have a Lightning and older Tec Spec, but not in the models you need for frogs.  You would have more choices if you could go to $120 for a rod.

 

Also look at Cabela's, BassPro and Gander Mountain for house brand rods.  The only other option I can think of is to watch the classifieds.  Same for the reel.  If you don't mind a little boat rash, you probably could find a used Citica or older Curado for $85 or less.  Might be other reels that would fall in your price range such as a Gen 1 Revo S.  An Ambassadeur round reel might be another option if you don't mind round reels.  Plenty of the necessary size are sold in the classifieds and flea-bay for less than $80.  These reels are tanks and easy to work on....so the tell me.  I don't tinker.

[smalljaw67]

any recommendations on a quality rod that would be less than the speed spool.. which I can get around $80-85?

 

I am really looking to save money on my frogging combo.. but to do that I am gonna have to skimp somewhere.. just cant decide what to do..

 

Daiwa has the Ballistic rods on sale over on Tackle Warehouse for $65 bucks, and the other Daiwa in your price range would be the Procyon, it really isn't a bad rod for the price. I got a Procyon spinning rod for Christmas, my sister-in-law got it for me not knowing too much about fishing and I was going to take it back but it was a ML and I needed one so I tried it out and I was surprised at how responsive it was and it had a good amount of feel to it, fished well above price point. I also have to agree with the reel, the Lews speed spool is about the best reel under $100, I would save and buy that instead of going to the graphite framed reels, they are inexpensive for a reason, for a few dollars more you are going to have a reel that will give you more than one season, and if you take reasonable care of it you should have it awhile, aluminum casting and spinning reels, stay away from graphite. The last thing is even aluminum framed reels have graphite side plates, when looking at getting a reel you look for aluminum frame, as long as the frame is aluminum the side plate are much of an issue, I say that so you don't get confused when reading the description of the reel, good luck.

[new2BC4bass]

Daiwa has the Ballistic rods on sale over on Tackle Warehouse for $65 bucks, and the other Daiwa in your price range would be the Procyon, it really isn't a bad rod for the price. I got a Procyon spinning rod for Christmas, my sister-in-law got it for me not knowing too much about fishing and I was going to take it back but it was a ML and I needed one so I tried it out and I was surprised at how responsive it was and it had a good amount of feel to it, fished well above price point. I also have to agree with the reel, the Lews speed spool is about the best reel under $100, I would save and buy that instead of going to the graphite framed reels, they are inexpensive for a reason, for a few dollars more you are going to have a reel that will give you more than one season, and if you take reasonable care of it you should have it awhile, aluminum casting and spinning reels, stay away from graphite. The last thing is even aluminum framed reels have graphite side plates, when looking at getting a reel you look for aluminum frame, as long as the frame is aluminum the side plate are much of an issue, I say that so you don't get confused when reading the description of the reel, good luck.

I had forgotten about the Daiwa rods.  Too bad my part-time work has been non-existent for the last 3 months.  Money to feed the Bait Monkey is also non-existent.  Wouldn't mind trying out one of the Ballistics.  I got one of the V.I.P. Smallmouth rods when TW was closing them out.  Very good rod for what I paid. 

[frantzracing0]

For The Price You Can't BeaT The H2O Ethos Rods. VeryDecent Rods For The Price

[frantzracing0]

Heck For A GREAT budget Real Look At The H2O mettle. Aluminum Frame For 50 BuX. Seem Durable Too. Many SweaR By Them. But, I Say Go With A Bps pq

[WiregrassRiverRat]

Yeah are the diawa ballistics worth the money.. just need something durable for froggin

[new2BC4bass]

Yeah are the diawa ballistics worth the money.. just need something durable for froggin

No idea.  Never used a Ballistic.  TW says the 7'4" Heavy is a Frog rod.  BassPro is selling them for $129.95, TW for $64.88.  At 50% off I'd have to guess that it is well worth the money.  I bought a Daiwa V.I.P. Smallmouth from TW when these rods were being closed out.  It ain't a Cumara, but well worth what I paid for it, and then some.