Which Of These Rods Would Be The Best?

[mathnerdm]

Ok so I'm looking at some multi-purpose budget baitcasting combos and I've narrowed it down to 3 rods that I could get right now if you say they'd be good.  All in the $50 price range. I posted another thread earlier, but now that I've found some, I wanted to start a new one. I know you get what you pay for with these cheaper combos, but it's all I can do at the moment. The 3 I'm looking at now are---

 

BPS Megacast - http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-MegaCast-Baitcast-Combos/product/1209250541494/

 

Pinnacle Inertia (Special edition I think?) - http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_424003_-1__?N=78002898&Ntt=pinnacle+inertia&Ntk=All

 

Pinnacle Inertia XT - http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_761755_-1__?N=78002898&Ntt=pinnacle+inertia&Ntk=All

 

All Medium Heavy action and 6'6".  What I'm asking for is which do you think would be the most reliable, least likely to fall apart in my hands, and just best quality for what you're paying. If you have ANY experience with these rods/brands please let me know what you think and which would be the best.  Thanks!

[mathnerdm]

Also, I know it's a little more, but how about the Abu Garcia silver or black max combos? How do those compare to the 3 I listed?

[Smallmouth Hunter]

I would say the abu black max and silver max combos would be the way to go in this case. I have never owned one of these reels, but I have used one and it casts very far.

[Gatorbassman]

I like the Pinnacle combos and they are priced right and are the best of those three.  But to be honest with you I shy away from combo deals. The reason is that you will usually get a decent reel with a piece of crap rod. If you have to buy a combo so you can fish then buy it and start saving for a replacement rod. 

[mathnerdm]

Well I heard that the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock is a good rod and reasonably priced, do you agree? And what do you or anybody else who can offer ANY opinions think is a good reel for preferably under $50 and as far under that as possible.

[Fishwhittler]

Well I heard that the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock is a good rod and reasonably priced, do you agree? And what do you or anybody else who can offer ANY opinions think is a good reel for preferably under $50 and as far under that as possible.

 

Used is your best option for under $50, and you won't find too many deals like that.  Might be able to find a Quantum Accurist for less than $50, or a BPS Pro Qualifier or Extreme.  The Abu Garcia C3 is another reel you might find for less than $50 in used condition.

 

A couple years ago I picked up a Shimano Citica D from a forum member for $37 shipped, which is an absolute steal.  That kind of bargain is much harder to find after the introduction of the G-series reels from Shimano, but the Citica D is still a reel to watch for when buying used. Also the old-model Pflueger President LP/WLP baitcaster.

 

If you want to buy new, the Academy H2O Xpress Mettle is $50.  It's the only baitcaster in that price range that has a metal frame, and it's the only one I'd consider buying.  It's not the smoothest reel and the drag tends to stick, but it's a solid performer and casts very well.

 

Actually, I've got a pair of Mettles I'm looking to sell.  Both are used but in good condition.  Link here.

[mathnerdm]

I actually was thinking I'll probably go with a lightning rod shock and the mettle, glad to hear you recommend it! I'll defiantly go check out your post.

[Cgrinder]

The Shocks are getting high praise in this forum as heavy cover rods. You'll be pretty happy with the 7' MH, I think.

[mathnerdm]

The Shocks are getting high praise in this forum as heavy cover rods. You'll be pretty happy with the 7' MH, I think.

 

Good to hear! Then I think that's actually what I'll go with as opposed to a combo. Also, do you happen to know the difference between the regular lightning rods and the shock versions? I know the shocks are a little more, any idea why?

[loudcherokee]

Good to hear! Then I think that's actually what I'll go with as opposed to a combo. Also, do you happen to know the difference between the regular lightning rods and the shock versions? I know the shocks are a little more, any idea why?

In the walmarts around me the shocks are the same price as the regular lightning rods. $40.

The shocks are a bit beefier. Made for superlines (braid) and have a strike amplifying tip, which is supposed to help with hook sets. The reel seat is also raised off the blank.

LC

[Cgrinder]

I think they have some fiberglass or something in the tip, which is supposed to make it softer to offset the no-stretch braid. Might be gimmicky, but I know part of the reason for their praise is the soft tip that helps to throw lures.

[mathnerdm]

Made for superlines (braid) and have a strike amplifying tip, which is supposed to help with hook sets. T

 

Is it worth getting the shock (if it is more obviously) if I just plan on using fluorocarbon line? I'd assume the other benefits about setting hooks would still apply with non braided line? Does that sound right?

[Cgrinder]

Is it worth getting the shock (if it is more obviously) if I just plan on using fluorocarbon line? I'd assume the other benefits about setting hooks would still apply with non braided line? Does that sound right?

 

Probably, yeah. I think it's a higher quality product.