Most Sensitive Bottom Contact Rods Under $150

[Loop_Dad]

I've been mainly Shimano guy. However reading all these threads about folks talking about other rods made me wonder if I am missing something. In your opinion (yeah, just opinion), what is the most sensitive bottom contact rods in this price range. Crucial? No?

[michael68w]

lots decent rods around that range but two that stand out the most to me would be the powell endurance or the crucial. 

[THE_Vue's]

As for sensitivity my list starts with

1st-kistler klx sensitivity as good as my NRX..KLX has the NFC blank

2nd-irod air

3rd-phenix recon-toray blank

4th-***-toray blank

These rods are in that price range accept for irod but there really good deals around right now. I pick up the kistler as 1st purchase threw them and got discount under 150,  And for the deals going around for irod air also a good choice to look at.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Well casting rods from what Ive own/owned my Quantum Smoke 7'M/F is at the top of my list. The list includes 7'6" Cumara, 6'9"LTB, 7'Veritas, 6'6"Premier, 7'Clarus. Smoke also happens to be the lightest and balances the best which I feel contributes to its excellent sensitivity. 

[OkobojiEagle]

Sorry, but I don't think anybody can answer that for you.  The rod is only a part of the equation that includes the reel, line, bait and yourself... the angler.  A well balanced set that the angler has spent some time with and is very comfortable using will most likely bring the most bass to hand.

 

oe

[Loop_Dad]

Sorry, but I don't think anybody can answer that for you.  The rod is only a part of the equation that includes the reel, line, bait and yourself... the angler.  A well balanced set that the angler has spent some time with and is very comfortable using will most likely bring the most bass to hand.

 

oe

 

Ture and I know.  Lots of variables and it is rather subjective.

 

I wasn't asking about me. I was asking about everyone's opinion based on their experience. 

[jtesch]

I've got about 10 Crucials  and at that price range the only other rods I have used that I thought were as sensitive are Bass Pro Carbonlite and JM Signature. Veritas aren't even close, my Powell Endurance isn't either. I have a Kistler micro mag and it doesn't compare either. My Croix Rage isn't as sensitive, I have a Fenwick Elite Tech smallmouth spinning rod that is every bit as sensitive as my Cumara so that would be in your price range and they are great rods.

[rippin-lips]

The problem with this question is so many people have tried some but not others so they can't compare them equally. Example me personally I won't try any shimano rods/reels. I feel that it's a hype thing. So saying my powell endurance's are the best value would be false because the crucial could blow it away. Also some design factors would stop people from buying certain things. I know a lot don't like micro guides or certain reel seats ect ect. Example the Veritas. I'm sure it's a nice rod but I dislike the reel seat so I'll never buy one. You're going to get 20 different opinions from different people. Just stick with what feels good to you. You're the one using it not them.

My personal favorite would be the powell endurance @ $120. It's just a great stick.

[Loop_Dad]

The problem with this question is so many people have tried some but not others so they can't compare them equally. Example me personally I won't try any shimano rods/reels. I feel that it's a hype thing. So saying my powell endurance's are the best value would be false because the crucial could blow it away. Also some design factors would stop people from buying certain things. I know a lot don't like micro guides or certain reel seats ect ect. Example the Veritas. I'm sure it's a nice rod but I dislike the reel seat so I'll never buy one. You're going to get 20 different opinions from different people. Just stick with what feels good to you. You're the one using it not them.

My personal favorite would be the powell endurance @ $120. It's just a great stick.

 

Yeah I know, I'm only asking opinions and not asking for the absolute correct answer, which does not exist. But I hear you. 

 

However when enough people mention certain rods are sensitive, I might give a try this time. I might regret, I might not.

[rippin-lips]

I'm totally with you just take it lightly. People praise the Veritas and the ***. They're 'ok' but for a few dollars more you get a rod that's in a different field. This is just opinion though so take it for what you want.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

The problem with this question is so many people have tried some but not others so they can't compare them equally. Example me personally I won't try any shimano rods/reels. I feel that it's a hype thing. So saying my powell endurance's are the best value would be false because the crucial could blow it away. Also some design factors would stop people from buying certain things. I know a lot don't like micro guides or certain reel seats ect ect. Example the Veritas. I'm sure it's a nice rod but I dislike the reel seat so I'll never buy one. You're going to get 20 different opinions from different people. Just stick with what feels good to you. You're the one using it not them.

My personal favorite would be the powell endurance @ $120. It's just a great stick.

 

I think I had high expectation with the Cumara based on the hype and it didnt match that hype/expectation to me.

 

 

 Agree they have their good and bad points so its a pesonal thing there. I do feel they help in the weight/balance/sensitivity cause they work together so to speak. Leaders & fiber coated water well there are the issue points.

[jtesch]

I will say this, Crucials and Cumaras have a unique feel to them. It doesn't make them better or worse it just makes them different. I have read it described as a "crisp" action and that is a perfect description. My Rage is 7'1" medium/fast and I have a Crucial 7'2" medium/fast and they couldn't be more different. Crucials just have a stiffer tip section than a lot of other rods. The quantum Smokes kind of feel the same and a rod worth looking at is the new Daiwa Tatula. I played with a couple at BPS and they feel real nice. Honestly you can't go wrong with the Crucials, the warranty is awesome and trust me I've used it several times, all of which were my fault not the rods 

[WRB]

Too many factors to list because how a rod feels is an individual interpretation. I find Shimano may feel a little rigid without a reel mounted, when fished they feel under powered for the rating, compared to higher end rods.

Rod sensitivity is over stated, none can feel anything, only transmit line movement to your finger tips.

High modulus light weight graphite rod blanks are one component of a rod, the reel seat, handles, guides all combine to make up a good worm/ jig rod.

Tom

[skeletor6]

A used Gen 1 Cumara are easily found under $150. That's the most sensitive rod that I have used in this price range.

 

I would take a Gen 1 Cumara over a crucial if you are open to buying one used. I haven't used a St. Croix Rage Rod, however a Legend Tournament was less sensitive than my Cumara and that was purchased for less than $150 new.

[John G]

 Example me personally I won't try any shimano rods/reels. I feel that it's a hype thing. 

Hype? Maybe they are just great reels! I got my first Shimano baitcaster in 82 IIRC. I was around 12 years old at the time. It was a brand spankin new Shimano Bantam Mag Plus 250SG. If it was hype that made me want a Shimano then so be it! I got my first one and I never looked back!

[skeletor6]

Denying to use any rod or reel based on name-brand is imprudent. I will use the best I can get my hands on regardless of name-brand. If there is a lot of hype concerning a certain rod or reel, there is usually a reason.

 

The Daiwa Tatula is a good example right now. There is a lot of talk or "hype" surrounding it. I bet it turns out to be a fine reel and rod series. I wouldn't deny purchasing either based on the fact their is "hype" surrounding it. 

[thehooligan]

I agree with skeletor, 1st gen cumara used can be had for $150 and under. Awesome rod, i have threee and will never part with them. If you look  around you can get deals, i scored a cumulus for $180 !!

 

I agree with others though, everyone has certain guides and reel seats that work for them, i love shimano eva handles, guides are great, and the rods are light.

 

The two other rods i would be looking at is the powell endurance and st croix avid, both are awesome rods for the money.

[rippin-lips]

Hype? Maybe they are just great reels! I got my first Shimano baitcaster in 82 IIRC. I was around 12 years old at the time. It was a brand spankin new Shimano Bantam Mag Plus 250SG. If it was hype that made me want a Shimano then so be it! I got my first one and I never looked back!

Some of their stuff is ok but reels like the curado are just hype. You have basically proved my point by your post. People like yourselves used one a long time ago and just stuck with them. There are better offerings imo.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I agree with skeletor, 1st gen cumara used can be had for $150 and under. Awesome rod, i have threee and will never part with them. If you look  around you can get deals, i scored a cumulus for $180 !!

 

I agree with others though, everyone has certain guides and reel seats that work for them, i love shimano eva handles, guides are great, and the rods are light.

 

The two other rods i would be looking at is the powell endurance and st croix avid, both are awesome rods for the money.

 

Yeah now on another site a 7'2" MF for $115- I keep telling myself I dont need it I dont need it.

[lmbfisherman]

As a Shimano guy like you, I find at this price point the Fenwick Elite Tech is very sensitive and close to some of the 200 dollar rods that I own. Due to your experience with Shimano Power/Action, I think the Fenwick ET will feel just right too.  (I find both brands are about the same in Power/Action, but still different.)  Also, take a look at the Aetos which has more offering and is as price suggest better.  Not that I'm knocking a Crucial, but the Fenwick's at the price points win in my opinion.

[11justin22]

kistler klx for me. I have fished with a gloomis nrx and felt it was very comparable to the klx. I have some of the kistler micro magnesium also and while nice they are nowhere near the klx. I also have a soft spot for the bps carbonlites though i would rate them lower than the klx. 

[mjseverson24]

I think in the 150.00 price range the Crucial is the most sensitive rod on the market. their reel seat is the most efficient and non vibration dampening on the market. also the seat gives maximum contact with the rod for increased sensitivity compared to others in their price range. After the crucial the TFO tactical casting rod is probably the next best, great rod great price. I would still stick with the Crucial especially with the warranty program Shimano has. I liked the fenwick smallmouth ET rods too, they would be a close third.

 

Mitch

[kickerfish1]

Difficult to determine for many reasons. First, if we draw the line at MSRP of $150 it makes this a bit more easy as it is a level playing field. Second, If used rods and rods bought at great discounts are included it gets a bit more difficult. For example...I picked up a few NEW Gen 1 cumara sticks for $100 even though retail is around $240. While such deals can be found from time to time, examples of 50% + discounts are not easily found on new rods.

I don't have many rods that are under $150 MSRP but of those rods I do have the Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth series rods have been very impressive. Slightly outside of the $150 mark the Phenix Recon has impressed as well but can be had for about that amount during sales.

[ww2farmer]

Too subjective.....I have fished with guys who use $400 rods who can't feel things that I can feel with $75 rods. Does that make his $400 rods junk?  No, it means he dosen't have a clue, and no ammount of money spent on rods is going to give him one. Asking some one which rod is more sensitve, is like asking who's wife/girlfriend is hotter..........no one wins this debate.

[Loop_Dad]

Too subjective.....I have fished with guys who use $400 rods who can't feel things that I can feel with $75 rods. Does that make his $400 rods junk?  No, it means he dosen't have a clue, and no ammount of money spent on rods is going to give him one. Asking some one which rod is more sensitve, is like asking who's wife/girlfriend is hotter..........no one wins this debate.

 

We were talking about bottom contact sensitivity...hum. What we were talking about again?