1 Carbonlite Vs. 2 Berkley Lightning Shock Rods

[Jtd1216]

After some recommendations (from forum and the bps guy), I purchased a 6'6" MH BPS Johnny Morris CarbonLite rod for my BPS Pro Qualifier 6.4:1 baitcaster. I haven't set it up yet or even taken the tags off. I have been reading through the reviews for the CarbonLite rod and it seems like while it performs well for the money, every 5 or so reviews a customer is complaining that the rod snapped on them. Although BPS replaces this for them, I'm not sure this is something I feel like dealing with if it happens to me.

The Berkley Shock gets overwhelmingly good reviews and is half the price. I'm in the market for another rod for a second pro qualifier reel used for frogging/jigs/pitching heavy cover, and I'm wondering if I should just take the carbonLite back now and buy two Berkley Lightning Shock rods. What are your thoughts on this?

[RippinLips4]

Keep the CL

[Djman72]

I love my berkley rod. Hell, i've even taken it Salmon fishing and it held up outstanding. Great buy for the money.

[Jtd1216]

Keep the CL

If I do, would you also discourage me from buying the Berkley Shock for that second rod?

[RippinLips4]

If I do, would you also discourage me from buying the Berkley Shock for that second rod?

By the best rod you can afford, it will pay off layer down the line.

[Jtd1216]

By the best rod you can afford, it will pay off layer down the line.

It's more which rod my wife will allow me to afford!

[Darren.]

After some recommendations (from forum and the bps guy), I purchased a 6'6" MH BPS Johnny Morris CarbonLite rod for my BPS Pro Qualifier 6.4:1 baitcaster. I haven't set it up yet or even taken the tags off. I have been reading through the reviews for the CarbonLite rod and it seems like while it performs well for the money, every 5 or so reviews a customer is complaining that the rod snapped on them. Although BPS replaces this for them, I'm not sure this is something I feel like dealing with if it happens to me.

The Berkley Shock gets overwhelmingly good reviews and is half the price. I'm in the market for another rod for a second pro qualifier reel used for frogging/jigs/pitching heavy cover, and I'm wondering if I should just take the carbonLite back now and buy two Berkley Lightning Shock rods. What are your thoughts on this?

 

I have read elsewhere that many of the breaks were from early builds, several years back.

 

I purchased two Carbonlites at the Spring Classic and thus far have been *very* pleased with them. FWIW, I did have a Shock rod, and it is a very fine rod, no issues there. But IMHO, the Carbonlite is so much lighter and easier on the arms after a long day on the water.

 

You will like the Carbonlite + PQ combo, I'm sure. My casting combo is a 6'6" CL + Chronarch 50e. Unbelievably light and easy on the body.

[new2BC4bass]

I got my first Carbonlite rod too late in the year to do more than cast it a few times one day.  Not the lightest rod I own.  It is a 7' ML.  My only Lightning is the 6' MH model.  How heavy can a 6' rod be?    So far a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait has permanently been attached.  That lure shakes the whole rod. 

 

Do you have a Dick's near you?  I handled the 7' MHF Quantum Escalade made for them.  This rod is very light.  Lure range is 3/8 to 1-1/2 oz. for both the 7' and 6'6" models.  Price $99.99.  I asked if they ever went on sale and if they ever had 7' MF ones in stock.  Answer was "No.  They move off the shelf without going on sale."  "Yes 7' MF rods come into the store, but don't last long."  I also like the looks of this rod.  I happen to own a couple other Quantum rods and feel they are like Pfleuger baitcast reels....both Rodney Dangerfields...they get no respect.  I am very happy with my Tour Edition and Superlite.

 

I have no idea how the Escalade fishes, but I sure liked it in the store. 

[MCS]

I have a Carbonlite and a lightning Carbonlite is a thousand times better. I had the carbonlite two yrs no problems. You have two problems with rods and breaking. One the ones in stores are used and abused by employees and window shoppers before you buy it. Second is that 95% of rods breaking are the dumb sobs lifting a fish, slamming it on a corner, throwing an xf tip in heavy weeds...most rods with defects break first use or two....but so do abused rods :S so hope you see my point you deffinately got the better rod take care of it and enjoy it.

[JeziHogg]

Whats wrong with throwing a xf rod into heavy weeds?

[rawjuice]

I got my Carbonlite 4 years ago, 7'MH for frogging, I have been using the same rod with 50lb braid this whole time for frogging and it has performed amazing. My buddy asked me why havnt i replaced it for a better rod, NO REASON TO. This rod has been strong and i have pulled bass out of some THICK stuff!

 

As far as your second rod, get the best you can afford, honestly cause in the long run, its nice to have a better rod.

[McAlpine]

Keep the carbonlite. It's 10x the rod of the other one.

Also, the CL will only break if YOU break it.

[Zeeso]

I wouldn't put to much stock into online reviews. Every single rod review I have ever read has people complaining about breaking rods. The majority of people who purchase the rods don't even review it. Not to mention I'd put money on 90% of rod breaks are caused by the owner. That said if you can only afford either 1 c arbonlite or 2 lightning rods, but you need 2 rods. Then get the lightning rod, it's a fine rod. If you don't need 2 rods buy a carbonlite now and save up for another one later

[MCS]

Whats wrong with throwing a xf rod into heavy weeds?

This was brought up on another site, but there are two schools of thought some say it dont matter xf or f is fine however look at a lot of rods for frogging and thick stuff, florida built rods, grass rods, they use a softer tip like a mod fast to give more flex when you are hauling a 4 pounder plus 32 pounds of hydrilla. I tend to lean this way being a shore angler I go through the weeds not pull the fish out of the weeds like a boater.

[0119]

The Lightning Shock rod is an excellent rod for the money. It has an excellent action for treble hooked baits and excels as a topwater rod. My fishing buddy has landed tarpon up to 50lbs. on a 7ft. med. spinner and countless huge snook. They are very tough, something that cant be said for a lot of rods many $ more expensive. I would not feel out gunned using it since I typically stay away from anything house branded.