Need Help Choosing My First High End Rod?

[SDbassin]

Hey all, first post here on bass resource and I need some help choosing my first high end rod. First off, Im coming off of a cheap Walmart Shakespeare rod that actually snapped in two yesterday while casting from the bank, kinda was waiting for that to happen! Anyways, I've been a trout guy most of my life and just in the last year I have gotten bass fever and have become obsessed with bass fishing. Im looking at getting a great T-rig rod that I can mainly pitch and also cast well. I eventually will move into other rods for jigs/ cranks/ c-rig etc, basically looking to get into a whole set up for everything, but first I'm really looking for a company that I can expand into other rods, first trying them out for a while then expanding into their other rods. I've been saving up my pennies (college kids gotta eat and pay tuition right?) for the right rod and   I'm really interested in the St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass 7'3'' mh/ 7'4'' h or making a step up to the megabass orochi xx perfect pitch. I like how St. croix is made in the US but there's also something about Megabass that intrigues me.I probably can't go wrong with either, but the closest bass pro is about five hours from me, and don't have a car to get there, most likely won't be able to pick up the rod at a store as there's really no stores that carry high end rods here in the Arizona desert, most likely will order from tw. Im looking to pair the rod up with a lews heavy duty or bb1-pro (not sure yet). Both rods seem to have fantastic reviews, and I'm just looking for the rod to be my workhorse and expand into other rods in the line up (I feel it's a trust thing and having the rods from the same lineup would provide the consistency in rods im looking for). I want something with insane sensitivity, and that's great quality. My max is about $300 for the rod, so help a college kid spend money wisely!!!!! Thanks for your input and help.

[kikstand454]

If you're going to try and use it with as many techniques as possible, then I would suggest the 7'3 MH. It will have that slight bit more of "give" that you will want for cranks and spinnerbaits etc. It will also easily handle all your bottom presentations, and will work as a frog/toad rod too In moderate cover.

IME - I only feel the need for a HEAVY action rod in HEAVY cover ie: matted vegetation fishing-pitching, flipping,punching, frogs etc.

I own neither rod, but they are both highly regarded. That's the length and action I would choose though using your parameters.

[F14A-B]

I can't speak to the Megabass, but to Croix, it's a fine rod, I think it's a touch towards heavy rather than MH, if you will, a MH Magnum? Fine rod, USA made, a company willing to please, I think it's a fine choice.... There maybe a couple guys on here that can enlighten you on Megabass, hopefully some that has used one!

Good luck!

[Cgrinder]

If you really want to spend $300 on an all-around rod, look at the Orochi XX 7'5" EMTF.

[masterbass]

If you really want to spend $300 on an all-around rod, look at the Orochi XX 7'5" EMTF.

Agree get the megabass orochi xx emtf

[THE_Vue's]

Diablo sper R little brother of the extreme mission

[dam0007]

7-7'3" MH/F I'm same boat as kickstand above, never fished either but recommend length action and taper the same.

[masterbass]

Diablo sper R little brother of the extreme mission

Won't be available till winter

[Jrob78]

St. Croix under rates their rods, at least in the LE's.  A H power is going to be really stout.  I have a 7' MHF and a HF in the LE.  The MH is one of my favorite rods and a great all around casting rod.  I'm sure the LT's fish about the same.

[SDbassin]

thanks guys for your help, Im gonna think about it for a bit, but most likely going to give the St. Croix a shot. I love American made stuff and try to help out other Americans as much as I can! anyways, when I get it I will post some pictures and things, Im starting to dig this site

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Edge rods is doing a kickstarter website thing and you can get one of the new EFX rods for $150 + bonus stuff. It is a special edition version too. They look like sweet rods but no one really has any time with them yet. They retail for $199

[MediumHeavy]

The MB Orochi XX PP is a great stick. You can't go wrong with MB. It will handle pitching, for sure, but if you want an all around, the EMTF might be better. I've not used an EMTF but it's lighter in power than the PP and longer, which might help if you only do shore fishing. Lots of folks rave about the EMTF.

[F14A-B]

Edge rods is doing a kickstarter website thing and you can get one of the new EFX rods for $150 + bonus stuff. It is a special edition version too. They look like sweet rods but no one really has any time with them yet. They retail for $199

I went to the site, did a search, came up nothing.

Where did you see that?

[Smallmouth Hunter]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/58394716/edge-first-strike-bass-rods-by-gary-loomis?ref=discovery

Apparently it is completely legit. Read further in the description to see what you can get by spending more (5,10,100,150,200,500,1000 dollar packages)

[Capt.Bob]

The St. Croix in any Legend model will be a rod you cherish for years, I would be very surprised if you were not delighted with it. I to would suggest the MH over the H, and find them slightly heavier than they are rated, I have never been disappointed in any of the St. Croix rods I have owned. ENJOY!! and let us know how you feel after you fish it??

[WIGuide]

Another vote for the Legend Xtreme! Absolutely awesome rods. I'd also go with the MH over the H

[WiscoFishingOG`s]

13 ***... or if you want to drop some big bucks you can get the new 13 archangel when it comes out. Cant go wrong with the tournement bass though!