Good Rod Vs "great" Rod?

[Meridian69]

I use 4 Bass Pro Extreme rod and reel combos and obviously really like them. For my kids, I bought them Ugly Sticks combos, which is what I learned to fish on back in the day. There is a huge difference in fishing with my kids Ugly Sticks against using my BP Extremes. Weight, sensitivity, and back bone....  there is really no comparison. They fish way better.

 

I am beginning to wonder what would be the difference in fishing my good BP Extremes vs. a "great" rod like a GL Loomis, St. Croix or other expensive rod. Would it be a 5-10% difference, or would it be night and day like the BP Extreme vs. Ugly Stick? Does anyone have any experience they would care to share?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Alpha Male]

It depends on the model you choose from the Loomis, St. Croix, Dobyns line. I only know the St. Croix Line-up and can say that there is a big difference between the triumph and a Legend.

 

 

Personally I would try an "Avid" series rod and see what you think. its in the middle of there line and a very nice rod. I have noticed that there are smaller differences in sensitivity when you get to the higher end of the spectrum of rods. you start paying for the name and other things like finish and better cork. these things might make the rod better but arent going to help you catch more fish.

 

I like to stay in the middle of the range of rods and have only splurged on 1 rod, my St. Croix Legend bass rod and I do love it. I also love my Pinnacle Perfecta, Fenwick EliteTech Smallmouth, and my Avid rod.

 

In the end its all up to you but to answer your question NO there will not be a difference between your BPS rod and a $500 rod like there is between the Ugly Stick and your BPS rod because your comparing a fiberglass rod to a graphite rod.

[roadwarrior]

The short answer is "Night & Day". If you decide to move up you will be selling

or giving your old equipment away sooner than later.

 

 

 

[Master Bait'r]

The short answer is "Night & Day". If you decide to move up you will be selling

or giving your old equipment away sooner than later.

 

 

 

 

 

I only attach one caveat to that statement- and that's that the more you're "into it" the more you will appreciate the things that separate a "good" rod from a "great" rod.  If you gave it to the kids or the wife, they might not notice since they never notice anything about the gear.  You would certainly notice it though OP, the difference is staggering in most cases, especially in their realm of competence i.e. using a JWR rod for plastics etc. 

[smalljaw67]

You will often hear the word "crisp" to describe the feeling of a rod blank and action and it is pretty hard to put into words exactly what crisp means. However, put that rod with the crisp feeling in your hand and you know exactly what crisp is and you pretty much get what you pay for when it comes to rods for the most part. Pick up a $40 dollar Ugly Stick and then pick up a $70 dollar BPS rod and the difference is amazing, then pick up a $150 dollar rod and the difference between that and the BPS rod is equally amazing but once you go from $150 to $300 you will also have a difference, it isn't as spectacular but it is quite noticeable but that is when it get blurry. Once you hit $300, the difference between that and a $400 may be only in components or cosmetic treatment because $300 makes a nice blank with nice components, there are exotic graphite blends and resis systems and all kinds of other good things out there that add to the cost but the difference in performance isn't going to be quite as noticeable as it was when jumping up from lower level rods. I'd say that $150 - $225 the major differences are normally components and detail, the blanks are going to feel that much different but at $250 there may be a slight difference and at the $300 level there will be a good deal of difference but not like it was going from $70 to $150. Now, that is just speaking in general, there are some rods that are well above their price point and yes, there are examples at every level but generally, the trend is the high the price the bigger the difference you feel until you hit a cetain spot and then you get into the law of diminishing return. That is basically saying that a $350 dollar rod isn't $50 different from the $300 dollar rod, to some a slight cosmetic difference may be worth it but there is a point that were the price goes up but the performance doesn't meet the same level and you have the diminishing return. The best way to find out how different rods are from each price point is to go to a place and pick them up and feel in hand, or better yet, join a club and get to fish with a bunch of people who use different tackle in just about every price point. The best thing to do is buy the best you can afford.

[Cgrinder]

I had a BPS Extreme a few years back. Tough rod, felt good. The next summer I bought a ***. Night and day would be an appropriate description. 

 

Not that there's anything wrong with Extremes. Green is a good color. I sold it to my friend to beats the hell out of his equipment and he likes it a lot.

[ww2farmer]

The short answer is "Night & Day". If you decide to move up you will be selling

or giving your old equipment away sooner than later.

 

 

 

Or not.........I once had a boat full of supposedly "better" rods. Such as St Croix Avids, Legend Tournaments, Kistler's etc.....They offered me nothing more over the equipment I replaced with them than an emptier wallet. That being said, if you like, and/or desire to have premium stuff. Go for it, it's your money, and your decision. I went through that phase too, when I thought I HAD TO HAVE better stuff, then I realized some things, things that are often peculiar to an individuals tastes or situation, so I won't bore you with my thought process. But I have since taken my gear budget down a notch or two, and find that nothing has changed. I still catch fish, I still win/cash in tournaments, I still enjoy my time on the water, and now I have more money in the bank to boot. That's just me, and I am just letting you know there are other opinions out there than the " more money is more better" crowd.

[Arv]

I think it's really going to come down to the person holding it. As price increases you SHOULD experience a higher level of performance, but not everyone's hands are the same. The only way to really find out is to try them.

[doyle8218]

Or not.........I once had a boat full of supposedly "better" rods. Such as St Croix Avids, Legend Tournaments, Kistler's etc.....They offered me nothing more over the equipment I replaced with them than an emptier wallet. That being said, if you like, and/or desire to have premium stuff. Go for it, it's your money, and your decision. I went through that phase too, when I thought I HAD TO HAVE better stuff, then I realized some things, things that are often peculiar to an individuals tastes or situation, so I won't bore you with my thought process. But I have since taken my gear budget down a notch or two, and find that nothing has changed. I still catch fish, I still win/cash in tournaments, I still enjoy my time on the water, and now I have more money in the bank to boot. That's just me, and I am just letting you know there are other opinions out there than the " more money is more better" crowd.

Bravo !

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

With each successive step up in tackle the difference between levels is less noticeable. The point of diminishing returns on factory rods is around $275, spinning reels, $150 and baitcast reels about $250. There is a TON of good stuff below these prices and the only way to know if a step up or even lateral change will improve your results or enhance your experience is to experiment. Eventually you'll find your comfort zone. 

[EmersonFish]

A lot depends on what kind of fisherman you are. If your "sensory perception," for lack of a better term, is good, and you are a somewhat skilled fisherman, you will enjoy the feeling of a higher quality rod. If you are the kind of guy who just ties something on and slings it around, and spends most of his time talking and doing 12 oz. curls, it probably won't make much difference.

You are probably the kind of guy who would benefit from investing in a higher quality rod and seeing what you think. I assume that because you took the time to come here and ask the question. I will also point out that you will also want to invest in high quality line that is worthy of that high quality rod, so that you get the full benefit.

[FishTank]

The laws of diminishing returns are against you when it comes to rods.  Below are just some generalizations on that school of thought......

 

Is a $400 rod double the rod of a $200 rod?   NO......  

 

Does a Custom Rod make you a better fisherman?  Maybe.....    A rod made to your specifications sure makes your confidence go up.
 

Does a rod that cost $100 come with a warranty that compares to the warranty some rods have that cost $300?   In general, NO.   Sometimes service costs you as well....

 

Is an expensive rod more indestructible than a cheap rod?  Maybe but in general no.  

 

Do you catch more fish with an expensive rod?  Most of the time, yes.>  But a guy with an awesome boat, lake knowledge and a sensitive fish finder, that fishes with low end equipment will always win this battle.

 

 

 

One last thought/story,

 

 

I use to fish with a guy for many years before he past away, that would go to BPS with $500 and buy six new rod and reel set ups every year.  He would go at the beginning of the year when they had their annual rod and reel trade in sale.  Usually, he would buy the Tourney Special rods and the Pro Qualifier reels.  This guy would fish 3-4 times a week from March until November with a Tournament each weekend from April till September.  By the end of the year his reels would be shot and at least one rod would be out of commission.  He never serviced or oiled his reels.  

 

In contrast, another fisherman I have known all my life (that fished the exact same amount),  would spend about the same amount each year on one rod and reel set up but he would service and keep his equipment in top shape.  Over time, this fisherman had so many rod and reel set ups that he stopped buying them and used his extra cash for weekend trips to places he had never fished before.  Both of these guys were great fisherman and each caught a lot of fish but they each had different approaches to equipment.  Did some of his rods and reels die from use? Of course.   But over all I think this method improved his quality of fishing or his fun factor (depending on how you look at it).

 

Bottom line, I sort of look at this way.  One thing fishing has taught me, is patience.  If I can save up $150 in 6 months for a rod, then I can save up $300 in year.  If a $300 rod is really what I want, then I can wait and enjoy what I have until I have the money.  No sense in letting money burn a hole in my pocket and spend it right away.  I would rather put a plan together and get the best price and bang for my buck> on my terms.

[smallies24/7]

I drop shot with the $100 Kistler Carbon steel rod, which is an outstanding rod. Yesterday I held a $285 G Loomis IMX drop shot rod at the store and couldnt believe the difference.  I was blown away...

[kickerfish1]

I used to fish with a guy that was a hardcore tournament guy in Missouri that fished with a deck full of BPS Extremes and Tourney Specials. Yes, All his rods were under $80 and most were under $40. The guy fished 90% feel techniques. The one thing I took away from conversations with him was that all you need to be able to do is detect a bite with your gear. Granted he grew up fishing rods that were pretty inferior to what you see in todays market but he out fished me 9/10 times. Some say that catching is 90% angler and 10% gear. He was living proof to me of this theory. Learned a lot by fishing with him.

 

I can see both sides of it... the under $100 rod guys and those fishing the $350 + rods. Get in where you can. If you need the additional weight savings and sensitivity and can afford than go for it.

 

Like others have noted as you jump in price the performance increases but you also have the point of diminishing returns where the differences in performance are marginal.

[Oregon Native]

If you look you will find some great rods with decent warrentys for around a hundred bucks....reels to match those rods with a nice balance for all day fishing without fatigue will run you about two hundred bucks (casting)  Go to a large store that has a good selection and put some outfits together and if the reel and the rod match it should be an awesome balance in your hand.  I try to fish the lighter casting reels like the chronarchs.

Tight Lines

[21farms]

here's how it works:

 

 

as you can see, it all depends on what kind of fisherman you are. regular joes (blue) are don't know any difference and are happy as clams with a $50 combo or a $1000 combo. interestingly, professional tournament anglers (red) know the difference but most see fishing as a job and don't enjoy the equipment; also, they're so good, they catch fish regardless of what they use. the avid fisherman (green) appreciate nicer gear and have a sweet spot around right around $350 ($180 reel and a $170 rod)...after that, they have to spend much more to gain a little bit more enjoyment. now, for the tackle enthusiast, any combo under $250 barely even registers in their brain...they have to spend at least $500 just to have a so-so time fishing; for them, enjoyment goes up linearly with price.

[David P]

I started in similar fashion with BPS Rods, the Bionic Blade and Extremes, and slowly made my way up. Every $50-$100 price jump the rods kept getting noticeably better and better. It got to the point where fishing a sub $100 rod just felt unenjoyable and frustrating and all I wanted was that $350+ rod in my hands. I swore when I got my first expensive rod, that would be it, but years later, I've made the switch to all higher end rods. It's an addiction for many.. BE CAREFUL!

[SirSnookalot]

I fish freshwater and saltwater 7 days a week 12 months of the year, that's a lot of fishing and a lot of fish caught.  Maybe not an enthusiast but pretty darn enthused about catching fish.

I don't do much bottom fishing, I like getting a good thump so super sensitivity isn't my main criteria.  I do want a rod that is comfortable with foregrip and a slightly longer butt that casts well has the backbone I need to land fish, being durable is a bonus.  I have found my niche in the 90-125 range that have met what I want a rod to do.  I have gone the custom route as well more expensive rods, the performance difference to me was small if any.

[Josh Smith]

There's this rod I bought in the '90s.  It's just a Daiwa "by Bill Dance" MH 5'6" baitcasting rod with pistol grip.

 

I have more expensive rods now. 

 

When I want to catch fish, I always go back to that Daiwa.  There's something about it that allows me to handle the rig and feel details that I simply don't get with the other rods, but it's not something I can readily identify.

 

I have been thinking about an expensive, custom rod.  It will be another 5'6" pistol-grip for personal preference.  It will have to be made because there don't seem to be high-quality pistol-grip rods in MH or H out there any longer.

 

Will it be better than the Daiwa?  I'd hope so because of the price I'll be paying.  Still, it's an unknown quantity.

 

I've handled much better rods than the Daiwa trying them out, and have even fished a few.  They beat out everything I've experienced except for that old Daiwa. 

 

Why?  No idea.  Maybe that Daiwa was a fluke or maybe they made them better back then.  Your guess is as good as mine.

 

Josh

[Lucky Craft Man]

here's how it works:

 

 

as you can see, it all depends on what kind of fisherman you are. regular joes (blue) are don't know any difference and are happy as clams with a $50 combo or a $1000 combo. interestingly, professional tournament anglers (red) know the difference but most see fishing as a job and don't enjoy the equipment; also, they're so good, they catch fish regardless of what they use. the avid fisherman (green) appreciate nicer gear and have a sweet spot around right around $350 ($180 reel and a $170 rod)...after that, they have to spend much more to gain a little bit more enjoyment. now, for the tackle enthusiast, any combo under $250 barely even registers in their brain...they have to spend at least $500 just to have a so-so time fishing; for them, enjoyment goes up linearly with price.

 

I really like this.  Did you make this up or find this somewhere?  I find it to be a pretty accurate depiction of ones enjoyment of high end fishing equipment.

[frogflogger]

I will rewrap an old rod and replace the old guides with newer lighter ones - put on a rec tip top and have a considerably more sensitive and lighter outfit. Wouldn't work with a club but it does wonders for many old rods.

[roadwarrior]

The best illustration on the graph is the tournament angler. Fishing for dough, not for show.

For me, well I'm a "collector" and the gear is important. I care about style as much as function.

I like colors that match and/or compliment and that includes the color of the line!

 

 

 

[21farms]

I really like this.  Did you make this up or find this somewhere?  I find it to be a pretty accurate depiction of ones enjoyment of high end fishing equipment.

i was bored last night so i completely made it up. although tongue-in-cheek, i think it is somewhat true, especially for me as i moved up from regular joe to avid fisherman to the early throes of a tackle enthusiast 

[F14A-B]

I Cannot Add, anything that these Guys haven't covered, Except.....

Good Luck with You're rod Choice....

[fishballer06]

Like yourself and a few others in here, I myself started off with the BPS Bionic Blades and Extreme's and I thought my rods were light years better than my friends who were using cheaper "WalMart" gear (as I call it), like an Ugly Stick. And yes, those rods are a much better, higher quality piece of equipment compared to an Ugly Stick. I have since upgraded myself to some very nice Shimano, Fenwick, St. Croix rods, and I definitely think these rods are significantly better than my BPS Extreme's. 

 

Now, do I catch more fish with my more expensive rods? Maybe, maybe not. But I feel much more confident, and I prefer the way they perform much better than the BPS Extreme's. I'll also state that I still use my Extreme rods for certain applications (like topwater and trolling). But when it comes to other things like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, worms, etc... I much prefer to use my higher end rods because I think they're just better suited and I feel more confident using them. 

 

In the end, it's all up to you and what you like, and what you want to spend on your equipment. I guarantee that if you went to a local shop that sells higher end rods, that you will be able to feel the difference in a $200-300 St. Croix rod and your $100 Extreme rod, without ever even having to throw a lure.