Brian6428 Posted December 30, 2014 Posted December 30, 2014 I'm trying to choose a new rod to use primarily for heavy T-rigs and jigs. I am looking to spend around $150 on a new rod, and I plan on getting a 7' MH or H, depending on the brand. I have it narrowed down to these three, but you guys can certainly suggest one I don't list. 1. Dobyns Savvy Casting Rod 2. Shimano Crucial Split Grip Casting Rod 3. Pinnacle Perfecta DHC5 Casting Rod Any rods in this price range I should stay away from? Thanks for all suggestions and opinions! Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted December 30, 2014 Super User Posted December 30, 2014 There are additional links attached you might find interesting, too. http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-optimus-xlt-dhc-review.html Quote
Super User fishballer06 Posted December 30, 2014 Super User Posted December 30, 2014 1. I've got a Savy spinning rod, but none in the casting rod. If their casting rods are like the spinning, it should be a pretty good rod for the money. 2. I've got 2 of these in the new cork models. Love these rods and they're definitely a good rod for the money. 3. No experience with those. I'd also look at the St. Croix Avid and Premier models. Can't go wrong with either in the sub $200 range. Quote
illinifan4152 Posted December 30, 2014 Posted December 30, 2014 I have the previous model of crucial, black eva grips. I absolutely love it. It's the 7'2 MH XF. I mostly throw jigs on this rod and it works wonders. Definitely one of my favorite rods for under $150. Also, if u are lucky you can find they around $100 or less at dicks sporting goods on clearance. Good luck! Quote
DTack Posted December 30, 2014 Posted December 30, 2014 Shimano Crucial was and still is a good rod. I'm not sure how you might feel about their warranty slightly changing. My recommendation would be a 704 or 734/735 Dobyns Savvy. Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted December 30, 2014 Global Moderator Posted December 30, 2014 I've really enjoyed the Perfecta DHC5 I've been fishing with. Really a nice combination of sensitivity and power in the one I have. That said, I haven't even picked up either of the other two so I can't give a real opinion on those. Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted December 30, 2014 Super User Posted December 30, 2014 When the Dobyns first came out everyone claimed they were the best thing since sliced bread. It took a couple years for people to start admitting the Savvy wasn't the most sensitive rod in its price range and you were better off looking elsewhere if sensitivity was crucial. This is all hearsay on my part. It is what I have gathered from reading posts over the years. I don't own a Savvy. A rod you may want to add to your list is the Fenwick Aetos. Also the *** Black is well thought of for sensitivity. Better than its price range. Haven't used mine yet ( a MF) for bottom contact so can't comment on that from personal experience. Quote
Arv Posted December 30, 2014 Posted December 30, 2014 I had a Savvy. I was OK, but I wouldn't choose it for bottom contact/feel lures. It is a nice rod but not my choice for applications that require a sensitive rod. I think there better rods out there for the money when it comes to rods I would use for worms/jigs. The Powell Endurance used to be a great rod for the money when it was around $150. Depending on how much over $150 you are willing to go, the new Max 3D might be worth checking out. The Fenwick rods also get great reviews, the Elite Tech and Aetos. The St. Croix Avid and Rage would also be worth looking at. Phenix also has some good rods. I haven't used the Recon 2 but it gets good reviews. I did have an M1 and enjoyed it a lot. I've heard plenty of good stuff about the Duckett Magic series (white rods just aren't for me). And the new Daiwa Tatula rod has been getting a lot of good feedback as well. The Shimano Crucial always seems to be a solid choice too. I know that's a lot of options, but I really feel like its hard to go wrong with most of the rods in the $150-$200 range. If you can handle the rods with the reel you will be using I would recommend mounting it on them and seeing which feels best. Quote
Super User deep Posted December 30, 2014 Super User Posted December 30, 2014 What I've come to realize over the years is that there are only a few duds in the $100 and up range. It's going to come down to your preferences regarding length, action, power, handle length, etc etc. Between those three, I'll pick the Crucial. Quote
smallies24/7 Posted December 30, 2014 Posted December 30, 2014 If you want to go out of your recommendations and you can wait for a sale, a Powell Max 3D is the way to go. Can be had for $150 during a TW 20% sale. 1 Quote
Super User FishTank Posted December 30, 2014 Super User Posted December 30, 2014 Out of the ones you have on your list, I like the crucial but the fenwick elite tech bass rods might be a good one to look at. Quote
ABW Posted December 30, 2014 Posted December 30, 2014 My money would go to a Powell too. They are very good rods for the price. Quote
GANGGREEN Posted December 30, 2014 Posted December 30, 2014 Out of the ones you have on your list, I like the crucial but the fenwick elite tech bass rods might be a good one to look at. I was going to suggest the same thing. I think they ended the Smallmouth line and if you can still get one, the 6'9" MH/F might be a good option and you might get one really inexpensively. Quote
Brian6428 Posted December 30, 2014 Author Posted December 30, 2014 Thanks for all the replies, guys. It looks like I have a lot of good options to choose from. I will let you guys know what I end up choosing. Thanks! 1 Quote
Brian6428 Posted December 31, 2014 Author Posted December 31, 2014 I've really enjoyed the Perfecta DHC5 I've been fishing with. Really a nice combination of sensitivity and power in the one I have. That said, I haven't even picked up either of the other two so I can't give a real opinion on those. What length/power do you have? I saw some of your reports with it and it looks like I would use it for similar applications as you do. Quote
Super User lmbfisherman Posted December 31, 2014 Super User Posted December 31, 2014 I'm trying to choose a new rod to use primarily for heavy T-rigs and jigs. I am looking to spend around $150 on a new rod, and I plan on getting a 7' MH or H, depending on the brand. I have it narrowed down to these three, but you guys can certainly suggest one I don't list. 1. Dobyns Savvy Casting Rod 2. Shimano Crucial Split Grip Casting Rod 3. Pinnacle Perfecta DHC5 Casting Rod Any rods in this price range I should stay away from? Thanks for all suggestions and opinions! I can only comment my experience with the Savvy vs Crucial. I've never fished a Perfecta before. The Savvy although pretty sweet looking and very aesthetically pleasing over the boring looking Shimano Crucial. I found when I fished them, the Savvy felt like a dead stick. The Crucial was superior in sensitivity. So if sensitivity was a big thing for you, (using for bottom type techniques), I'd say go for the Crucial. Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted December 31, 2014 Global Moderator Posted December 31, 2014 What length/power do you have? I saw some of your reports with it and it looks like I would use it for similar applications as you do. I have the 7' 6" MH/F. Seriously considering the 7' H/F for pitching docks and for whenever I'm fishing in thick standing timber. Quote
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