Spinning Rod $200 Or Less

[Jraut98]

Im looking to purchase a new spinning rod something like a 6'6 med hvy fast action. Ill be using it for both striped bass and largemouth. Whats the best rod most sensitive durable and just overall rod I can get for 200 dollars or less? I was thinking about the St Croix avid or avid x but is there a rod as good for cheaper or a better rod for around 200 or less?

[flyfisher]

I am assuming the $200 is for the rod alone and i wouldn't argue with the Avid or my preference is the Rage series, same blank as the Avid with micro guides and different cosmetics.

[Stingray23]

Good question. I am looking for the best spinning rod $200 or less too for my brothers. I have my eye on the Avid-X.

[BasshunterJGH]

The avid is a good option, I would also consider the g loomis e6x 783 SJR for the same price. 

[fisherrw]

phenix m1 no brainer

[Mista bass]

I just felt the G-loomis E6x and its a great rod, definitely a step above the GL2. If you can spring for an extra $30 get the dobyns champion 683sf or better yet 704sf.

-Matt

[Jraut98]

Ive heard people mention the gloomis e6x is that rod in your opinion better than st croixs avid series?

[kschultz76]

Ive heard people mention the gloomis e6x is that rod in your opinion better than st croixs avid series?

Realistically too early for anyone to have a definitive answer as that series was just released. Early reviews of them are favorable, and the E6X and Avids compare well. I'd recommend the standard Avid over the X just because of the warrany difference. Another recent option in the price range is the Shimano Zodias.

I love St Croix and very happy with all my spinning rods from them including my Avid. I haven't fished enough competition to say they're the "best". And I truly believe that what is best for me and my use is likely not best for someone else.

Try to get your hands on to try before you buy. Otherwise stick to the major brands with good support such as Loomis, St Croix, Shimano, Dobyns, etc and with the features that most appeal to you.

[Steveo-1969]

Here are a couple other threads that also address your question:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/154233-new-spinning-rod/

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/154379-st-croix-avid-vs-other-spinning-rod/

[Mista bass]

I've never fished the avid so I can't comment. I've never been a huge st. Croix fan though. Not saying anything is wrong with them I just don't have much experience. I really suggest you at least take a look at the Dobyns champion series, or wait and see what the fury line is like. Is there any way you can head to cabelas and hold both the st. Croix and the e6x side by side? That may be your deciding factor.

[BasshunterJGH]

phenix m1 no brainer

I was going to suggest the m1 but he's looking for a 6'6" mh and the m1's are 6'9" light and 7'2" medium. 

[WRB]

You are looking for a spinning rod for both LMB and stripers, right? Medium heavy spinning rods for LMB are different than Med/hvy baitcasting rods, they are not equal in strength or action.

What reel and line do you plan to use this rod with? A 5lb LMB would be OK for a med/hvy spinning rod, a 5 lb striper is a hand full using a med/hvy spinning rod, a 20 lb striper you are under powered, 30 lb striper...do you see the problem?

There are maybe 50 excellent med/hvy spinning rods availble in your budget, none for both stripers and LMB.

Tom

[SK1]

Avid-X will likely be my next spinning rod.

[SirSnookalot]

You are looking for a spinning rod for both LMB and stripers, right? Medium heavy spinning rods for LMB are different than Med/hvy baitcasting rods, they are not equal in strength or action.

What reel and line do you plan to use this rod with? A 5lb LMB would be OK for a med/hvy spinning rod, a 5 lb striper is a hand full using a med/hvy spinning rod, a 20 lb striper you are under powered, 30 lb striper...do you see the problem?

There are maybe 50 excellent med/hvy spinning rods availble in your budget, none for both stripers and LMB.

Tom

Tom is right.  If I'm not mistaken this is the 3 rd nearly identical thread from the same poster.  In a previous thread a few days ago I mentioned I don't care for "double duty rods".  

There are mh rods and then there are mh rods, I fish bass sometimes with mh (not often it's usually a med), I fish tarpon, snook, jacks and barracuda with mh rods too.  Whether bass or saltwater my rods are inshore rods, I would not use my bass inshore to target a tarpon.  Even though they both may be mh 10/20 with similar lure parameters, they aren't the same rod. 

 

Not unusual to see a bass fisherman down here in Florida trying their hand at saltwater.  How many times have I heard "I'm tournament fisherman and I catch 10# bass on this outfit".  A, they probably never caught a 10# bass and B a 10# snook  is more formidable than bass and snook don't compare to other species.

[F14A-B]

You have asked this 3 times over a weeks time.

My question is this, why? Several respected members have attempted to help with your decision, seems no answer has been suitable thus far.

[MickD]

Avid is a great choice.  I'm sure that the top of the line BPS and Cabelas rods will not disappoint, also.

 

St Croix is appreciated for making them in the USA.

 

I have not fished Dobyns, but have repaired one.  The grip had very poor quality cork and the front area of the grip ahead of the reel seat was coming apart.  I know  a lot people comment positively on the actions/sensitivity, but I would not buy one without seeing it in my hands first.  Even then I would be unable to evaluate the structural integrity.