What Should You Spend More On, A Rod Or Reel

[Bass&PanMan]

Hi all,

I'm talking Shimano CI4+ or Stella reels and St Croix Avid or G Loomis NRX.

Would you be better getting the G Loomis NRX and the Shimano CI4+ Or the St Croix Avid and a Stella ?

Appreciate your feedback.

Matthew

[Goose52]

To use for what?  The answer would be different depending on the intended application.

 

Many folks are of the opinion that for bottom contact, it's all about the rod; and for moving baits, it's all about the reel. Other folks tend to match the rod and reel equally.

 

It all depends...

[iabass8]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/150939-rod-or-reelwhere-do-you-invest-your-money/page-3

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/108157-rod-or-reel-where-should-you-put-your-money/page-2

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/136579-whats-more-important-reel-or-rod/page-2

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/112918-rod-or-reel/page-2

[hawkoath]

I tend to try to match the rod and reel equally for the most part though if push comes to shove I would definitely lean more towards the rod. I feel that the rod has more lasting value and usage though if you are thinking about a Stella vs. NRX its about the same. 

 

Personally, I would see if I can get a deal from someone reputable preferably from some forum you frequent often and are really comfortable with and get a Shimano Vanquish instead of the CI4+ and Stella. The Vanquish to me is basically a Japanese/Foreign domestic market only CI4 version of the Stella. So its as light as a CI4 but its a lot smoother, has a ton more power when fighting a fish and is just basically a pleasure to fish with. Much, much better than a CI4+ imo. Plus, with exchange rates these days you might be able to get a new one for the same price as a CI4+. I did from another forum and it's amazing. Sustains and below just do not compare with it. This way you can get the best of both worlds and not stress over Reel vs. Rod. Get the Vanquish and NRX. 

[masterbass]

Of those 2 combos I'd rather have the nrx/ci4+ combo.  The reel is arguably the best in it's price range and the nrx is one of  the best production rods available period.

[SenkoGuru]

I always spend more on the rod. I'm not saying the reel isn't important but the rod is where all of the feel, action of working the bait and landing the fish comes from. I would get a great rod and line and then an ok to good reel myself.

[Grantman83]

Rod IMO...reels starting at 100 are usually find and won't cost you fish. A cheaper Rod can break or be less sensitive and can lose you fish

[Jon G]

Rod is more important IMO but I spend a good amount on reels as well.

[robster80]

rod. but i like to splurge on both

[junyer357]

Id say rod. Im in the middle of upgrading all my combos currently and im starting with the rods. That and mild home supertuning has made a diffrence on fishability for me personally.

[Bass&PanMan]

Thanks guys. Rod it is

 

The Shimano CI4+ is a good reel. The reason I ask is that I got my G Loomis NRX 822 SYR today but the Daiwa Certate I was going to pair it with is still in transit so I matched the rod with the CI4+ and it worked well.

 

The NRX is night and day an improvement over the St Croix Avids while the CI4+ I didn't have issue with. The St Croix Avids balance is off with the CI4+, its too tip heavy with 6ft 8" to 7ft rods.

 

The balance was perfect with the NRX.

 

One quick question, what's the better reel; Shimano Vanquish or Diawa Certate ?

 

Diawa specs;

 

Model                                      Retrieve Rate Gear Ratio Weight Max Drag (kg)     Bearings 2510PE-H      90      6.0 240 7.0     10/1

 

Shimano Vanquish

 

Model                                      Retrieve Rate Gear Ratio Weight Max Drag (kg)     Bearings 2500HGS 88 6.0 195 4.0     12/1

 

The Certate is $100 cheaper

[MickD]

For spinning it's all about the rod.  For baitcasting it's all about the reel.

[*Hank]

I usally get A more expensive reel.

[Bass&PanMan]

Hey Hank,

You are the exception, how come you go for a more expensive reel ? What you got ?

Mattgew

[kickerfish1]

Rods are purchases you want to get right. For one, the resell value is spotty at times and shipping is pretty outrageous. Take a rod you paid $100 for. When you decide to sell it. You would be lucky to get $80 for it then subtract shipping. You are likely to get a net of $50. Therefore I try to make sure all rod purchases are thoroughly planned out and I am near certain I am making the right choice. I fish alot of feel apps vs the cranking reaction bite guys so most rods I have are fairly costly but have good feel and performance.

My reels vary. Most of what I fish is Shimano and Daiwa. A few JDM reels in the mix. With custom and aftermarket parts reels can get pretty costly.

Guys that like tinkering with reels and custom parts will likely favor a higher budget on reels. Not really sure where I fit into the mid. All in all probably 60% on rods and 40% on reels.

[hawkoath]

Thanks guys. Rod it is

 

The Shimano CI4+ is a good reel. The reason I ask is that I got my G Loomis NRX 822 SYR today but the Daiwa Certate I was going to pair it with is still in transit so I matched the rod with the CI4+ and it worked well.

 

The NRX is night and day an improvement over the St Croix Avids while the CI4+ I didn't have issue with. The St Croix Avids balance is off with the CI4+, its too tip heavy with 6ft 8" to 7ft rods.

 

The balance was perfect with the NRX.

 

One quick question, what's the better reel; Shimano Vanquish or Diawa Certate ?

 

Diawa specs;

 

Model                                      Retrieve Rate Gear Ratio Weight Max Drag (kg)     Bearings 2510PE-H      90      6.0 240 7.0     10/1

 

Shimano Vanquish

 

Model                                      Retrieve Rate Gear Ratio Weight Max Drag (kg)     Bearings 2500HGS 88 6.0 195 4.0     12/1

 

The Certate is $100 cheaper

 

So I have both the Vanquish and Certate (albeit different sizes). The Vanquish is much lighter than pretty much all comparable reels in the respective size categories (even the CI4+). That's why I really like it for freshwater use. For example fishing for shad, I'm fishing all day in the hot sun, with a lot of wind, making hundreds of casts, carefully balancing on rocks, etc... it's definitely the real I would chose as I know there is a chance I could hook into some King and Sockeye salmon as well as shad (the shad are quite decent at 1.5-4lbs and in previous years you could catch 50 in a good day). In tough conditions, being stressed out, and being forced to really work all the time for an extended period of time in combat fishing situations with literally 50+ people lined up side by side I chose the Vanquish. I also definitely think the Vanquish is more refined, maybe it's just me but reeling in line is a lot smoother and easier than the vast majority of reels out there. The combination of the drag being sooo smooth that you don't really feel it in action and the power to drag in the big fish (which I don't feel Sustains and below really have) make it so it's a really enjoyable experience and not so much of a fight. There is a lot of a sleekness to it that you gradually appreciate as you use it more. Overall, I would compare the Vanquish to a cheetah while the Certate is more of a bear.

 

While I haven't used any of the reels to their max I have the slight suspicion that a Certate would give you more fighting power if you are fighting a monster. Hence I use it in saltwater. It's pretty much my night bottom fishing/ small shark reel right now as it's fairly robust. I've always felt that my Daiwa spinning reels reels were just stronger and had more pulling power than my Shimanos and for the most part my go to reels in saltwater were Daiwa and Penn. I think the Certate is a good reel for a lot of applications but I'm not sure if I would use it for bass fishing as they can be heavier and I use would use my spinning gear a lot where I live. I am also prone to getting tennis elbow and shoulder so lightweight definitely helps. Though if you are going for monster bass in the 10lb+ category or spinning gear isn't your predominant setup and/or you aren't making a hundred casts then it should be fine. My own personal preference is to have my freshwater setups be <~10oz unless I'm going for Salmon and bigger. 

 

There is one issue with the Vanquish though and that's regarding its manufacturing. I've heard of some horror stories of people getting their reels from overseas and having all sorts of issues with them. The quality of the reels might be extremely inconsistent. If you do end up wanting preferably get it from someone in person or on forums that you trust. 

[Catt]

A quaility reel will last a lifetime

[Capt.Bob]

Ci4+ w/Legend Elite if using a contact technique, if fishing using a crankbait, spinnerbait, or other reaction type lures I would go with the Avid!! If you have the money go for the Stella and Legend Elite, but whatever reel I use I go with the best rods built in my opinion which are St. Croix. 

[new2BC4bass]

I've had less problems spending more on a reel than on a rod.  However, I've reached the point where I have come to realize I should have spent more on each rod, and bought fewer of them.  Not that any rod I bought turned out not to be worth it....with one exception.  I can make do with a Berkley Lightning (and fished with cheaper rods all the time before 2009 and caught more fish in the 50s, 60s and 70's than now), but have come to enjoy better quality gear.  It brings more pleasure to the fishing experience.....for me.

 

I have never bought a rod or reel with the idea I might eventually want to sell it.  Unfortunately I have acquired enough of both that I need to thin the herd.  The past 2 years I have bought better rods...always looking for a quality rod new on closeout or a used one in good shape at a good price...rather than just buying a rod because it is being sold at a good price.  None are near the price you are willing to spend, but lately I have had the urge to buy an *** and a Megabass rod. 

 

One reason I haven't considered selling a few of my lower cost rods is because I would take such a big loss between it being used and the cost of shipping.  I'd be better off giving them to some local needy fishermen (fisher women).  Besides, helping others has its own rewards. 

 

As always, a long way to say something short.  I'd put more into the rod even though I am a reel fanatic.  Excellent reels can be had for very little money.  A quality rod with excellent sensitivity is never wasted even if it only got used for crankbaits.  Buy once.  Be forever happy. 

 

[SirSnookalot]

No cut and dried answer for me, depends on species as well as where I'm fishing.  I fish only spinning gear, have little interest is super light or super sensitive rods, I don't fish that way.  I buy very few items sight un-seen, much of what I buy I've had an opportunity to fish with.  When I do buy at a store not only do I saddle up the reel on a rod I take a couple of lures (on leaders) with me, hang them fro the tip, gives me a good idea of feel.  My rod criteria is simple, how well it casts and the backbone, the final proof is not in the store but on the water.  I'm pretty happy with most of my reels, the occasional problem does arise like line stacking or bail problems, easily remedied.  Some of my newer reels have a magnetic bail trip and supposed fail proof bail, I do like the overall use of the reels.

[tracker01]

The rod is my contact point with the fish. The reel is just the winch to bring the line in. That being said, it is more fun to buy a reel. That's just me.

[Fish Whacker]

If it's a spinning outfit, I spend more on the rod - you can get a reel that'll do the job for $30 

average spinning reel $80-100 average spinning rod $100 -180

 

If it's a casting outfit, I spend more on the reel and if it's a moderate action casting outfit,

I spend Much more on the reel - I can get a $100 rod that'll work for throwing spinnerbaits

Casting reels are more complex and more expensive for good quality

average casting reel $150-200 average casting rod $80-180

[DelcoSol]

While I have both high end rods and reels I would side with the rod. Reels although the expensive ones are great and a pleasure to use, I don't notice a huge difference between say a Curado and a Metanium. Don't get me wrong, there IS a difference, but if it's worth the money is up to you. I guess it depends on what you're using it for too. for just your average crankbait spinnerbait and jig/worm reel something $200 or less would be just fine. Spinning reels I'll never spend more than $100 and that's even overkill sometimes.

 

If I could do it over again I would just buy Curado I and save the money. That Steez sure does make me smile every time I use it though...

[Bass&PanMan]

Based on my limited experience, I would say Rod but the new Daiwa Certate I replaced the Shimano Stradic CI4+ on an Avid 7ft MF transformed it. Turned it from an uneasy feeling to a reel pleasure, haha 'reel'.

I am coming to turns that there are performance differences the more you pay in either Rod and reel

[lmbfisherman]

I bought high end for rods for bottom contact.  Most of my reels are in the 100-300 dollar range.  However I find that you can find some rods fish better than some higher priced rods.  Like for instance my Fenwick ET and Aetos, they fish above their price point.