Cabela's Pro Guide Vs. Tourney Trail Casting Rods

[BooyahMan]

I'm looking into buying another rod for mainly frog fishing. I currently have a Cabela's Pro Guide Series 7' heavy action in a two piece and love it; I never feel undergunned in the lily pads but it's sensitive enough and light enough to fish with all day. I was about to buy a second one when I came across the the Tourney Trail (IM8 version) with similar specs, 7' heavy action and it's a two piece. The only difference noticeable to me is the graphite (IM6 vs IM8) and the handle (full cork vs. split grip).

 

Now being situated where I am, I don't have the opportunity to test the Tourney Trail myself as the closest Cabelas is a fair ways away. Has anyone used the Tourney Trail and can recommend it or better yet compare it to the Pro Guide? I calculated the price difference after juggling back and forth between the Canadian and American online stores and it comes out to be $20 more for the Tourney Trail. What I am looking for is whether or not it is as light or lighter weight-wise as the Pro Guide without sacrificing pulling power, as I would be using it in fairly heavy lily pads for 4-5 hours at a shot.  The only other thing I'm hesitant about is the split grip handle. I grew up fishing rods with full cork handles and, at least right now, the split grips feel awkward for me. This is not a deal breaker however as if the benefits of spending the extra $20 are justified on the Tourney Trail, I will just try to get used to it.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Sonik]

I can't speak for the heavy models. Or the IM8 version that is brand spanking new this year. But no one else has replied so I will throw my 2 cents in.

I like the Tourny Trail rod. I believe they call the model I have the "SE" which is from the last few years. It has foam split grips and is IM7. Although at the price point ($35 U.S. when on sale) there can't be a world of difference between the two rods.

I have the 7' ML/F spinning rod and it is excellent for dropshot and ned rig applications. I have pulled in some fish that I didn't think it could handle and it did so without creaking, popping, squealing, or anything of the sort.

I also had a 7' MH/MF casting rod before I handed that to someone who needed it more than I did. That was a nice rod. Very versatile.

In short, I like them. They're inexpensive and quality. Light weight and sensitive. I can't speak for the IM8 of this year but I imagine it's a similar deal. Cork may not be top notch though.

[smalljaw67]

The SE Tourney trail is on sale now and is less expensive than the pro guide. The SE is like an upgraded pro guide, not bad rods at all, I have a Tourney trail spinning rod I got for my wife 12 or 14 years ago and it still looks new, they hold up and the performance level is better than you would expect.

[the reel ess]

I think light, stiff and durable would be what you need. Not necessarily sensitive for frog fishing. That's mostly sight fishing. But if it might double as a flipping stick, then it never hurts to have sensitivity.

[HoosierHawgs]

Online the Tourney Trails are 35 bones. If you could get it with free shipping somehow, then I'd buy that one in a snap.

[Sonik]

Online the Tourney Trails are 35 bones. If you could get it with free shipping somehow, then I'd buy that one in a snap.

Buy 3 of them. Free shipping on $99.

This always bugged me about the big box stores. Tackle Warehouse always has their deal, I don't get why Cabela's and Bass Pro can't do something similar.

[Penguino]

Buy 3 of them. Free shipping on $99.

This always bugged me about the big box stores. Tackle Warehouse always has their deal, I don't get why Cabela's and Bass Pro can't do something similar.

Buy from gander then lol.

[BooyahMan]

Thanks for the info guys. Unfortunately being up in Canada I have to pay for shipping. Even if I did have PO box across the border I don't think I want to buy 3 of them haha. Please don't tempt the bait monkey. 

[BooyahMan]

Nevermind. Double post. 

[HoosierHawgs]

Buy 3 of them. Free shipping on $99.

This always bugged me about the big box stores. Tackle Warehouse always has their deal, I don't get why Cabela's and Bass Pro can't do something similar.

I don't know. I only buy online at BPS when they have free shipping for x amount of time

[HoosierHawgs]

Thanks for the info guys. Unfortunately being up in Canada I have to pay for shipping. Even if I did have PO box across the border I don't think I want to buy 3 of them haha. Please don't tempt the bait monkey.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy 3. Maybe buy a few different powers/lenghts/actions. If you don't need them right away, hold them back until one gives out. You could be loaded with decent rods for a while that way.

[BooyahMan]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy 3. Maybe buy a few different powers/lenghts/actions. If you don't need them right away, hold them back until one gives out. You could be loaded with decent rods for a while that way.

 

Turns out I can't anyways as I still need to have a US address to ship to. But thanks for tempting the bait monkey!

[KB Fisherman]

I understand this reply is a year after this post started, but I think people would still benefit from this, as both the Pro Guide and Tourney Trail poles are a steal for what you pay. So here's my two pennies.

The Tourney Trail is the higher end model of the two. It's lighter, and it feels a little more sensitive than the Pro Guide. Now, that doesn't mean the Pro Guide is a bad choice. They're both amazing rods for the price. At my Cabela's, the Tourney's are actually cheaper than the Pro's, so I picked a couple up. They're both the IM8 versions and the Pro's were IM6. 

I got a 7' Medium and a 6'6" Medium for a Quantum Accurist PT and an Abu Garcia Silvermax. They're wonderful setups considering the price. Even though they are last year's model, I love them. I think they're on clearance due to labor day and holiday sales starting here soon. So it'd make sense for Cabela's to slash the price by 30-40% to make room for the new products. 

The real price for the Tourney Trail is like $80-$90, but I got the both for $80. Pair this rod with a sweet reel and you'll never regret it. Cabela's fishing gear has always been good in my opinion.

I know Daiwai makes their reels. But I have no idea who makes their rods. If I had to make a guess, I'd say St. Croix. But again, that's a really wild guess.

Regardless, either one you get, your getting a huge bang for the buck. The Pro Guides are good too, I just don't have nearly as much experience with them as I do the Tourney. They are fairly sensitive and have a decent weight, but I would rather have the Tourney just because of its ridiculously light weight. You hardly notice your holding a 7' pole when using it. However, if you like a pole with a little heft, nothing wrong with the Pro Guide.