Best Casting Rod For $ 200

[pinchofpepper]

I got a TW gift card and I want to buy a casting rod for my new Steez SV but I'm not very familiar with American fishing brands. So I hope someone can help me out . 

 

What is the best rod for $ 200 (-230) ?

My criteria are sensitivity and quality. 

 

What would be your choice and why ?

[sprint61]

You don't have the best on the list. Kistler klx high quality guides, cork, and reel seat and the most impressive part a north fork composites blank. Kistler rods have the cleanest build I've ever seen. Pretty much a "custom" rod imo.

[pinchofpepper]

added it , thank you 

[Jd_Phillips_Fishin]

Duckett 

[Big C]

I would consider Carrot Stix, they are insanely sensitive.  Although I am pretty confident I would be the only one to vote for them.  They are awesome rods.

[desmobob]

added it , thank you 

 

And I just voted for it.  I have five of the KLX series rods and they make me happy every time I fish.  Today, I was dragging a jig real S-L-O-W and doing that reminded me how sensitive the KLX is.

TackleTour gave the KLX its "Best Value" award when it tested the 7' MF.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[MidwestF1sh]

Powell max 3d??? Throw that on there!

Can you get a dobyns that cheap?

[Cgrinder]

Zodias. Haven't gotten my hands on the Levante yet but that's my second choice.

[pinchofpepper]

Powell max 3d??? Throw that on there!

Can you get a dobyns that cheap?

No but spending  $ 30-50 more, is okay for me . 

I think I'll go with the Avid X or the Helium 3 .

[sprint61]

No but spending $ 30-50 more, is okay for me .

I think I'll go with the Avid X or the Helium 3 .

Yes if you can stretch your budget that much get the helium 3 I have one and love it. I might get flamed for this but honestly imo and I know a lot of other people's NFC blank > anything else.

[Jrob78]

No but spending  $ 30-50 more, is okay for me . 

I think I'll go with the Avid X or the Helium 3 .

Helium 3 over all those you listed.

[pinchofpepper]

The decision has been made. I've ordered the Helium 3 and my next purchase will be the Avid X.

So happy that TW offers international shipping. 

 

Thank you for your support.

[desmobob]

The decision has been made. I've ordered the Helium 3 and my next purchase will be the Avid X.

So happy that TW offers international shipping. 

 

Thank you for your support.

 

Nice!  I hope the fish keep it bent for you.  

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[fishballer06]

I prefer the standard Avid over the Avid X (I prefer the reel seat better), but I gave my vote to the Avid X. 

 

You'll be hard pressed to get a Dobyns Champion for under $200, but if you can, my vote goes to the Champion. 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

If you wait may be able to get 20% off during BF sales

[carlm01]

I prefer GLoomis I have a few gl2's and gl3's an IMX and GLX   all are either HVY or MHVY most are within the 200.00 price range with exception of the IMX amd GLX...

[Hogsticker]

I'm late to the party, but I'd go Klx first, then Zodias. They both utilize smaller caliber fuji alconite guides which is a plus in my book. You're getting a great, reputable blank with Kistler. Both leave me longing for a full handle though. I've only handled a few Zodias, but the blank felt crisp, responsive, and lively with a relatively decent amount of flex to it making it universal I would imagine. Didn't care for all the clear coat on the blank, but that's shimano for ya.

[DanQS13]

On 11/17/2015 at 7:56 PM, MidwestF1sh said:

Powell max 3d??? Throw that on there!

Can you get a dobyns that cheap?

I can get Dobyns Champion for 160-180 depending on the power/taper/length.  Dobyns offers active duty and vets 30% any rod if ordered straight from Dobyns.  Just have to provide proof.  Or... everyone else wait until a good TW sale, lol.