New Baitcasting rod

[joshmark]

Im looking to buy a med hvy fast action baitcastin rod and would like to know your guys favorite rod in that action and power. I was thinking maybe a st croix avid x but want some opinions on what i should get, i would like to spend 200 dollars or less maybe 250. 

[Fishin' Fool]

What do you plan to use it for? Also check out the reviews of Dobyns Champion. That's in your price range. I just got a Avid X on Friday. Really nice rod!!

[new2BC4bass]

First let me welcome you to the forum.  Welcome!!  

$250 is a good range to be for a custom built rod.  There are plenty of excellent factory rods in the $200 or less range.  Pick your poison.     As I mentioned in another thread, I like my Tatula rods quite a bit.  Checked out the Shimano Crucial and Academy H2O Express rods yesterday, and would have loved one of each if they had been on sale.  Another rod I definitely want is an Okuma Helios, but in Medium.  Tackletour gave this rod a "Great" rating when they tested it.  A friend tells me an Avid or Avid X is hard to beat at the $200 price point.

Actually giving just one recommendation is impossible for me.  If at all possible, I would suggest taking the reel you will be using, and try it on some rods to see which one(s) feel the best to you.  Personally I am not a fan of the short fat triggers.  I prefer the longer ones that are a bit thinner.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Okuma Helios 7' MH/F is just 3.5oz has power quick crisp blank excellent sensitivity and good balance works well with anything over 3/8 in weight. Can be found around $145 for a bit of savings.

I have  LTB Cumara Crucials in the same MSRP range and the Helios holds it own against if not bettering them.

 

$137.72                      http://www.walmart.com/ip/Okuma-Helios-7-Medium-Heavy-Cast-Rod/34742965

And if not what you like very easy to return it

 

[illinifan4152]

In that price range I would go either St Croix avid X or dobyns champion. I own both and they are both fantastic, you will not be dissapointed with either.

[Fishes in trees]

At that price point, you probably shouldn't be buying of the internet or off of some one else's recommendation.   You need to go to tackle stores and touch and feel to figure out which rod feels best to you.  I wouldn't ever buy a rod through the internet unless it was to be a duplicate of one I already had.  I just have to touch and feel a rod prior to purchase.

[Jaderose]

6 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

At that price point, you probably shouldn't be buying of the internet or off of some one else's recommendation.   You need to go to tackle stores and touch and feel to figure out which rod feels best to you.  I wouldn't ever buy a rod through the internet unless it was to be a duplicate of one I already had.  I just have to touch and feel a rod prior to purchase.

This......I would NEVER buy a a rod or reel based on the opinions of others SOLELY.  I could buy the best rod or reel in the world but if it doesn't feel like an extension of my hand I won't use it.  I'll LISTEN to and value the opinions of others certainly but would never buy strictly because of it.