Best line of Rods under $180

[TH-Outdoors]

I am looking to completely revamp my rod arsenal and I was thinking about buying only 1 rod series to cover all my bases. I have been looking at the GLoomis e6x line, and Dobyns Savy line. I'm not looking to spend more than $180 per rod. What are your guys suggestions? Is buying one rod series a dumb idea? Also, what are your guys thoughts on split vs full cork

[WIGuide]

Some might prefer having all their rods come from one line for a consistent feel no matter what rod they pick up. Also, if they like the line and are familiar with it, it makes order more rods from that line easier because you know what to expect. 

As far as split/full grip goes, that's a personal preference. Personally I like the split grip look and feel. I palm my reels and in doing so, the center section of cork never got touched on a full grip. If there's no reason to have it there, then why have it? For those that hold the rod behind the reel, some split grips are uncomfortable because they're too small to keep the entire hand on the grip. 

 

As far as what particular rod to look at in you price range, I'd strongly suggest taking a look at the St. Croix Mojo Bass line. Since they've been redesigned and upgraded in blank material, they've managed to pack a lot of value into them. I currently only own one of the newest generation, but I'm looking at adding more to the lineup this year. There are a lot of good rods out there in that price range though, I'm sure you'll find one that you like!

[Fishin' Fool]

Personally I would call Dobyns talk to the manager tell them how many rods you are looking to buy and what you are looking to get and find out if they would give you a bulk discount. I wouldn't doubt that you could get a bunch of Champion rods for around $200.

 

You might want to consider doing the same with St Croix. Their Avid line is around $200/rod.

[roadwarrior]

[crankbank]

33 minutes ago, Fishin' Fool said:

Personally I would call Dobyns talk to the manager tell them how many rods you are looking to buy and what you are looking to get and find out if they would give you a bulk discount. I wouldn't doubt that you could get a bunch of Champion rods for around $200.

 

You might want to consider doing the same with St Croix. Their Avid line is around $200/rod.

 

 

I have spoken with someone at Dobyns about doing this, and they were willing to adjust the price. I never went through with it, so I can't say how many I would have had to buy or what type of discount... but I would definitely suggest shooting them a note.  

[TH-Outdoors]

@WIGuide Thanks for the input, and yes, I've been considering the Mojo Bass line. I have the 7' MH Mod-Fast and so far I love it. It's going to take a lot of hands on experience with the rods in stores before I can pull the trigger. 

[Finnz922]

Irod Crusher and Genesis II. Both are split EVA foam. 

[Fishes in trees]

I kinda do that now.  I have 3 spinner bait rods that are all alike.  Any similar weight reaction bait - spinners - square bills - chatter baits - med to large hollow body swim baits, 

I can throw and switching from rod to rod isn't an issue.

 

I do the same thing with jig rods - my 2 most commonly used jig rods are the same - I have a Curado 50 on one and a Chronarch 50 on the other so I can tell them apart when I reach down to grab one.   Same principle - keeping the rod action the same removed one variable when switching baits.

You're in Weatherby Lake - go to Rogers in Liberty, they carry several different lines of rods and they can hook you up.   I don't get to Kansas very often but a couple of years ago I did and swung by Mojo tackle in Olathe and they have an interesting assortment of rods.

I forgot how to get there, I found the address on the internet and plugged that into my GPS, as I recall it is in kind of an industrial district.

[roadwarrior]

Okuma TCS and Helios

https://www.okumafishing.com/en/product/TCS-Rod/tcs-rod.html

 

Pinnacle Perfecta

http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/s-11-Tournament-Class-Rods.aspx#.WL2shYHytdg

 

 

[WIGuide]

1 hour ago, TH-Outdoors said:

@WIGuide Thanks for the input, and yes, I've been considering the Mojo Bass line. I have the 7' MH Mod-Fast and so far I love it. It's going to take a lot of hands on experience with the rods in stores before I can pull the trigger. 

Not a problem, and I would suggest a lot of hands on experience if you're going to go through with it. If you're going to have a full line it's best to have one that you really like, because if there's something that bugs you about 1 rod is most likely going to bug you about all of them. 

[blckshirt98]

If all my rods were stolen and I had to pick one line from one company I'd go with Phenix, either the M1 or Recon Elite lines.  The M1 is my favorite rod and they have one of the best warranties in the industry (lifetime no questions asked with a reasonable replacement fee).  Get in touch with Vince Borges and he might be able to work something out for multiple rods.

[PatrickKnight]

I have fished or owned a ton of rods in the 150-200 dollar range the the three that I think are the best are: Dobyns Sierra, St. Croix Avid, and the Phenix Recon II.

 

All three are great companies and are about the best in the industry when it comes to customer service.

[CTBassin860]

Never going to go wrong with St.Croix Mojo.I really want to fish the Avid and the LTB line.As far as split vs full grips go,i use and like both.I do however find the full cork more aesthetically pleasing.

[MDbassin]

Dobyns fury 

Dobyns Sierra

st.croix Mojo 

[rangerjockey]

I've been using a couple of the new one 3 MB series for  awhile. 

I believe they will be out the end of this month and they are really good, not just 200 range good .

I always thought the KLX was the best rod in the $200 range but I actually like these better so far.

American Legacy should have them soon

[JBradley500]

I'd get St Croix Avids from gander mountain with a coupon code for 180 each. (From my limited experience). 

[fishnkamp]

For that budget i would look at Dobyns Furys, and Sierras, as well as Irod Genesis II rods and Powell Max rods.Those 3 have some great rods to choose from. There is nothing wrong with one brand and model line but to me there are certain rods from each that I love. I own several from each of these brands. As for full cork, full eva or split handle, that is a matter of what feels best in your hand. I really like split grips for lighter rods. Some of my favorite rods have either split cork or split eva. I like both.  I prefer full cork on my heaviest rods.  Like rods I throw heavy jigs, carolina rigs, punching etc.  I would imagine I would prefer it for Aabama and big swim bait rods as well. I do not know because I do not throw them.

[Kidflex]

Hammer rods. You won't be disappointed. 

Powel max3d rods have impressed me for thei price. 

[Oklahoma Mike]

2 hours ago, Kidflex said:

Hammer rods. You won't be disappointed. 

 

Hammer was going to be my suggestion as well. They also offer 15% military discount. 

 

[Turkey sandwich]

Stretching the budget to $200-210 Avid/Avid X are great rods, and for my taste the best rods I've fished for under $250.  If you're set at $180, don't overlook the Fenwick Aetos line.  They're really solid rods.