It's between 3 casting rods...help.

[Weedless]

I can't decide between the Falcon Bucoo, Duckett Ghost, and Veritas 2.0.........I plan on using it for more all around versus a only cranking or flipping. They are all around $90. I read reviews on the ghost and buCoo for a hours! I have a vendetta(spinning) and its nice but a little stiff, which concerns me with the veritas. I am getting a Lew speed spool LFS and putting on one of those. It will be my first baitcaster (im nervous), since I have been doing just fine in all my tourneys with my spin rods. 

[ww2farmer]

I own both Veritas's and Bucoo's. Either one is a fine choice. Just go up in power with the Bucoo, and down in power with the Veritas.

 

For example: a H power Bucoo will be about = to a MH Veritas, and MH Bucoo will be about = to a M Veritas.

[runt4561]

i don't care for the veritas myself. kinda thought they were a little dead (low sensitivity). the ghost is the best feeling rod but I have heard of a lot of breakages. my choice would be the falcon.

[MassYak85]

No experience with the other two but that Veritas rod runs a little stiffer than you might expect from other rods with similar specs (from other companies). Can be good or bad depending what you want to do. 

 

Also the LFS speed spool was one of my first baitcasters as well and it's still going strong I think you'll be very happy with it. 

[smalljaw67]

A lot of it will depend on what baits you are going to use and which models of the rods you're looking at. The Ghost rods I eliminate as I am not a fan of hardened chrome guides, especially if you plan on using braid. The Falcon BuCoo rods are nice but the actions are different compared to other manufacturers in that they use a lot of mod fast tapers so the rods are the exact opposite of the Abu Garcia rods in that they flex more than most. Now this is where the types and sizes of baits you intend to use comes into play, the BuCoo rods are more technique specific because of the actions, the weight ranges are usually spot on but say you are looking at a 7' MH rod, with the Falcon you are going to be getting a moderate fast taper, a little stiffer than a cranking rod but too much flex for big heavy wire hooks on baits like jigs. The Veritas is on the stiff side but they work, I have a medium power Vendetta casting rod in the first generation series and while it is stiff, it is far from a broom stick and I'd say it is maybe 1/2 power more than a medium or what some call a light medium heavy. I know it is a lot of info but it isn't just about brands, by knowing the baits and weight ranges you intend to use along with the rod lengths or models you want will help get you a better opinion on what you should get.

[S. Sass]

1 hour ago, MassYak85 said:

Also the LFS speed spool was one of my first baitcasters as well and it's still going strong I think you'll be very happy with it. 

I agree the reel is a good reel in its price range. I have several older ones that are still going strong. 

 

As for the rod I've only used a Falcon Bucoo from your list it was a MH. It was alright but I didn't think it was worth $100.  The Berkley Lightening Shock or a Fenwick HMX are possibly comparable quality for less $.

 

If I'm going to this price range I'll hunt a last year model Fenwick Aetos on eBay I've seen new ones there for less than $100. Also the new St Croix Mojo rods are not much more and I hear they are very nice. I'd save a little more and go that route if I couldn't find a deal on a Aetos. Also might look at the Dobyns Fury seems they are decent to.

 

Of course smart shopping watching for free shipping etc can make it easier to step up to the next tier higher quality rod.

[fishnkamp]

Let me chime in here. I have a Bucoo micro rod and I love it. I have the 7 foot Medium heavy moderately fast rod they call the trap caster.  It is sorta a light medium heavy with its mod fast action taper.  It is an excellent rod to throw rattle traps, small to mid sized crankbaits, squarebills, spinnerbaits,  and buzzbaits.  I would have no problem suggesting it for throwing  texas rigs, or even a swim jigs too. There is enough power that it would be fine. I fish for both bass and stripers with this rod. Often we even catch big blue cats too.

 

I know these rods are not on your list but take a good look at the them if you want a truly all around versatile weapon.

 

First look at a Powell Inferno 683MH CEF.  There is also a Max3D series of this rod but it is about $50 more. I own an original Max series 683MH CEF. I was looking for a versatile all around rod.  It won't be a frog rod, it won't be a flipping stick but if you want a rod to throw baits between 1/4 and 3/4 it is great. Interestingly, it handle lures way heavier than advertised. Go read the Tackle tour review of the original rod. I did call out to Powell and they informed me that the Max3d ( the replacement rod for my series) is a bit stiffer than my rod and that the new Inferno is closest to my original rod.  I have thrown everything from a 1/4 ounce swimjig and trailer, to a 5 inch Reaction Innovation Skinny Dipper on 3/8 oz Picasso swimjig jig head, they look like a fish head on a hook.  I have also thrown spinnerbaits and a crankbaits on it at times. Tackle tour even tested it with a 2 1/2 ounce swimbait, it should not have handled it but it did.

This would be a serious contender if it were me. It costs around $99 from Monster Tackle.  Go here to read the review:  http://www.tackletour.com/reviewpowell683cxfastpg2.html

 

Lastly, Gary Dobyns makes a terrific rod, someone else mentioned the Fury line. Gary is not interested in loud colors, or fancy bling. Instead, he tries to use the very best blanks and best components he can at a price point. He will forgo fancy for quality every time, in order to produce a rod that fishes much more like a rod costing twice as much. Check out his Fury line. If you want a very versatile rod look at the Fury FR 734C or the FR 704C. Gary has said the 734 is the most versatile rod in all of his lineups. 

 

I am sure any of these rods will do you well. 

I have also owned the Veritas rods. They are okay, but run stiff and not nearly as versatile as my other suggestions.

 

[NYBasser]

+1 for the Dobyns Fury. Amazing rod and value for the price.

[basscrusher]

I'm a big fan of the Bucoo...I have 6 (plus 2 Falcon caras).  Which model are you considering?  I might have first-hand experience to help you.

[Loomis13]

The Abu Veracity is on sale for $69.99. Pretty nice rod for that price point.

[CTBassin860]

Ive fished the Falcon and the Veritas.Veritas runs heavy.I liked both rods.Cant go wrong either way really.I liked the Falcon a little better as i felt it was a little more sensitive than the Abu.