Why on earth would anyone spend $400 on a bass rod?

[Further North]

2 hours ago, NYWayfarer said:

I am not talking about a manufacturers defect I am speaking of breaking the rod by doing something dumb, I am accident prone.

 

I will not return the rod for replacement if it was my fault.

St. Croix actually has a program for that:http://stcroixrods.com/service-warranty/service-warranty-policies/

 

Their "Gold Service Plan":

 

Quote

GOLD STAR SERVICE PLAN

Ahh..but what if you’re not registered as the original owner of the rod. Or your buddy stepped on your rod, or slammed it in a car door, or worse yet, used it to free a snag. No worries. St. Croix’s Gold Star Plan eliminates the uncertainty of a dubious warranty claim.

 

6 minutes ago, Montanaro said:

Lets get something straight...

 

The difference in an imported exotic v10 super car among other cars is substantially greater than a $400 fishing stick among cheaper sticks.

 

 

Not really.  It's all about incremental improvement.

 

There's a huge difference between a $300 basic pump shotgun and a $100,000 Boss, or Purdy to...but every step along the way has it's benefit and associated cost.

 

Same with cars, rods, boats...IMO, of course.

[S Hovanec]

3 hours ago, NYWayfarer said:

I will not return the rod for replacement if it was my fault.

 

Me either.  I have 2 old LE's that are broke.  No clue how, just that they were broke when I pulled them out of the rod sock.  They weren't broke in a fishing situation and I doubt due to manufacturer's defect as they were both 4+ years old when they broke.  I won't send them back.  Not their fault they broke.

 

 

17 hours ago, Weedwhacker said:

I know a lot of fishermen who would never pay $400.00 for a rod

 

I would never pay $400 for a rod, but I have no problem spending $250-$300+ on components to build myself a $500+ rod.

[FattyWnnaCookie]

On 12/31/2017 at 5:30 PM, Angry John said:

The real truth is you can not change someone's mind if they are ignorant and don't have the means.  Maybe they want to be happy with there cheap gear.  We waste our time trying to convince someone who does not want to be converted.  I see this thread every winter.  If you don't want to spend the money dont.  We're not communist yet.

Well my question wasnt about ignorance or not having the means etc... It was really about a tournament rod that a pro uses being almost 300 dollars less than another rod. I do not see where the extra 300 dollars improves the other rod. Thats the real question.

On 1/1/2018 at 4:54 PM, Montanaro said:

Scott won FLW using almost exclusively his TCS rods and I watched him use them in those tournaments.

 

They are well made dependable rods that fit his style of fishing and look nice to boot.

 

I cant afford $400 rods, but if I could Id buy one or two for the lightness and sensitivity and comfort.  I have a used steez 6'7" i got for $175 and I can fish it all day and ive caught fish I wouldn't have felt with some low end rods I have owned.

 

However Id prefer to buy a few $200 rods rather than 1 or 2 400-500 rods

 

I agree about his line of rods. However, my question (somewhat skewed throughout this thread) was more about how his rods could be priced less than half of the other rod, yet perform great for a world class bass angler. They do the job great, so its tough for me to wrap my head around a 400 dollar rod that cant possibly catch the fish any better.

[RichF]

42 minutes ago, S Hovanec said:

 

Me either.  I have 2 old LE's that are broke.  No clue how, just that they were broke when I pulled them out of the rod sock.  They weren't broke in a fishing situation and I doubt due to manufacturer's defect as they were both 4+ years old when they broke.  I won't send them back.  Not their fault they broke.

 

 

 

I would never pay $400 for a rod, but I have no problem spending $250-$300+ on components to build myself a $500+ rod.

Seems silly unless you just don't like them.  I would wager that the Croix warranty is somewhat built into the price of their rods. That's why they offer such a great program.  Why not take advantage of a program the company itself offers?

[S Hovanec]

7 minutes ago, RichF said:

 Why not take advantage of a program the company itself offers?

 

Because I despise no fault warranty programs.  It makes people feel the rods are unbreakable and if they do break, regardless of circumstance, I'll just send it back and get another one.  If it would have broke within the first couple trips, I would have sent it back.  As old as it was, I had to damage it in some way.

 

I really wish manufacturers would do away with all of those programs and go to 30 day or 90 day warranty.  If a defect doesn't show up in that length of time, the rod broke due to operator error.

[RichF]

21 minutes ago, FattyWnnaCookie said:

I agree about his line of rods. However, my question (somewhat skewed throughout this thread) was more about how his rods could be priced less than half of the other rod, yet perform great for a world class bass angler. They do the job great, so its tough for me to wrap my head around a 400 dollar rod that cant possibly catch the fish any better.

Skeet Reese uses cheaper rods than Scott.  Many Elites sponsored by Pure Fishing are using Abu Garcia Veritas rods which run $100.  Scott uses Okuma rods because he's paid to do so.  I have no doubt he likes them and thinks they are fine rods...most $100 sticks nowadays are.  His TCS rods are just made in China with cheaper components and lower quality blanks, that's why the difference in price is so substantial.  Legend Xtremes are built in the USA with superior components.  Scott used to be sponsored by Kistler (another more expensive, higher quality rod, built in the USA).  He caught plenty with those too.  Bottom line; his rods work for him because he's a good fisherman. 

 

Many folks just like using high end gear and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.  There are plenty of advantages of $400+ rods over $120 ones, many of which have been discussed in the thread, so I won't rehash.  Whether or not those advantages are worth the extra cash are purely subjective. So again, if you like expensive gear and can afford it, why not?

 

 

[RichF]

21 minutes ago, S Hovanec said:

 

Because I despise no fault warranty programs.  It makes people feel the rods are unbreakable and if they do break, regardless of circumstance, I'll just send it back and get another one.  If it would have broke within the first couple trips, I would have sent it back.  As old as it was, I had to damage it in some way.

 

I really wish manufacturers would do away with all of those programs and go to 30 day or 90 day warranty.  If a defect doesn't show up in that length of time, the rod broke due to operator error.

I suppose this would make sense if the warranty didn't specifically cover accidental damage and they didn't charge for the replacement.  I think it's a good business model that works well for St. Croix.  They get a lot of mine and my father's business because of their warranty.  If you fish enough, rods are going to break; they're fragile toys.  Last year, I broke the tips off a Legend Xtreme, Rage, and Legend Tournament at the same time during transport in a rod tube.  That's close to $800.  Through their warranty, I got them replaced (including an upgrade from the Rage to Avid X) for about $250.  That's a great piece of mind when you fish as much as I do (or used to) and pour tons of money into the industry every year.   

[Angry John]

32 minutes ago, S Hovanec said:

 

Because I despise no fault warranty programs.  It makes people feel the rods are unbreakable and if they do break, regardless of circumstance, I'll just send it back and get another one.  If it would have broke within the first couple trips, I would have sent it back.  As old as it was, I had to damage it in some way.

 

I really wish manufacturers would do away with all of those programs and go to 30 day or 90 day warranty.  If a defect doesn't show up in that length of time, the rod broke due to operator error.

Some people do have very short periods.  I think the black widow rods from nfc have a very short warranty and maybe the z-bones but not positive.  I know there out there maybe I got the company wrong.

[fishindad]

Back in my mid-to-late twenties (1980's and 90's) I was a highly competitive triathlete in California. I quickly learned that the guys that were the most "dangerous" were the ones who showed up in old grey sweats, with well-used bikes and running shoes. The ones who I was never worried about after the gun showed up in the latest Nike lycra and $3000 bikes that looked like they just came off the showroom floor. All show and no go. 

 

I'm all for people spending their money as they please (assuming they legally earned it of course); this is America. My reply was geared towards folks who believe success (at fishing, life, sports, whatever) is determined by the labels on your "stuff". 

 

My bass fishing role models are Charlie Brewer, Billy Westmoreland, Jerry McKinnis, Ned Kehde, and Larry Nixon. Who'da guessed this big city boy from Chicago would grow up to idolize some good 'old country boys. Those guys didn't need NRX rods or side imaging or spot lock to catch bass.

[68camaro]

28 minutes ago, fishindad said:

Back in my mid-to-late twenties (1980's and 90's) I was a highly competitive triathlete in California. I quickly learned that the guys that were the most "dangerous" were the ones who showed up in old grey sweats, with well-used bikes and running shoes. The ones who I was never worried about after the gun showed up in the latest Nike lycra and $3000 bikes that looked like they just came off the showroom floor. All show and no go. 

 

At shooting range the saying is beware of the old timer with the worn out wheel gun and duffle bag

[Deeare]

1 hour ago, S Hovanec said:

Because I despise no fault warranty programs.  It makes people feel the rods are unbreakable and if they do break, regardless of circumstance, I'll just send it back and get another one

No disrespect but if that's the warranty (no questions asked) why not use it?   It's built into the price of the rod and it is a big reason why a lot of people I know buy g loomis. My wife broke the tip off of a brand new rod in the cellar door.  Thank god I had the warranty!!

[Montanaro]

4 hours ago, Further North said:

St. Croix actually has a program for that:http://stcroixrods.com/service-warranty/service-warranty-policies/

 

Their "Gold Service Plan":

 

 

Not really.  It's all about incremental improvement.

 

There's a huge difference between a $300 basic pump shotgun and a $100,000 Boss, or Purdy to...but every step along the way has it's benefit and associated cost.

 

Same with cars, rods, boats...IMO, of course.

Im just saying if people are going to compare cars to rods at least make an accurate comparison on the percentage difference in cost.

 

Like a hellcat versus a ss camaro.

 

Both can haul ass but the one is more refined and exclusive and a bit faster.

 

Fishing rods have no bugatti equivalent.

[Johnbt]

$400 is nothing.

 

1929 ad...

 

Gold and topaz accents on the rod. The reel is solid gold with a topaz handle.

 

[Fishinthefish]

1 hour ago, Montanaro said:

Im just saying if people are going to compare cars to rods at least make an accurate comparison on the percentage difference in cost.

 

Like a hellcat versus a ss camaro.

 

Both can haul ass but the one is more refined and exclusive and a bit faster.

 

Fishing rods have no bugatti equivalent.

http://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5037

The Bugatti.

[Angry John]

21 minutes ago, Fishinthefish said:

http://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5037

The Bugatti.

That's the cheapest arms rod I have seen.

https://www.eastackle.com/c-1319-megabass-arms-super-leggera-bait-casting-rods.aspx

[LOZSteve]

That's the cheapest arms rod I have seen.

https://www.eastackle.com/c-1319-megabass-arms-super-leggera-bait-casting-rods.aspx

 

Fortunately those are listed as out of stock so I lost interest quickly. Guess I won’t start selling off my NRX’s just yet. Someday I am sure I will get tired of them as well. You can only stay on top so long. 

[Montanaro]

Aint no girl dropping her panties for a megabass rod...

[Fishinthefish]

32 minutes ago, LOZSteve said:

That's the cheapest arms rod I have seen.

https://www.eastackle.com/c-1319-megabass-arms-super-leggera-bait-casting-rods.aspx

 

Fortunately those are listed as out of stock so I lost interest quickly. Guess I won’t start selling off my NRX’s just yet. Someday I am sure I will get tired of them as well. You can only stay on top so long. 

That's because they're custom built per order, you have to specify which handed you are because they custom shave the wood down to fit the hand you'll be holding the rod with while reeling. Pain in the ass for people who cast with one then switch. Great for guys like me.

 

32 minutes ago, Montanaro said:

Aint no girl dropping her panties for a megabass rod...

You're dating the wrong women my friend.

[TnRiver46]

19 hours ago, hawgenvy said:

A relatively wealthy fishing buddy of mine uses cheap rods and reels, and does very well with them. He enjoys fishing and catching fish, as I do. He enjoys, like me, being outdoors.  We both love going out and thinking about fishing and nothing else. The problems of work, home, politics, bills and money disappear as we concern ourselves with what bait to throw next and where to throw it. But I have an additional pleasure in fishing that he doesn't have. I'm talking about machine pleasure, the appreciation of refined mechanical function, the beauty of fine fit and finish, the smoothness of a reel, the liveliness of the rod working the bait, its lightness and sensitivity, the sublime way a fine rod bends to a big fish while maintaining confident power and control. My friend doesn't get that at all, just like many people cannot appreciate a superb automobile. To them it's just transportation. Sure, an important aspect of having great equipment has to do with what you can afford.  But in most cases it's a matter of priorities.  If you can appreciate the beauty and feel of a fine machine, if using a finely crafted $300-400 rod or reel sends shivers of pleasure down your spine, go for it. But if it doesn't matter to you, use cheap but functional stuff.  It works nearly as well and you won't even know what you're missing.

Bingo

[Angry John]

49 minutes ago, LOZSteve said:

That's the cheapest arms rod I have seen.

https://www.eastackle.com/c-1319-megabass-arms-super-leggera-bait-casting-rods.aspx

 

Fortunately those are listed as out of stock so I lost interest quickly. Guess I won’t start selling off my NRX’s just yet. Someday I am sure I will get tired of them as well. You can only stay on top so long. 

If your goin to do that then there is the conquest and your already behind

[iabass8]

7 hours ago, Deeare said:

I love high end gear but you don't have to pay full price If you wait for a good deal online. 

 

I won't buy a rod over $200 unless it's on sale (at least $100 off).   I ended up getting a glx last year during an online sale for $250.  G loomis has the wildcard program (you got to register the rod though).  When the rod breaks in 4 or 5 years they will replace it for free no questions asked!!!   

 

Make sure your the high end rod has a great warranty and it's a no brainer!!!

That's kind of true. Gloomis does not offer the wild card program anymore and has not since 2015/2016. It is now the Xpeditor program that is not a one time free no questions asked replacement that is sent to you immediately and you are given 30 days to send your broken one back or you are charged for the new one. It's X amount of dollars in regards to the series. I believe the NRX is 100$. If you have an old wildcard, they will be honored but you won't get a new one in return and they do not offer them anymore. 

[CroakHunter]

I use $400 rods to fish with. And $120 rods to beat dead horses with.

[LesterKTM]

I have been working my way up the rod and reel price ladder. Fished cheap walmart stuff most of my life. Been getting more serious last few years. Bought a few Lews $80 rods and $100 speed spool baitcasters. Nice step up for sure but then I bought a few Dobyns Fury rods $110. Very Nice rods. I was most surprised by the weight. So light and sensitive. Then I got a Okuma EVX B rod for a great price and it really surprised me. IMO on par with the Dobyns maybe even lighter. I followed that up with a couple Okuma Scott Martin TCS rods and another step up in rod quality. Unbelievably light. Add a couple BB1 reels and I am loving these. Maybe a few more years and I might end up with a Loomis or Dobyns Champion...  We will see. Until then I am thoroughly impressed with the Dobyns and Okuma rods. A big step up from the under $150 combos.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

6 hours ago, S Hovanec said:

 

Because I despise no fault warranty programs.  It makes people feel the rods are unbreakable and if they do break, regardless of circumstance, I'll just send it back and get another one.  If it would have broke within the first couple trips, I would have sent it back.  As old as it was, I had to damage it in some way.

 

I really wish manufacturers would do away with all of those programs and go to 30 day or 90 day warranty.  If a defect doesn't show up in that length of time, the rod broke due to operator error.

I'm with ya 1000%. These "warranties " are really insurance policies with the premium hidden in the price of the rod. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I could care less what equipment a "pro" uses. They're salesmen. That's not a knock by any means just a fact. In some cases they don't even use the stuff they promote. "Pro sports " are advertising vehicles. Keeping that in mind lends perspective to the content. I give more weight to the feedback of members here than I would to anything from coverage of any tournament.