Lew's Carbon Fire Spinning Rod

[Ruy Lopez]

I'm thinking of getting a medium-light spinning rod for finesse applications.  Right now my local Dick's has a deal on the Lew's Carbon Fire Spinning Rod.  My budget is about $100 but I'm pretty frugal and love deals; so if there isn't an appreciable difference from this rod and the $100 rods then I think I would lean toward this rod.  Specs are 6'8", medium-light power, fast-action.  What do you all think?  If I go with this rod then of course my next question would be what would be a good reel to pair with this.  Of course if the snow doesn't clear then this is all moot!!

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

Haven’t tried the Carbon Fire but have a little experience with the Lew’s TP 1 with the identical description.  I’d be willing to bet that as a twice-a-week kayak fisherman I’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference ... we’ll, I think I’d figure out the colors weren’t the same.  Unless you’re a rod snob I think it would work fine.  A couple of thoughts:

 

I took my reel into the store and mounted it on the rod to see how it felt. Turned out the balance was exactly what I wanted. You might want to do the same.

 

I would also check to see where the lure keeper is located.  Not a big deal but if it’s on the butt it can be annoying, not to mention painful.  There are add-on keepers (the Fuji EZ Keep for about $3.00 was recommended to me) if this is the case. May not be an issue but I believe some of the Lew’s rods are built this way.

 

Regardless, I personally would be reluctant to buy a rod I can’t feel with my grubby mitts before purchasing.  Recommendations are great ... if your hands are the same size as the ones advocating specific rods.  Good luck.

 

[NYWayfarer]

I have that exact rod and have caught Smallmouth in the 3lb range with no issues. 

 

Great rod especially when it’s on sale! I highly recommend it.

 

I pair it with either a Lew’s carbon fire spinning reel 2000 size or a Kastking Sharky II 1500 size spinning reel. 

 

 

[Ruy Lopez]

Well I did it. Went with the Lew’s Carbon Fire 6’8” Medium-light. Paired with the same reel, size 3000. Looks nice and more importantly feels good

 

Now if this thing can cast lures through snow and ice we’ll be in business!!

 

[The Bassman]

I thought they felt real good in the store.  I just don't have a lot of confidence with the SS guides.

[Robert Riley]

It's a good rod. I've got the casting one, it's the same rod that is on the Mach II combo, but with SS inserts. I work at DSG (the carbonfire lineup is DSG exclusive) and it's not worth the $80, but when it's half off it is. We've also had a sale, probably 2x a year where if you buy the reel, you get the rod for free. 

[NYWayfarer]

5 minutes ago, Robert Riley said:

 We've also had a sale, probably 2x a year where if you buy the reel, you get the rod for free. 

Good to know. Thanks!