Help me decide

[MN Fisher]

One of the things I'll be doing this winter is starting to add-to/upgrade my equipment.

 

Currently I have one baitcaster, an Ambassdeur 500R that's a couple decades old. It works fine for what I use it for, drop-shotting, cranking and buzz-baits.

 

I'm looking to get another baitcaster combo for heavier work, pitching mainly. The problem being is that I have a limited budget and I'm not sure which to get out of the following .

 

For reels, I'm looking at:

Abu Garcia Pro Max
Daiwa CR 80
Lew's Laser MG Speed Spool MCS
Pflueger President XT
Quantum Throttle

 

and for rods I'm looking at:

Abu Garcia Vendetta
Berkley Shock
Lew’s Laser SG1

 

Your thoughts on the choices presented, or feel free to suggest something else entirely in the same price ranges.

 

Thanks in advance for the assistance.

[new2BC4bass]

Prices seem to be ranging from $53-$80 on those reels.  I'd suggest taking a look at the Supreme XT

 

Or if you can go to $105 they have reconditioned Patriarchs at that price...a $200 reel.  If you don't like either, then I'd suggest a Fuego CT.  I've not used any of the reels you listed.  I haven't used the Fuego either, but have several various Daiwa models from a $30 (on closeout..list $79) Procaster 100HN Procaster on up.  The Fuego is always recommended at that price range.

 

Haven't used my new Supreme XT yet, but it is a very nice looking reel.  Reviews and posts mentioning them have all been good.

 

I would add the Daiwa Aird X to that list of rods.

 

Not so much rods (in your price range) because of the cost of shipping, but used reels can often be found at a greatly reduced price.  It is a great way to get a reel that new sells beyond your budget.  Probably my best buy was an older blue Patriarch XT in very good condition for $65...a $250 reel.

[MN Fisher]

It might just be me, but I'm always a little leery when the word 'refurbished' gets tossed around. Yes, they may have brought it back to factory specs, but the warranty on refurbished gear is markedly less than on new.

 

I'm not a 'out 4-5 times a week for all day' kind of fisherman. I'll get out once or twice a week for 4-5 hours. So I'm not looking for something that'll take a beating 30-40 hours a week, but something that'll do the job for 8-10 hours a week.

 

Thanks anyway.

[PhishLI]

I'll second that on the Aird rods. My brother picked up the Daiwa AIRX701HFB to get his feet wet pitching jigs. 54$ on Amazon. I was suprised at the build quality, feel, and weight of the rod. Very light. He's even chucked 1 1/4oz swimbaits on it too. No problem.

[new2BC4bass]

7 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

It might just be me, but I'm always a little leery when the word 'refurbished' gets tossed around. Yes, they may have brought it back to factory specs, but the warranty on refurbished gear is markedly less than on new.

 

I'm not a 'out 4-5 times a week for all day' kind of fisherman. I'll get out once or twice a week for 4-5 hours. So I'm not looking for something that'll take a beating 30-40 hours a week, but something that'll do the job for 8-10 hours a week.

 

Thanks anyway.

I don't worry about warranties, but if that is important to you then new is no doubt the best way to go.  I picked up a pair of the older gold colored Carbonlites as a package deal that had been refurbished. The seller had been able to take his pick of the reels setting on the shelf.   Have been good reels for me.

 

You fish more than I do. 

[Choporoz]

7 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

It might just be me, but I'm always a little leery when the word 'refurbished' gets tossed around. Yes, they may have brought it back to factory specs, but the warranty on refurbished gear is markedly less than on new.

 

I'm not a 'out 4-5 times a week for all day' kind of fisherman. I'll get out once or twice a week for 4-5 hours. So I'm not looking for something that'll take a beating 30-40 hours a week, but something that'll do the job for 8-10 hours a week.

 

Thanks anyway.

FFO is solid.  Give ahead and call them about warranty on specific item before you buy, if you're concerned.   You may well get same as new warranty.  If a model I want is in their current inventory,  new or reconditioned,  I'd buy from them in a heartbeat.   

[NYWayfarer]

I have the Lew's Laser SG1 rod. Surprising quality for a $50 rod. Nice cork split grip rod IMO. I also like the Abu Vendetta.

 

You can get a Lew's LFS on sale for $69 at American Legacy Fishing. Great reel that falls in your price range.

[Joshua van Wyk]

None of those, you can get a Daiwa Fuego ct for $60 on ebay, and a Dobyns fury for $110 pretty much anywhere. This is a much better combo than you listed and cheaper too. Highly recommend you go this route.

[MN Fisher]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. This isn't going to be an immediate purchase, probably around late April/Early May (season doesn't open until mid-May for C&R). I'll be looking around at deals until then and taking heed of what people here are saying.

 

Thanks again for the help.

[Nathan.bass.canada]

I will second on the daiwa fuego and aird combo. Inexpensive and very nice. Other options could also be a shimano caenan for the price! 

 

Nathan,

[MN Fisher]

Thanks everyone for the opinions.

 

Given the sale price on it, I've ordered a Fuego CT-XS and an Aird-X 7' H/F rod to go with it. I should see them the first week of Jan.

[new2BC4bass]

3 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Thanks everyone for the opinions.

 

Given the sale price on it, I've ordered a Fuego CT-XS and an Aird-X 7' H/F rod to go with it. I should see them the first week of Jan.

Nice!  I think you will enjoy the combo.