Looking to upgrade my all purpose setup

[Paul Schiffner]

I recently snapped my fav baitcast setup. Should I invest into a combo like the mach crush or mach 2 ($100)  yes I like the colors haha don't bash me.. I'm looking to spend about 200. Or any other suggestions for a great setup? Main lures I throw are chatterbaits, lipless and squarebills..

[Gorris317]

Honestly. I would look at a Daiwa Tatula CT and Daiwa Tatula rod. If you look on ebay or sportsmans outfitters should be able to get that combo for $200. You could also look at The Shimano SLX combo which can be had for about the same price. 

 

 

[Paul Schiffner]

16 hours ago, Gorris317 said:

Honestly. I would look at a Daiwa Tatula CT and Daiwa Tatula rod. If you look on ebay or sportsmans outfitters should be able to get that combo for $200. You could also look at The Shimano SLX combo which can be had for about the same price. 

 

 

Funny, todsy I started watching reviews on the slx combo.. I might get the xt for the couple bucks more.. Thank you for your input 

[new2BC4bass]

If I didn't mention it before,   to the forum.  Good luck choosing.  Be sure to let us know what you get and how you like it.

[Paul Schiffner]

9 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

If I didn't mention it before,   to the forum.  Good luck choosing.  Be sure to let us know what you get and how you like it.

Thank you. I definitley will, then I'll probably post a review a few  weeks after with my thoughts. 

[ElijahH]

Dobyns Fury for rod, one of the best rods for around $100, actually about $109 

Although I don't own one l, I have fished with one several times and if you just read some reviews you can see everyone else agrees.

Shimano Caenan for reel, definitely a beast for $99, The SLX is meant to replace the Caenan and be better, but I personally think the SLX is a little too new and will stick to the Caenon for a while. 

Good Luck! 

[Mikeltee]

There is nothing wrong with the lews combos. A butt load are sold and I haven't seen any bad reviews. I too like the colors. Go for it.

[Diggy]

On 7/25/2019 at 11:46 PM, Paul Schiffner said:

I recently snapped my fav baitcast setup. Should I invest into a combo like the mach crush or mach 2 ($100)  yes I like the colors haha don't bash me.. I'm looking to spend about 200. Or any other suggestions for a great setup? Main lures I throw are chatterbaits, lipless and squarebills..

https://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/shimano-slx-casting-rod-reel-combo.html

 

SLX combo in various options of your choice for $139.99, do it.

[Sam]

Paul, some suggestions:

1.  Check the weight of the rods you are considering. How many ounces do they weigh. Do you like the balance?

2.  Check out the rods that are "technique specific" such as for the baits you will be throwing (crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, rattle traps, etc.). This also includes the tip action that is best for the baits you are going to throw.

3.  Check out the rods that are suggested by the pros as those rods have to be good.

4.  Check the rod's parameters regarding the line test and bait weight parameters. Always stay in between these numbers for all setups.

5.  Always ask for the gear ratio of your baitcaster reels. Make sure the speed is what you need to work the baits properly and to bring the fish to you in a rapid manner.

6.  Check the line test parameters for each baitcaster you are considering.

7.  Lew's and Shimano have been excellent reels. Now we have the Abu's  and Daiwa's coming on strong. Check out which pros like what reels, too.

8.  Match up the rod and reel in the store when you go shopping. See how the set up feels after you put them together and move them around. If you have your reel bring it with you to the tackle shop and put it on the rods.

9.  Buying "on-line" can save you money but you will not be able to actually touch the product. Keep in mind the write ups about the rods and reels are sales talk so take it with a grain of salt. A retailer can't write that the rod actually sucks and the reel is expected to break in about a week from the plastic gears.

10.  When you get your baitcaster reel, open it to make sure the grease is in good condition. You have no idea of how long the reels have been sitting on the shelves. If you go to a active tackle shop where they turn over reels fast you may not have to worry about the grease condition inside the reel.

11.  Ask others in your area about what rods and reels they use and like.  If you can find a bass fisherman in your area (wherever that is as you do not list it) who fishes tournaments or works in a tackle shop listen to what they suggest.

 

$200 can be split for a good rod in the $120 range and a good reel in the $80 range. Look for sales later this year and early next year for some excellent offers. 

 

Be careful of the store brands. They should be good but I have had problems with the BPS reels and a few rods that snapped.  Of course, BPS has a great return policy so find out what the return policy offers from the place you buy your equipment. Overall, in my humble opinion, BPS rods out perform the BPS reels.

 

Good luck and let us know what you buy.

[Tizi]

If it were me, I would go with the SLX combo.  I purchased 2 from ALF and I love them!  I have a 6'10" M/XF with 6.3:1 reel and 7'2" M/XF with 7.3:1 reel

[Grim_Reaver]

On 7/25/2019 at 11:46 PM, Paul Schiffner said:

I recently snapped my fav baitcast setup. Should I invest into a combo like the mach crush or mach 2 ($100)  yes I like the colors haha don't bash me.. I'm looking to spend about 200. Or any other suggestions for a great setup? Main lures I throw are chatterbaits, lipless and squarebills..

My Mach 2 is my favorite combo. The reel is awesome but the graphite frame does flex a bit when you hook into a good fish. For lipless cranks and chatterbaits, you might want a longer rod if you're ripping it through grass, say 7'2 or 7'3. 

[KP Duty]

With a $200 budget, I'd pick up one of the new tatula rods with cork....and pair it with a fuego ct in 8.1.

[Crankin4Bass]

Is there an option of reusing the reel from the rod that snapped and spend all $200 on the new rod?