Best 250$ spinning rod

[HookdUP]

With the current sales going on and me with some broken rods due to accident . tired of my micro Magic’s and looking to upgrade . 250 is my limit . Been looking at champion xp’s. But whats out there that’s better 

 

the rod rod will be used primarily to throw rover 128’s and whopper plopper 110s. And poppers . Some light duty senko work. 

 

 

7ft medium action micro magic was able to handle all of this but had bad experience too many times with them . 

 

 

So whats out there ? 

[Mikeltee]

Champion extremes from the refurb section(I'd go this route), something $400 retail used, or the Alpha Angler Wrench(I went this route and love it).

 

The only reason I didnt get a refurb extreme is because all I owned was Dobyns and I wanted to try other brands.

[hwright38]

Shimano Zodias would be my recommendation. Good sensitivity, and they've got enough power in the M to handle casting a 110 plopper. Can't go wrong with a Champion XP either. 

[Scott F]

From reading posts here about fishing rods, choosing the “best” rod is purely subjective. What feels the best to me, probably won’t feel the best to you. There aren’t any bad rods to be had in your price range. Visit a good tackle shop and find out what feels best to you.

[Bass Whoopin']

You could have a custom rod built that caters to your exact needs. I know it's easier to just buy one from a dealer/ company but more money does not always mean a better rod. Also just because you spend a lot doesn't mean it's any better than the other rod models from that specific company. I'm having a custom rod made to go with my Pro Ti reel. I have had countless people recommend him to me and say that his rods are comparable to top of the line loomis rods. I paid $230 to have it made and i'm pretty excited to try it out when i get it. I have a Pro Ti rod with the Pro Ti reel and i'm curious to see how a custom rod compares at 30 dollars cheaper. I hear once you go custom you'll never go back to manufactured rods again. We shall see. I used to have a Shimano Zodias with a Stradic Ci4+ and let me tell you that was the nicest spinning setup i have ever used in my entire life. I regret selling it. I love Lew's but their spinning reels aren't the greatest. Their casters on the other hand in my opinion are amazing. But shimano makes really solid stuff too. I've been wanting to try some of the DC series reels shimano makes. But anyways check out some custom rod makers and see what they can quote ya for a custom built rod. Best of luck on your decision! Tight lines!

 

[Deeare]

Check out kistler.  The helium is on sale for $220.   Retail is $300.   Great rods. Super light and sensitive.  Made in the USA!   I have many brands of rods:   Gloomis,  mega bass.  Dobyn’s.  St croix and I think they the best bang for the buck 

[Mikeltee]

11 minutes ago, Deeare said:

Check out kistler.  The helium is on sale for $220.   Retail is $300.   Great rods. Super light and sensitive.  Made in the USA!   I have many brands of rods:   Gloomis,  mega bass.  Dobyn’s.  St croix and I think they the best bang for the buck 

Yep that's a steal. I would assume this sale will be over tomorrow. They havent been that low in a long time. I'd go this route for sure. I plan on getting a MH H3 one of these days. If I had the cash I'd add to cart.

[DogBone_384]

58 minutes ago, Deeare said:

Check out kistler.  ............  Great rods. Super light and sensitive.  Made in the USA!

X2

[dam0007]

If you go Champ XP 704 but if it’s gonna be a lot of heavy top water id suggest a Sierra 705 instead. Stronger rod for those bigger baits and more of a moderate taper than the DC. 

[Mikeltee]

I have the 704 champ in spinning. Its decent. I think you can do a lot better for the money. The champion line shines for the crankbait and swimbait techniques. For senko work, I would get the best you can afford to feel those subtle bites, and for $250, I feel you can do a lot better than the champs. If you are stuck on champions, dicks has the 734 for $170 and it is well known to be the most versatile rod in the Dobyns lineup period. It would handle what you want all the way up to 1oz total weight jigs/trigs.

[newyorktoiowa57]

Personally I think you can do better then dobyns and kistler at that price point, and I have owned both champion and H3. Megabass makes a 74 spinning rod in the Orochi lineup, the enforcer.  There is a a 7MH moderate zodias spinning rod which could suit your needs well too. 

 

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewmegabass18orochixxenforcer.html

[Falkus]

For that, I would go with St. Croix Avid X. I just like the handle to be short.

 

I have st. croix LTB for wacky - I got that deal for like 100 bucks so I can not complain.