Daiwa CR80 or AbuGarcia BlackMax on a Daiwa Aird X

[Vranes17]

So I am rekindling my love for bass fishing after being out of the game for about 10yrs due to living in NYC. Now that I have more access to lakes and ponds and get fishing much more often I desperately need to upgrade my gear. I have been using a rod and reel I came across at my house and no idea where it came from. Its either an ultralight or trout rod with a crappy shimano spinning reel. While fighting bass on it is fun, its not functional and I feel with proper gear I can improve my catches. I have never used a bait caster but I want more of a challenge and something different. I did some shopping and put together a set up my budget can allow for. I was hoping some of you could weigh in on this set up and let me know if this is something I should go for. Now most people would probably say get some beginner bait casting gear but I want something I can 'grow' into so to speak so I dont have to buy a new set up next year or whatever. I am looking to spend under $150 so this is what I found.

 

-Rod

Tackle Warehouse has a Daiwa Aird X Casting Rod 7' Med Hvy for $54.99

 

-Reel

Its between a Daiwa CR 80 & an Abu Garcia Black Max. Tackle Warehouse prices the AbuGarcia at $49.99 but found it online for $39.99. The Daiwa is $79.99 but I have found it elsewhere on the internet for $49.99

 

I know the AbuGarcia has a lower gear ratio but a higher drag lb rating. What are your 'expert' opinions on this setup? The price difference between the two is only $10 so which have yall have better experience with and do you have any recommendations on something better that's out there that I may not know of? This goes for the rod as well but it appears from my searching that this is a solid rod at a solid price point. I could have a budget of $150 but would prefer to keep it as close to $100 as I can. I checked out the thread for the 'best $100 or less combo' however I still am unsure. Any feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

Also I primarily fish soft plastic but once I graduate to a bait cast setup I would like to begin to try and expand my bait bag. I would even then still probably favor soft plastic but I will absolutely still expand my bag of tricks. I’ve never had any success with say crankbaits, spinnerbait or jigs but I have a feeling that it may be in part due to the current cheap setup I have. 

[MN Fisher]

I have an Aird-X and it's a good rod.

 

For the reel - up it by $20 and get the CA-80. Aluminum frame instead of a Resin frame.

[Vranes17]

9 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

If $50 is your budget then look at the BPS Bionic reels.  They have an aluminum frame and centrifugal brake and are on sale right now.  I've got one on a Berkley Lightning rod for kayak use and it makes for a nice sub $100 combo and is easy to setup to be backlash free for a beginner and still offer good casting distance.  You can probably find the rod at your local walmart although they sometimes just stock medium casting rods for some reason.

 

I'm Daiwa guy but those CA/CR/CC80 reels are an abomination.  Always try to avoid plastic reels with linear magnetic brakes.  It's a really cheap material and braking system.  You're better off stepping up to a Fuego CT in the $70 range.  That reel has a aluminium frame, is from a proven platform and has Magforce Z which is awesome.  The Shimano SLX combo can be had for around $140 sometimes which is awesome.

Budget is $100-$150 not sub $100

[fishwizzard]

22 minutes ago, Vranes17 said:

Budget is $100-$150 not sub $100

$150 will get you a Tatula SV with a little looking around or if you can wait until BF. 

 

Imho there is little reason to pay for the Daiwa name without getting an SV or Magforce braking system.  

[Russ E]

I would buy a diawa fuego. If you look around they can be found for around $75.00.  In my opinion it is the best reel in its price range. 

If your budget is $150.00 for the combo, the Tatula sv will go over budget.

I have 2 Tatula Sv reels and 3 fuego's. The sv is more refined and better at skipping or casting light lures.

The fuego still has the magforce brake and is a quality reel.

On techniques that I have my finger on the line. (worms and flukes)I prefer the fuego. The TW level wind on the tatula will put all your line on one side of the reel if you finger the line.

[TnRiver46]

I think they have that rod for less at academy 

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I think they have that rod for less at academy 

I just picked up a Aird-X 7' MH/F from Amazon for $48 - https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-AIRX701MHFB-Aird-X-1pc-Med/dp/B016ORZTV2

 

You can also get a Fuego CT in 7.3:1 (with a cap) from Amazon for $79 - https://www.amazon.com/Bundle-Daiwa-Fuego-Baitcasting-Fishing/dp/B06ZZLZXXV

 

$127 for the full rig.

[TnRiver46]

4 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I just picked up a Aird-X 7' MH/F from Amazon for $48 - https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-AIRX701MHFB-Aird-X-1pc-Med/dp/B016ORZTV2

 

You can also get a Fuego CT in 7.3:1 (with a cap) from Amazon for $79 - https://www.amazon.com/Bundle-Daiwa-Fuego-Baitcasting-Fishing/dp/B06ZZLZXXV

 

$127 for the full rig.

How do you like the rod? I always pick them up off the shelf, ponder, then put it back and get a $13 Shimano......

[MN Fisher]

I'm liking it just fine for spinner/chatter/buzzbaits - haven't used it for anything else yet. Sensitive enough that I feel the blade vibration of the chatter no matter if I'm slow rolling it or burning it. I know people like more expensive rods, but all my Aird-X rods seem to be well built, sensitive and tough.

 

I'll be replacing the Ugly Stick the Trion is on with an Aird-X spinning rod this Yule.

[new2BC4bass]

Never used an Aird X rod, but from everything I've read on here I would say you made a good choice.  It can be found for just under $40 elsewhere, but I imagine shipping isn't free...but probably isn't at TW either.

 

I've never used either of those reels, but have other models from both companies.  My personal preference is Daiwa.  I'd also suggest stepping up to a better reel like the Fuego CT.  Do you use RH or LH reels?  I was able to find Fuegos for $72 and slightly under.  Personally I think you would be much happier and still using this reel years down the road.

 

You will enjoy fishing so much more with that rod.  I am not surprised you aren't having much success with spinnerbaits and jigs with your current rod. It lacks the backbone for setting single hooks of any size.  Fun to fight fish on tho.  Of course not the best tool if planning on releasing fish of any size.

 

EDIT:  Any problem buying a used reel?  Some great deals can be found.  One of my best purchases was an older blue Patriarch XT ($250 new) for $65 and it is in very good condition.  Was an OG Fuego L that sold not long ago for $70.  A $230 reel that is still underrated by many.  Good looking along with being a great reel.  These days I try to maintain better self control when perusing the 'for sale' forums. 

[Vranes17]

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

EDIT:  Any problem buying a used reel?  Some great deals can be found.  One of my best purchases was an older blue Patriarch XT ($250 new) for $65 and it is in very good condition.  Was an OG Fuego L that sold not long ago for $70.  A $230 reel that is still underrated by many.  Good looking along with being a great reel.  These days I try to maintain better self control when perusing the 'for sale' forums. 

I have no qualms about buying used should it be near excellent condition or a substantial price savings. I'll have to look on the for sale forum I totally didn't even think of that lol thanks! If anyone reading has something they want to part with DM me in case I miss it in the FS forum. I use a LH reel also.