Do pros really use high end rods?

[Dumbbassanglr]

As in Nrx or other $500+ rods? It’s hard to tell with all the sponsor promoting that goes on. I know pros have to promote their sponsors but just in general do you use super high end rods or would they be more in the 200-400 dollar range?

[RichF]

I see a lot of expensive rods on the decks and in the hands of the pros while watching all the live footage.  Most of the pros I watch ARE using their sponsor rods and reels.  

[fishballer06]

Really depends on who your sponsor is. A lot of the BPS guys are using the cheaper BPS rods and reels (Evers, Defoe, etc). Brent Chapman is using Kastking. 

[James Niggemeyer]

I use Lew's rods and reels and I do like the really nice stuff, but I also use some different items that are more economically priced.

 

The majority of my rods are from 2 specific lines that Lew's makes and is probably 60-40.  I use a lot of the Lew's Custom Speed Sticks that are priced from $129 to $169, but I also use a lot of the Custom Pros that retail from $199 to $259.  I believe that Lew's highest price point rod is $259.  They have both served me well.