New combo questions

[bigspirit]

I made another thread about rods a few weeks back but am now looking to buy and wanting a few more opinions. I’d like to keep the setup under 300 as I’m not sure how much use it’ll get yet. 
 

Looking to get a new MH setup for throwing spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and small swim baits. 
 

Reels - I was originally mainly looking at the curado 200k but am wondering how the SLX XT would be for this? 

 

Rods - I’ve seen a ton about the Dobyns Fury. I was also curious about the St. Croix Bass X or the Shimano Intenza?

 

Also open to other suggestions. I’ve been a big shimano guy over the years but that’s all been spinning gear for saltwater applications so the casting rods and such I'm not familiar with. 

I would love to be able to go somewhere and try handling these in a store but I’d probably spend 7 hours or more of driving to do so. 
 

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any responses. 

[swhit140]

I've always been a Daiwa or Shimano user for reels. Reel wise I would probably go Daiwa Tatula CT or Curado 200K. I always buy equipment on discount/sale, I never pay retail prices.

 

I have a couple Fury rods and they are good rods for the price. Much better rod that the Bass X, I held a Bass X in hand and it was a tip heavy rod.

I would wait until spring you might be able to find some discount sales in a month or 2. 

That's the main thing I like TW is with the return on rods. I've ordered/return a good number of rods that I've tried and return service is the best part for trying different rods.

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Small swimbait is relative term, not sure if you mean a 3.8 ktec or hud 68.

 

The XT would do fine for CBs and spinnerbaits, if you want to throw something heavier go with the 200 k.

I don't like buying rods I haven't held either, so I know what you mean.  The Intezas felt pretty good, much better then SLXs.  The whole Bass X vs Fury thing comes up often, personally Im not crazy about Dobyns and prefer SC all the way but thats just me.  If you do decide on a SC go with a Mojo, there tough to beat for the money.  The year before last I bought a 13 Muse on an impulse because it was on sale, I regretted it almost immediately.  I thought I would hate it, but when it showed up I was really surprised how much I liked it.  Im not saying spend 200$ on a Muse, but they make some good rods for the money.  Dicks usually carries them so at least you can get an idea of what your dealing with.  I got a 7'2 MH ModF for CBs and Ive been happy with it.  I was going to get a 7'4 but I figured the would be a little more stout so I could use it for skipping jigs.  Keep in mind that this is just my opinion and theres really no right or wrong as long as your happy with what you get, good luck. 

  

[bigspirit]

2 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Small swimbait is relative term, not sure if you mean a 3.8 ktec or hud 68.

 

The XT would do fine for CBs and spinnerbaits, if you want to throw something heavier go with the 200 k.

I don't like buying rods I haven't held either, so I know what you mean.  The Intezas felt pretty good, much better then SLXs.  The whole Bass X vs Fury thing comes up often, personally Im not crazy about Dobyns and prefer SC all the way but thats just me.  If you do decide on a SC go with a Mojo, there tough to beat for the money.  The year before last I bought a 13 Muse on an impulse because it was on sale, I regretted it almost immediately.  I thought I would hate it, but when it showed up I was really surprised how much I liked it.  Im not saying spend 200$ on a Muse, but they make some good rods for the money.  Dicks usually carries them so at least you can get an idea of what your dealing with.  I got a 7'2 MH ModF for CBs and Ive been happy with it.  I was going to get a 7'4 but I figured the would be a little more stout so I could use it for skipping jigs.  Keep in mind that this is just my opinion and theres really no right or wrong as long as your happy with what you get, good luck. 

  

That’s a great question and I should have clarified. I meant more of something along the lines of like a ktech 4.3ish on like a flashy swimmer style hook. That’d probably be as big as I would go. The baby bullshad interests me as its only 1/2oz if I remember correctly. 

 

Thank you very much for that response, I think you’ve got me leaning to the Intenza then. I appreciate all the insight and ill have to check out the Muse rods you mentioned too

[GetFishorDieTryin]

1 hour ago, bigspirit said:

That’s a great question and I should have clarified. I meant more of something along the lines of like a ktech 4.3ish on like a flashy swimmer style hook. That’d probably be as big as I would go. The baby bullshad interests me as its only 1/2oz if I remember correctly. 

 

Thank you very much for that response, I think you’ve got me leaning to the Intenza then. I appreciate all the insight and ill have to check out the Muse rods you mentioned too

Thats what I assumed, but you know what they say about that...If theres a Dicks Sporting Goods near you see what they have.  They should at least carry the Omens which is a really good rod IMO.  I know you guys don't get ice out till late in Iowa, but if you wait till late Feb-March you may be able to catch a sale. Good luck 

[kayaking_kev]

I have no experience with the Bass X or Intenza, but I know that Dobyns rods are great for moving baits. A 3 power for up to 1/2 oz. would be good for most, anything heavier or if you're constantly dealing with bigger bass, a 4 power would be better.

 

IMO, a SLX XT would be better for those techniques, but I actually prefer the SLX MGL 70, it's a little lighter and more neutral in color. I've never had an issue with running out of line with it while throwing crankbaits, but I never go above 12# line either.

[NJBasstard]

I've only tried a BassX once and didn't care for it. If your looking at Dobyns I'd consider stepping up to a Sierra and pair it with an SLX XT. For those baits I prefer the action and taper on the Sierra over the Fury and Champ of the same power. A little shopping around and you can easily be under your $300 budget. A 3 power if staying at 3/8oz or a 4 power if at 1/2oz or fishing cover.

[bigspirit]

21 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Thats what I assumed, but you know what they say about that...If theres a Dicks Sporting Goods near you see what they have.  They should at least carry the Omens which is a really good rod IMO.  I know you guys don't get ice out till late in Iowa, but if you wait till late Feb-March you may be able to catch a sale. Good luck 

Sounds good, thanks a lot! I’ll definitely wait a little now and see if I can catch a sale

8 hours ago, NJBasstard said:

I've only tried a BassX once and didn't care for it. If your looking at Dobyns I'd consider stepping up to a Sierra and pair it with an SLX XT. For those baits I prefer the action and taper on the Sierra over the Fury and Champ of the same power. A little shopping around and you can easily be under your $300 budget. A 3 power if staying at 3/8oz or a 4 power if at 1/2oz or fishing cover.

Good to know, at this point the Bass X is out of the question after reading these replies. Ill look a bit and see if i can find a Sierra cheaper than what TW has right now. Thanks again

[kayaking_kev]

14 hours ago, NJBasstard said:

 If your looking at Dobyns I'd consider stepping up to a Sierra and pair it with an SLX XT. For those baits I prefer the action and taper on the Sierra over the Fury and Champ of the same power.

 

He's right about the Sierra, it's even better for those techniques, the 734c is very popular. There is, at least was a certain store that will get filtered if I mention it's full name that has/had a 20% of Dobyns rods sale this past week, but you can PM me if you want, and I'll tell you the store. It has the word Legacy in it. Also, Military Vets get 30% off of Dobyns Rods by calling them, just incase you are a Military.