Inexpensive, Good-quality casting rods

[lukemiller_4]

I recently purchased a Lews Pro-ti baitcasting reel, and am looking for a rod to go with it but don’t want to spend a lot of money. What are y’all’s suggestions? 

[MN Fisher]

One that I still have 2 of in my arsenal despite the Okumas and Dobyns I've replaced others with.

 

Diawa Aird-X

[rtwvumtneer6]

Ok I'll bite on this one.  Let's start with a specific budget.  "A lot of money" is relative and quite vague for this crowd...

 

[lukemiller_4]

  On 4/7/2021 at 12:46 AM, rtwvumtneer6 said:

Ok I'll bite on this one.  Let's start with a specific budget.  "A lot of money" is relative and quite vague for this crowed...

 

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Hmm, definitely less than $100, but a man can dream to find a great rod under $50 haha 

[rtwvumtneer6]

  On 4/7/2021 at 12:46 AM, MN Fisher said:

Diawa Aird-X

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Yep^^^

[kayaking_kev]

Lew's Hank Parker Speed Stick = $40

On Sale Dobyns Fury

Dobyns Colt

Daiwa Aird-X

Lew's TP-1

 

I have a Daiwa Tatula 7 ft. Medium/Regular for $110 Shipped.

[AmmoGuy]

  On 4/7/2021 at 12:46 AM, MN Fisher said:

One that I still have 2 of in my arsenal despite the Okumas and Dobyns I've replaced others with.

 

Diawa Aird-X

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Yep. 

At the $50 price point, the Aird-X is going to be hard to beat. 

[MN Fisher]

Going up to $100

Diawa Procyon

Okuma Reflections

 

And as Kev said - Dobyns Fury when on sale

 

[garroyo130]

What technique do you plan on using the rod for? 

 

Lews Carbon Fires are pretty good all around rods

[MN Fisher]

  On 4/7/2021 at 12:57 AM, AmmoGuy said:

At the $50 price point, the Aird-X is going to be hard to beat. 

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I've handled Dobyns Colts - prefer the Aird-X to them.

[lukemiller_4]

  On 4/7/2021 at 12:59 AM, garroyo130 said:

What technique do you plan on using the rod for? 

 

Lews Carbon Fires are pretty good all around rods

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Yeah, I think I’m just looking for the most versatile one right now until I get another for a nicer combo 

[AmmoGuy]

  On 4/7/2021 at 12:58 AM, MN Fisher said:

Going up to $100

Diawa Procyon

Okuma Reflections

 

And as Kev said - Dobyns Fury when on sale

 

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Have to put Tatula- XT and Ark Cobb series on the $100 list. 

[swhit140]

Falcon BuCoo, Lamiglas XP Bass, Powell Diesel. I used the Lamiglas Bass XP for a couple years and it was a great rod for the price.

[BrianMDTX]

  On 4/7/2021 at 12:46 AM, MN Fisher said:

One that I still have 2 of in my arsenal despite the Okumas and Dobyns I've replaced others with.

 

Diawa Aird-X

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I actually really like my two Daiwa Aird-X’s, especially the 6’6” MF. Casting a Whopper Plopper or Megabass Pop Max is a breeze with that rod. For $49.99, it’s hard to beat. 

[NittyGrittyBoy]

I have 2 Aird-X's one spinning and one casting. For the price, it's a no brainer. Is there better rods, absolutely, But for $50 there aint

[MiceNReets]

  On 4/7/2021 at 12:58 AM, MN Fisher said:

Going up to $100

Diawa Procyon

Okuma Reflections

 

And as Kev said - Dobyns Fury when on sale

 

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How are those Okuma Reflection rods?

[Dirtyeggroll]

Daiwa Aird

 

Thought I was going to come into this post and blow everyone’s mind with the suggestion, but apparently it’s no secret!

[Manly Studson]

Such a nice reel to put on a cheap rod. I know money doesn’t grow on trees, but if it ever does, a Lew’s TP1 Black is a fine rod for $129.

[TxRaider]

  On 4/7/2021 at 1:41 AM, Manly Studson said:

Such a nice reel to put on a cheap rod. I know money doesn’t grow on trees, but if it ever does, a Lew’s TP1 Black is a fine rod for $129.

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I can get behind this ^

I have the TP1 black speed stick in a 7’ medium mod fast and it’s been great with a shakey head, traps, and smaller keitechs, great multi-purpose rod. 
I wouldn’t be selling mine if I didn’t have so much overlap already. 

[billmac]

I like the Carbon Fire rods a lot. Dicks has them on sale now for $49.

[huZZah]

The Lagunas are also perfectly fine. I have a md spinning and casting and they’re fine. As mentioned the aird x is $20 more and nicer. 

[MN Fisher]

  On 4/7/2021 at 1:27 AM, MiceNReets said:

How are those Okuma Reflection rods?

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I haven't subjected them to a 'field test under operational conditions' - but the bench testing has been very nice. Light, responsive and balances well with the reels I have on them

I have 2 - both spinning.

7' ML/MF

7' MH/F

 

  On 4/7/2021 at 1:52 AM, huZZah said:

The Lagunas are also perfectly fine. I have a md spinning and casting and they’re fine. As mentioned the aird x is $20 more and nicer. 

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I have one Laguna that I still use - sort of. I'd pay the extra $20 for the Aird-X...it's well worth it.

[Deephaven]

I bought a KVD 7'4" CB rod for $40.  That seems like a deal.  The exact rod A-Jay uses for a variety of baits.  If you want budget, new isn't where I'd be looking.

[billmac]

Sometimes finding the exact combination of type, length, power, action, #pieces and price is harder than finding Jimmy Hoffa.

[MN Fisher]

  On 4/7/2021 at 11:26 AM, billmac said:

Sometimes finding the exact combination of type, length, power, action, #pieces and price is harder than finding Jimmy Hoffa.

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^ I hear that - the two Reflections I got were after a long search for exactly those reasons.