Which would you buy? SLX, Veritas, Mach

[thewhitelotus]

Quick question for everyone.  Locally, I have some rods on sale and i was looking to upgrade from my Scheels "Pro Angler" casting rod.  Im just an avid bass fisherman who tries to get out as much as possible and will be fishing from shore 90% of the time.  Im looking for something i can use as an all around rod, as i have a finesse spinning setup for ned rigs, drop shots, etc.  Here are my options

 

2020 Abu Garcia Veritas Casting Rod - 49.99
Lew's Mach Casting Rod -39.99
Shimano SLX Casting Rod -79.99

 

At this price point, which one do you think i should purchase.  It will be paired with a black max reel thats only seen a handful of fishing trips.  Thanks!!

[Nelson Delaney]

As long as you aren’t strapped for cash get the SLX.  

[Reel]

SLX here also.

[ChrisD46]

*Just curious , what factors influenced your choice in the SLX ?

[PourMyOwn]

I really liked my Veritas until it was stepped on,  and I paid more than 49.99 for it. I've also been very pleased with my Lews rods, (Carbon Fire, not the Mach crush).

 

It all depends on how much the money matters to you. They're probably all decent rods.

[HaydenS]

Go with the SLX, sensitive and strong rod for only $80.  Best rod for that price IMHO.  Thats the next rod I'm gonna buy. ?‍♂️

I've tried the Mach and it isn't the most sensitive, pretty heavy too.

I can't speak for the veritas, but I have the Vengeance and the cheaper components have failed on me.  I've had to replace the tip top and one of the liners of a guide cracked out.  The "clear paint" has also chipped in some places.  I'd go SLX everyday. 

[FishTank]

The SLX would be my choice between them.  I have seen several of the Veratis rods break but also several with no issues.  The Mach rod I have no experience with.  

 

Also, you can get a SLX combo (rod and reel) for $140.  Just google it.  Can't post the site here. 

[Eric 26]

I would grab the Lews. I have 2 Lews Carbon Fire rods and a Hank Parker signature series rod. They aren’t as light weight or have as nice of guides as some of my other rods but they have caught quite a few bass for me. Lastly at that price it gives you leftover money to keep the bait monkey fed with new lures to cast on your new rod. Good luck and keep us posted on your purchase . I’m going to add that your probably at some point going to want to buy “application specific” rods “frogs, jig/worm and so on. With this rod being a general use rod save your money now and figure out what those more specialized techniques are and spend your money on those rod/reel combos later.

Edited September 4, 2021 by Eric 26
Added content

[Chris Catignani]

I was in BPS the other day...and I have to say...there is absolutely nothing wrong with there Graphite Series casting rods for $34.99.

Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series Casting Rod

[thewhitelotus]

If I go with the SLX I may as well get the combo for 139.99 but I've only had my Black Max for about 3 months and am still learning on it.  Perhaps I just don't need a new rod, but I was thinking with these prices I should maybe swoop one. 

Follow up with original prices

Veritas - was 99.99 now 49.99

Lews Mach - Was 79.99 now 39.99

SLX - Was 99.99 now 79.99

[T-Billy]

I have several Veritas and SLX's. I've been happy with both, and never an issue with either, and they don't get babied. I say grab the one you prefer out of those two. Either should serve you well.

[Eric 26]

I got my Lews carbon fire  first gen. for the same price $39.99 was $79.99 and in my opinion it’s worth the $79.99 price tag it’s a 6’-10” med. and the other is a 7’-3”” which was $50.00, both casting rods.

[Diggy]

Personally, I'd take the Veritas. The price is better, the warranty is 3 years. Abu is great with service. I had an issue once, they sent me a new rod and I got to keep the old one.

 

Years later I asked them a question about a guide on one of my Gen 1 Veritas rods, it was like 90 years out of warranty and they offered me 45% off of any rod.

[TNBankFishing]

While it might be slightly over budget I feel like a Dobyns Fury would really set you up nicely. They are on sale all over for the holiday. If not I 100% agree with FishTank, the SLX combo would last you for years to come. The prize in the combo is the reel, and the SLX is a fantastic platform. The aluminum frame makes it a workhorse. 
 

I pounded the bank for a couple years before I got into a kayak, and I understand how tough it can be to only be able to carry a few things. Personally I think a light spinning, medium casting, and MH casting will be all you ever need. You can also swap the MH for a H if you live where your local waters have a ton of vegetation and structure. 

[ironbjorn]

21 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

While it might be slightly over budget I feel like a Dobyns Fury would really set you up nicely. They are on sale all over for the holiday. If not I 100% agree with FishTank, the SLX combo would last you for years to come. The prize in the combo is the reel, and the SLX is a fantastic platform. The aluminum frame makes it a workhorse. 
 

I pounded the bank for a couple years before I got into a kayak, and I understand how tough it can be to only be able to carry a few things. Personally I think a light spinning, medium casting, and MH casting will be all you ever need. You can also swap the MH for a H if you live where your local waters have a ton of vegetation and structure. 

He's looking at a rod, not a combo. The rod will have a Black Max attached to it per the OP.

 

I would get the SLX 7' MH/F. All the other SLX models are XF and/or H, i.e. not all purpose. 

[thewhitelotus]

37 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

While it might be slightly over budget I feel like a Dobyns Fury would really set you up nicely. They are on sale all over for the holiday. If not I 100% agree with FishTank, the SLX combo would last you for years to come. The prize in the combo is the reel, and the SLX is a fantastic platform. The aluminum frame makes it a workhorse. 
 

I pounded the bank for a couple years before I got into a kayak, and I understand how tough it can be to only be able to carry a few things. Personally I think a light spinning, medium casting, and MH casting will be all you ever need. You can also swap the MH for a H if you live where your local waters have a ton of vegetation and structure. 

I have a Dobyns Fury for my spinning setup and am pleased with it.  Im just new to baitcasting (hence only the black max) so im still learning and will eventually upgrade to a nicer setup, but I was just curious if any of the rods that are significantly on sale would be good ones to add to the arsenal for the price.  I currently have a Scheels Pro Angler Medium rod with the black max but was thinking of adding a MHF since the prices are low!

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I have the 7' MH F SLX and while its not a bad rod, I just don't like it.  Its closer to an XF then F which helps with sensitivity and accuracy casting lighter baits short distances but hurts overall casting distance even with baits in the rods sweet spot.  The reel seat has hard lines on it which isnt comfortable.  My biggest issue is the rod is incredibly tip heavy even with a heavy reel.  If your looking for an all purpose rod I wouldn't recommend the 7' MH F SLX.  You can get 15% off most rods at TW until the 7th, but its hard to beat a Veritas for 50$

[DitchPanda]

My buddy just picked up an slx at scheels for $79 bucks. Feels like a decent rod but I still prefer a veritas. Especially for $49. Let me ad that I've heard of veritas rod breakage issues but I've had mine for 3 or 4 years and haven't had issues. 

[Deleted account]

Those are all decent sticks. They will all serve you well. 

[thewhitelotus]

Ended up getting the Veritas for 49.99.  Ill give it a go and see how I like it.  Worst case, i can always upgrade, but for now, im still just learning the baitcasting side of things.  Appreciate all the help everyone!