Daiwa or Shimano

[JoeDeal55]

I have a budget Kastking 7ft MH/F baitcasting combo (my do everything combo) and an Ugly Stick GX2 spinning combo for finesse. I will be adding a Shimano SLX combo and a Daiwa Aird-x rod to pair with an Abu BlackMax reel that I dont have a rod for. Im wanting 1 of them to be a M/F for topwater/jerkbait/treble lures and the other one a MH/F for a dedicated jig rod (jigs are my fav). This is where im unsure. I need advice on which would be better for which. Should I get the Aird-x/Blackmax for the M/F combo and the SLX for the MH/F combo? Or the opposite? Is the Aird-x a better jig rod than the SLX? Please and thank you!

[newapti5]

My opinion is to spend the most money on the more sensitive jig rod, which in your case will be the SLX rod. 

[MN Fisher]

I have an Aird-X MH/F and a Fury 704C - the Fury is my jig rod, the Aird-X is my moving baits rod. The Fury is more sensitive than the Aird-X, much better suited for lures that you need to feel.

 

The SLX is in the Fury class based on what I've read here...so I agree with @newapti5 - get the SLX combo for jigs, use the Aird-X for topwaters/jerks

[JoeDeal55]

Thank you both! That was my assumption as well. I do plan on trying out more brands in the future like Dobyns, Lews, Okuma, etc. But for now my budget lies with the Aird-x and SLX. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I have the 7' MH/F SLX and the sensitivity is the only part of the rod I like.  It not a super heavy rod, but the problem is the balance.  Its extremely tip heavy so anytime you want to fish with the tip up you feel the entire weight of the rod even with an 8oz reel.  Its a very stiff rod as well, which helps with the sensitivity but makes casting any kind of distance labored and difficult.  

If you do wind up getting the 7' MH SLX and have issues with balance order a Fuji rod butt that will fit it.  It would make a world of difference.   

[WRB]

My current Medium fast jerk bait, top water popper/ dog walking rod that also is used for spoons, smaller T-rigs, 5” Senko and medium diving med size crank baits is Major Craft Iovino Splash-It rod NAC-T681MSI rod with Shimano SLX MGL 70 7:1 reel and 100 yards of Sunline Defier Armillo 11 lb mono line. Very universal combo.

Very light weight combo at $230.

My advice is forget the Abu Black Max reels.

[MN Fisher]

2 hours ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Thank you both! That was my assumption as well. I do plan on trying out more brands in the future like Dobyns, Lews, Okuma, etc. But for now my budget lies with the Aird-x and SLX. 

You can find good rods from those at decent prices. My current light crank rod is an Okuma Reflections - about $75 retail. Dobyns Furys are my other favorite 'budget' rod, and a sale every year at one place (that I can't name) that usually comes up before Black Friday lets me get them for under $90.

4 minutes ago, WRB said:

My advice is forget the Abu Black Max reels.

I agree with Tom - skip the Black Max...find something better in your budget.

[JoeDeal55]

8 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

You can find good rods from those at decent prices. My current light crank rod is an Okuma Reflections - about $75 retail. Dobyns Furys are my other favorite 'budget' rod, and a sale every year at one place (that I can't name) that usually comes up before Black Friday lets me get them for under $90.

I agree with Tom - skip the Black Max...find something better in your budget.

Thats the thing. I already have a blackmax with no rod. Walmart had a left handed one marked down to $20 so I nabbed it 3-4 weeks ago. 

[MN Fisher]

8 minutes ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Thats the thing. I already have a blackmax with no rod. Walmart had a left handed one marked down to $20 so I nabbed it 3-4 weeks ago. 

Well, at least you paid about what it's worth. I know there's people who love their Black Max reels, but after playing with one, I decided to pass despite the price...ya, I'm a budget angler, so always looking to decent stuff at a good price.

[JoeDeal55]

Im a budget guy for everything. But considering the obsession and joy I experience bass fishing, I think I am willing to spend more. After I get the Aird-x, I am going to step up into higher end rods and reels. Well, $200 combos are what I am considering higher end for me. Plan on getting 1 new rod and reel every year to see what I like best. My future excites me lol

[MN Fisher]

38 minutes ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Well, $200 combos are what I am considering higher end for me. Plan on getting 1 new rod and reel every year to see what I like best.

Black Friday, used market from reputable dealers - my two Patriarchs were bought used for under $100 each - new Furys from the same place on sale pre Black Friday for under $90 each.

 

It's easy to get good combos for under $200 if you're patient and look around.

[Eric 26]

I’m in agreement with MN Fisher, be patient and shop around before you jump on the Daiwa because of price. Although I’ve never handled the rod the Okuma Cerros lineup looks like it might fit the bill for your jig rod. Again I don’t own one but the Dobyns fury line gets a ton of respect on this site, well built at least the ones I’ve handled in store. I do own 2 Okuma rods and feel they are built above their price point especially when on sale during Black Friday sales.