Best casting rod at the 150-180 price point?

[Big Hands]

I have a 7'3" Daiwa Kage MH/F rod that I really like, They make a Tatula in the same configuration, which I imagine is very similar.

 

I imagine just about everyone has a MH/F casting rod in their quiver, so I think that is a well contested space with several good choices from which to pick. 

 

I would advise trying to see if you can handle any rod you're considering buying before plonking down the cash though. While they are many solid choices, there are subtle differences that may or may not be deal killers that you'll never know about until you handle the rod yourself. Things like split vs full length grip, cork vs 'something else', reel seat style, grip length, plays nice with your reel(s), foregrip, hook keeper, balance, and even aesthetics. 

[Dumbbassanglr]

Most will comment on the one rod they have tried. I have owned within the past year zodias, victory, dobyns, levante and others. I'm not going to say one is a clear choice but I will say this:

1. Zodias is probably the lightest and second most sensitive. Not a great warranty.

2. Levante is the most sensitive by far but heavier. Not a great warranty.

3. Victory light but not very sensitive. Great warranty. 

4. Dobyns champion is boring but really sensitive and great warranty and awesome trade up program so even if you can't afford the champion you could always trade up to it later. 

 

I chose levante for the sensitivity. 

[Fishlegs]

On 11/24/2021 at 1:04 PM, roadwarrior said:

I am in the process of writing an in depth review and will post it next week. I like this

rod and its compliment in a spinning version. As a preview, this is a review of the

Okuma Helios from a few years ago:

 

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/okuma-helios-tcs-rod-reel.html

Looking forward to reading that write up.

[Chaos10691]

On 11/23/2021 at 11:48 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

You might be able to find a deal on them right now and score a St. Croix Victory in your price range? I've enjoyed fishing mine.

How do you think that particular rod would handle swim jigs?

[Bluebasser86]

47 minutes ago, Chaos10691 said:

How do you think that particular rod would handle swim jigs?

It handles them great.

 

 

 

 

[Catt]

On 11/25/2021 at 8:52 AM, Dumbbassanglr said:

Most will comment on the one rod they have tried.

 

I write a review only after I used the product for no less than a year.

[Fat Ika]

For 150-170 retail - Ark Tharp/Invoker and Dobyns Sierra/Kaden. IMO, I think the biggest factor depends on initial experiences with a particular model that creates your love for a line and brand. I've had good experiences with some Tatulas and Croix Victorys, but I've also had some models with terrible balance. 

[NavyToad]

I had this dilemna last year. Sooo many good rods available under $200. Dobyns gives veterans 30% off so it made my decision easy. Started off with 2 Kadens, added 5 Champion XPs (2 spinning & 3 casting). I’m happy with Dobyns. Without trying every brand you’ll never know for sure which brand/model YOU like best. Choose one that you feel good about purchasing and use it. The recommendations you’ve been given are solid choices. 

[Fat Ika]

7 hours ago, NavyToad said:

I had this dilemna last year. Sooo many good rods available under $200. Dobyns gives veterans 30% off so it made my decision easy. Started off with 2 Kadens, added 5 Champion XPs (2 spinning & 3 casting). I’m happy with Dobyns. Without trying every brand you’ll never know for sure which brand/model YOU like best. Choose one that you feel good about purchasing and use it. The recommendations you’ve been given are solid choices. 

@NavyToad Amen brother. And, a sincere thank you for your service.

[Firstoutfisher]

Okuma Psycho Stick Casting Rods - Tackle Warehouse

 

30% for $160 total at tacklewarehouse right now, FUJI sic guides and other quality components usually only found on $300+ rods. I'm telling you right now there is no way you are going to find something better at this price point.

[dodgeguy]

15 hours ago, Firstoutfisher said:

Okuma Psycho Stick Casting Rods - Tackle Warehouse

 

30% for $160 total at tacklewarehouse right now, FUJI sic guides and other quality components usually only found on $300+ rods. I'm telling you right now there is no way you are going to find something better at this price point.

Bass pro shop Patriot rod. 

[Firstoutfisher]

1 hour ago, dodgeguy said:

Bass pro shop Patriot rod. 

 

Quality components on that rod sure, but it is $40 more uses a no name reel seat and not transparent about where the blank is sourced. Not to mention the winn grips which have great grip but IMO seem to negatively impact the sensitivity  of the rod. Now I personally haven't fished that rod but I have felt it in the store. In my opinion going off of feel and the paper specs it isn't as good of a rod. Now a lot of that can be subjective but can't argue with the specs. 

[PhishLI]

11 hours ago, NavyToad said:

Without trying every brand you’ll never know for sure which brand/model YOU like best.

No wiser words have been spoken.

[Bluebasser86]

5 hours ago, Firstoutfisher said:

Okuma Psycho Stick Casting Rods - Tackle Warehouse

 

30% for $160 total at tacklewarehouse right now, FUJI sic guides and other quality components usually only found on $300+ rods. I'm telling you right now there is no way you are going to find something better at this price point.

I've been using a spinning version of this rod for a few months now and and is an extremely nice rod. Priced well below what it's worth with the discount imo. Most of Okuma's products are priced below what they're worth though in my experience. 

[MN Fisher]

9 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Most of Okuma's products are priced below what they're worth though in my experience. 

I can vouch for that - both my Reflexions A rods seem much better than their price would indicate.

[Fat Ika]

On 11/23/2021 at 10:48 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

You might be able to find a deal on them right now and score a St. Croix Victory in your price range? I've enjoyed fishing mine.

@Bluebasser86 Jeez. I had no idea. They make those donkeys in KS? What model victory you using there?

[Bluebasser86]

1 hour ago, Fat Ika said:

@Bluebasser86 Jeez. I had no idea. They make those donkeys in KS? What model victory you using there?

3rd one over 7 I caught this year.

 

It's the 7' 3" XF/H "Marshall" I believe they call it.