Best 200-250 dollar rod suggestion?

[Lucas G.]

I am looking at new rods and I am not worried about the type of action or power just yet. I have the Zodias, ExPride, and Curado in mind for Shimano. I was also looking at the G Loomis GCX and if anybody has feedback on that then I would like to hear. I also have a TFO Tatical Elite Bass rod and I love it. I am mainly looking for something that can top the TFO rod without being such a significant price increase. Any feedback is appreciated.

[softwateronly]

I don't know what's best but want to add that I really like my exprides.  They are as fun to fish as my more expensive rods.  I've looked at Diawa, Ark, Falcon, Irod, and Phenix recently in this price range.  From what I've gathered, they should be on your list. 

 

scott

 

 

[bigspirit]

I have a couple Zodias that I love. Feel like you can’t go wrong with an expride either. I’m a big shimano guy so those are my choices 

[fishinNWA]

Dobyns Champ XP mainly because that's the only rod I have in that price range 

[jbsoonerfan]

I would choose the Expride over the Zodias all day, everyday. I have owned a bunch of both of them. In fact, for the price difference, I would choose the Expride over the Poison Adrena as I don't feel like the PA is that much better.

[padon]

i like the expride also but thats technically over his price range. i have a couple zodias also and i like them in that price range. diawa tatula is good too.

[jbsoonerfan]

6 minutes ago, padon said:

i like the expride also but thats technically over his price range. i have a couple zodias also and i like them in that price range. diawa tatula is good too.

Well, he listed it in his OP, so I assumed it was an option.

[mcipinkie]

All the rods in that price range will be good rods.  Some will suit you better than others.  It really is not important what others like.

You won't like mine.  I probably won't like yours.

 

Of course, I wouldn't spend that much for a rod anyway.

 

Good for the economy, though.

 

[Lucas G.]

I am talking in that general area it could be 20 dollars over and I wouldn’t mind. I am just looking to really gather a firm understanding on what I should look into for a nice higher dollar rod. So far I am happy with the suggestions I have received.

I forgot to mention but a key thing for this rod is it must be versatile. It’s got to have a backbone of a meat stick to handle big fish. I caught three double digits and over 10 fish were about 8 or so pounds in the last 8 months. It’s also gotta handle a wider range of lure weights and load pretty well. 
That being said I am sure you guys can help narrow down some more options for me. 

[Firstoutfisher]

5 minutes ago, Lucas G. said:

I am talking in that general area it could be 20 dollars over and I wouldn’t mind. I am just looking to really gather a firm understanding on what I should look into for a nice higher dollar rod. So far I am happy with the suggestions I have received.

I forgot to mention but a key thing for this rod is it must be versatile. It’s got to have a backbone of a meat stick to handle big fish. I caught three double digits and over 10 fish were about 8 or so pounds in the last 8 months. It’s also gotta handle a wider range of lure weights and load pretty well. 
That being said I am sure you guys can help narrow down some more options for me. 

the versatility of the rod is going to be determined more by the power and action of the rod and intended applications not the brand or model of the rod. 

 

In your price range a couple that come to mind are the daiwa rebellion series and the okuma psycho stick. Both of these rods are a good value for your $ when looking at the specs on paper. The psycho stick series is pretty limited but they have a couple good versatile/basic models. Going to have more selection with the rebellion series. A lot of people are going to suggest the expride which is near that price range and can most likely be purchased on sale or with a discount at your desired price range. I haven't personally fished the exprides but on paper they have quality components. I think them being recommended has become somewhat of an echo chamber. Most likely due to their popularity with tacticalbassin. They are always being touted as the best bang for your buck rod series around. Maybe I need to try one. Haha The megabass levante series used to be $200 and at that price point was a fine rod with great aesthetics. However the price was recently raised to $250 and I feel like at that price point you can do better. 

[jbsoonerfan]

7'2" MH Expride would be my choice

[SmugOne]

Yup, Expride for sure.

[Lucas G.]

Has anybody here tried the G Loomis GCX and recommends it over the Shimano ExPride? 
Looks as if I may finally pull the trigger on a ExPride when I get one on sale.

[NorthernBasser]

51 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

7'2" MH Expride would be my choice

Yup. You can do a LOT of different things with this rod. 

[Dumbbassanglr]

Yeah expride or a levante tour versatile 

[GReb]

If you have found a rod line that you love why try to top it? What are you trying to improve?  We all have our individual preferences and certain brands that fit our style. You can burn through a lot of money and time trying other brands. I’ve been there before. I have bought and sold a lot of St Croix, Dobyns, Shimano, Kistler, etc and have settled on Falcon and ALX. I owned and loved my Falcons before I bought a lot of those chasing what others said was better. It wasn’t for me. Point is, if you have rods you love it may be better off expanding your lineup with more of those rods. Don’t get hung up on price, reviews, recommendations, or looks. However if you aren’t completely satisfied or comfortable on the water the $200-250 price range has a lot of really amazing sticks. Even certain rods below that price stand out. 

[Catt]

Kistler Argon Series ?

 

[padon]

9 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

Well, he listed it in his OP, so I assumed it was an option.

i know and it may well be.if he doesnt mind spending a few bucks more. thats what i would probably do but some people have a firm budget.

[zpelletier]

9 hours ago, Lucas G. said:

Has anybody here tried the G Loomis GCX and recommends it over the Shimano ExPride? 
Looks as if I may finally pull the trigger on a ExPride when I get one on sale.

I don’t have any personal experience with the GCX but multiple times I’ve seen people say that there’s better rods for the money. 

[TBAG]

Another vote for the Expride, I love mine.

[Lucas G.]

What about the 2021 Curado rod? Does anybody have thoughts on that? 

[Firstoutfisher]

44 minutes ago, Lucas G. said:

What about the 2021 Curado rod? Does anybody have thoughts on that? 

Phenix m1 or daiwa rebellion are going to have higher quality components or even the daiwa tatula at that price point 

[Big Hands]

2 hours ago, mcipinkie said:

All the rods in that price range will be good rods.  Some will suit you better than others.  It really is not important what others like.

You won't like mine.  I probably won't like yours.

Possibly, possibly not, but absolutely wise to consider that this may be true. It's good to have choices.

[Scott804]

Expride and Zodias are both great. You should give the Megabass Levante a look too. 

8 hours ago, Lucas G. said:

What about the 2021 Curado rod? Does anybody have thoughts on that? 

Held one in store today. Insanely light, felt like holding air. 

[Derek1]

Falcon expert and cara also in that $ amount. I have one of each. They are bothe great. I have the head turner in the expert and the eye crosser in Cara. Both are light sensitive and in my opinion very versatile. 

I just finally got a hold of a expride also. I have no doubt if you ask me again in a couple months it will be on that list as well.