The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly Stik: A score and basic review of rods up to $250.

[Alex Ball]

    Hello, my name is Alex Ball. I got into fishing 30 months ago and have been through just about everything below the $150 range on rods and reels. I mean everything. I have no social life(lol) and no other real hobbies outside my band, so I decided to try it all, so to speak. This post and follow ups will be my experience with rods at a certain price range. I'll do another about reels. 

     Today, I'd like to share a top 5 rod list of my favorite rods in 5 ranges: $30 or less(Budget), $30-60(Entry), $60-100(Mid), 100-150(boater), and 150+(Pro). I'll also include my top 5 pound for pound list.

  Can't wait to see the replies.

     Note- I'm listing the bigger names for the most part below $100. I know there are boutique options at lower prices, but I wanted to include rods everyone can find easily. 

     Top 5 

Budget- Berkley Cherrywood

    Not graphite only, but fairly sensitive. An array of options, including a ML casting rod for the BFS guys . A solid rod to learn on. 

Entry- Tie- Abu Vengeance Pro 1/KK Perigee 2

   The V Pro is probably my favorite Walmart rod ever. For $55, it's very good. There are several different versions. 24T graphite. A good rod to upgrade from the bottom. 

   The P2 1 piece rods are the exact same as the 13 defy black. Exact. For $20 less usually. The 2 piece is pretty special. The twin tip rods are meh, but only because of the way they connect, a wide gap. The regular 2 pieces are excellent for around $40 on Amazon. Very sensitive and durable. I have 5. Love em.

   Mid- Abu Vendetta w locking reel seat

    This rod and the Veritas both feel like they cost more. The Vendetta is just a great series. Just about everything you can throw will go on these rods. Around $89 retail, but TW has/had them on clearance for $50 or so. You can nitpick here and beyond, but this series is excellent for the price. 

    Boater- Daiwa Tatula SVF

      A "Fancy" rod for $150. This series is just nuts. So many options. From cranking to crappie, you can find a rod you'll love. My 7'1" HF Jig Rod is my number one purpose built rod. Its pretty much perfect for anything with a jig head or a Texas/C Rig. 

    I know there are several different rod series you can pick here, and in each range, I'll eventually do a list, but I just love these rods. You can find them on sale pretty easy online. A boutique feel at a good price. 

    Pro- Virtus Red Diamond

      Definitely not a major mame yet, but I'd bet the farm this is the next Loomis. To call these rods light would be insulting. They weigh nothing. I'm not joking. It actually alarms you the first time you pick one up. Almost like an optical illusion, you can feel it in your hand, but you feel no weight at all. 

   Not a massive lineup, but they have everything you need for tournament fishing with baits under 4oz. Made in the same factory as Falcon used to be, these rods are rolled and assembled in Arkansas. The components are tip top of the line. 

   Everything about them screams "$500 rods here!!!". They cost $300. I know I'll get pushback here, but I've never, ever experienced a better rod. I've owned over 100 personally at some point and close to 500 sold. This is a different animal. Try one. 

     Pound For Pound in No order. No review.

    Casting

  Duckett Ghost

  Abu Veritas

  Daiwa Tatula SVF

  Ugly Stik

  Berkley Lightning Rod

     Spinning

  Shakespeare Micro

  Lew's KVD

  Berkley Lightning Rod

  Shimano Sellus

  Dobyns in general

   That's my book for the evening. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. 

   Edit- These are strictly my opinions. I'm not claiming to be an expert by any means. Just wanted to say that.

    Always do the research before you buy a rod or reel over $50. Always. Never base a decision on YT guys or the Googan types(Especially the Googans).  Buy the equipment you decide is best FOR YOU. Don't buy it to impress, or because you saw a cool ad. Buy it because it's what fits your needs. Needed to say that too. 

  

  

 

 

 

[Bird]

Ha ha, Berkeley lightning rod, we bragged as kids with those rods.

I actually still have one in the boat on a Mitchell 300 ?

[Cbump]

I keep a lightning Rod with a black max ready for guests or channel cats. Good rod. 
My second biggest bass was on a cherrywood that I used for dropshot. I think I got that rod for $19.99. 

[Alex Ball]

24 minutes ago, Bird said:

Ha ha, Berkeley lightning rod, we bragged as kids with those rods.

I actually still have one in the boat on a Mitchell 300 ?

Dude, I still use one for float rigs! LoL. I have the 802ML. I remember that one being my first "expensive" rod. I totally showed it off. 

11 minutes ago, Cbump said:

I keep a lightning Rod with a black max ready for guests or channel cats. Good rod. 
My second biggest bass was on a cherrywood that I used for dropshot. I think I got that rod for $19.99. 

Yup. The black max is IMHO, the best p4p caster ever. They don't break. A $50 tank. 

[Alex Ball]

5 Rods to Avoid

Berkley Shock

   They feel cheaper than the price. Heavy. Break in weird ways. The reel seat is junk.

Favorite White Bird

   A dead stick. Nuff said.

Lew's KVD GC series

    Good rod until it breaks for no reason. Also pretty dull feeling for the price. 

Lew's Mach 2

    A variety of broomsticks. Stiff.

Duckett Green Ghost

    I'm fairly gentle with my rods. These break way too easy. Otherwise, it's not bad. 

[bowhunter63]

Still using a Lighting Rod now and then 

Had a few for many years 

[Functional]

Lighting rod was my frog rod. Worked great until it snapped. I was very upset honestly. 

[Columbia Craw]

How do I know I can believe you boy?

[Tennessee Boy]

9 hours ago, Alex Ball said:

I'm fairly gentle with my rods. These break way too easy. Otherwise, it's not bad. 

How are you breaking so many rods?  I’ve been fishing almost 60 years and never broken a rod while fishing.  I guess I’m not trying hard enough.?

[Alex Ball]

5 hours ago, Columbia Craw said:

How do I know I can believe you boy?

   LoL. Two of my favorite movies. 

1 hour ago, Tennessee Boy said:

How are you breaking so many rods?  I’ve been fishing almost 60 years and never broken a rod while fishing.  I guess I’m not trying hard enough.?

I've broken 11 rods total. I'm out there every day.  I fish Bull Shoals. Rods break here.

5 hours ago, Columbia Craw said:

How do I know I can believe you boy?

   LoL. Two of my favorite movies. 

1 hour ago, Tennessee Boy said:

How are you breaking so many rods?  I’ve been fishing almost 60 years and never broken a rod while fishing.  I guess I’m not trying hard enough.?

I've broken 11 rods total. I'm out there every day.  I hl

[volzfan59]

I've been fishing since I was like 6 years old, I'm 63 now. Broke exactly two rods in all that time, one Walmart cheapie and a St Croix panfish series rod (made in Mexico). I must be like @Tennessee Boy and not trying hard enough.

[MN Fisher]

^ I've broken two rods in 56 years of fishing...both cause I'd set them down then accidentally stepped on them...never from actual use.

[Alex Ball]

14 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

^ I've broken two rods in 56 years of fishing...both cause I'd set them down then accidentally stepped on them...never from actual use.

Right. 11 breaks. 

4 were On hooksets.

5 on snags(I bank fish so sometimes it happens)

2 were definitely on me. 

21 minutes ago, volzfan59 said:

I've been fishing since I was like 6 years old, I'm 63 now. Broke exactly two rods in all that time, one Walmart cheapie and a St Croix panfish series rod (made in Mexico). I must be like @Tennessee Boy and not trying hard enough.

To be fair,  I didn't break all 11 personally. I'll get on a boat with a client and give em options. Sometimes rods just break. 

     The only company to fight me on replacement was Abu. Everyone else was very helpful.

    I acknowledge my break rate is high. I'll also admit I absolutely test every single rod to it's razors edge limit. Some of the guys I help set up are pros. I don't want to mislead them. I need to know the limits.

[Spankey]

Rods are a to each his own type thing. Some guys are brand loyal. Certain brand for casting, certain brand for spinning. Probably the same for their reels. I’m not brand loyal but the rod has to feel right and would never buy one untouched. 
 

I was going through your pound for pound list. I think I know what you are referring to. I would have to agree with you 110% on the Abu Garcia Veritas Rods that are out there. I stumbled upon them a few years back by touching some crankbait rods. Walked out with the Veritas rod.  Fish a few of them now. I think they are fantastic. But they might not be for the next guy. 

[GReb]

I’ve come close to buying a virtus rod several times. Problem is I don’t “need” another rod. I own mostly Falcon rods and feel confident the Virtus would be a great fit for me. 

[Alex Ball]

1 minute ago, Spankey said:

Rods are a to each his own type thing. Some guys are brand loyal. Certain brand for casting, certain brand for spinning. Probably the same for their reels. I’m not brand loyal but the rod has to feel right and would never buy one untouched. 
 

I was going through your pound for pound list. I think I know what you are referring to. I would have to agree with you 110% on the Abu Garcia Veritas Rods that are out there. I stumbled upon them a few years back by touching some crankbait rods. Walked out with the Veritas rod.  Fish a few of them now. I think they are fantastic. But they might not be for the next guy. 

 That Winch rod they make is stupid good. That was my first bait specific rod. Across the board, that series is money all day. They over perform the price point by a bunch. 

    Agreed on it being personal. That's why my lists aren't going to be my favorite ones usually. I do a 15 point test on rods and a 20 point test on reels. You'd be shocked how often the high end stuff gets beat. My lists are based on my scoring system. For instance, my favorite mid level rod is actually the Shimano Clarus, but it's not easy to get, and it didn't score the highest. The Vendetta did and it's everywhere. 

    The p4p list removes price and replaces it with value. The Veritas is the best overall series I've tested. No duds. The others were listed because of what you get for what you paid. The Sellus feels like $100. Its 50. So on. You got the gist. 

     

[Alex Ball]

14 minutes ago, GReb said:

I’ve come close to buying a virtus rod several times. Problem is I don’t “need” another rod. I own mostly Falcon rods and feel confident the Virtus would be a great fit for me. 

     At that price point, it's them and then everyone else for me. Its basically a higher end rebrand of Falcon. Same Factory, people, graphite recipe, actions, lengths. 

    Another one to consider is JB3. Just got one. Absolutely stunned. Fantastic rod.

[KP Duty]

14 hours ago, Bird said:

Ha ha, Berkeley lightning rod, we bragged as kids with those rods.

I actually still have one in the boat on a Mitchell 300 ?

Yep...a 'high end' rod that you could get at walmart for $38.96 (I somehow remember the price from 1990)

[Alex Ball]

4 minutes ago, KP Duty said:

Yep...a 'high end' rod that you could get at walmart for $38.96 (I somehow remember the price from 1990)

And that price basically stayed there til now. Mine was $45. My first upgrade from the Cherrywood. Love the Lightning Rod.

[KP Duty]

14 hours ago, Alex Ball said:

    Hello, my name is Alex Ball. I got into fishing 30 months ago and have been through just about everything below the $150 range on rods and reels. I mean everything. I have no social life(lol) and no other real hobbies outside my band, so I decided to try it all, so to speak. This post and follow ups will be my experience with rods at a certain price range. I'll do another about reels. 

     Today, I'd like to share a top 5 rod list of my favorite rods in 5 ranges: $30 or less(Budget), $30-60(Entry), $60-100(Mid), 100-150(boater), and 150+(Pro). I'll also include my top 5 pound for pound list.

  Can't wait to see the replies.

     Note- I'm listing the bigger names for the most part below $100. I know there are boutique options at lower prices, but I wanted to include rods everyone can find easily. 

     Top 5 

Budget- Berkley Cherrywood

    Not graphite only, but fairly sensitive. An array of options, including a ML casting rod for the BFS guys . A solid rod to learn on. 

Entry- Tie- Abu Vengeance Pro 1/KK Perigee 2

   The V Pro is probably my favorite Walmart rod ever. For $55, it's very good. There are several different versions. 24T graphite. A good rod to upgrade from the bottom. 

   The P2 1 piece rods are the exact same as the 13 defy black. Exact. For $20 less usually. The 2 piece is pretty special. The twin tip rods are meh, but only because of the way they connect, a wide gap. The regular 2 pieces are excellent for around $40 on Amazon. Very sensitive and durable. I have 5. Love em.

   Mid- Abu Vendetta w locking reel seat

    This rod and the Veritas both feel like they cost more. The Vendetta is just a great series. Just about everything you can throw will go on these rods. Around $89 retail, but TW has/had them on clearance for $50 or so. You can nitpick here and beyond, but this series is excellent for the price. 

    Boater- Daiwa Tatula SVF

      A "Fancy" rod for $150. This series is just nuts. So many options. From cranking to crappie, you can find a rod you'll love. My 7'1" HF Jig Rod is my number one purpose built rod. Its pretty much perfect for anything with a jig head or a Texas/C Rig. 

    I know there are several different rod series you can pick here, and in each range, I'll eventually do a list, but I just love these rods. You can find them on sale pretty easy online. A boutique feel at a good price. 

    Pro- Virtus Red Diamond

      Definitely not a major mame yet, but I'd bet the farm this is the next Loomis. To call these rods light would be insulting. They weigh nothing. I'm not joking. It actually alarms you the first time you pick one up. Almost like an optical illusion, you can feel it in your hand, but you feel no weight at all. 

   Not a massive lineup, but they have everything you need for tournament fishing with baits under 4oz. Made in the same factory as Falcon used to be, these rods are rolled and assembled in Arkansas. The components are tip top of the line. 

   Everything about them screams "$500 rods here!!!". They cost $300. I know I'll get pushback here, but I've never, ever experienced a better rod. I've owned over 100 personally at some point and close to 500 sold. This is a different animal. Try one. 

     Pound For Pound in No order. No review.

    Casting

  Duckett Ghost

  Abu Veritas

  Daiwa Tatula SVF

  Ugly Stik

  Berkley Lightning Rod

     Spinning

  Shakespeare Micro

  Lew's KVD

  Berkley Lightning Rod

  Shimano Sellus

  Dobyns in general

   That's my book for the evening. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. 

   Edit- These are strictly my opinions. I'm not claiming to be an expert by any means. Just wanted to say that.

    Always do the research before you buy a rod or reel over $50. Always. Never base a decision on YT guys or the Googan types(Especially the Googans).  Buy the equipment you decide is best FOR YOU. Don't buy it to impress, or because you saw a cool ad. Buy it because it's what fits your needs. Needed to say that too. 

  

  

 

 

 

I don't think the Virtus red diamond screams '$500 rod' with the basic fuji ECS and no upgraded lockdown nut.  They look nearly identical to a Falcon.

[galyonj]

14 hours ago, Cbump said:

I keep a lightning Rod with a black max ready for guests or channel cats. Good rod. 

 

How do the catfish know to only bite the lure tied to the lightning rod?

[Choporoz]

I have broken at least nine over last few years....2 Abu, 4 Fenwick, 1 Dobyns, 1 Powell, 1 St Croix....pretty sure I'm missing one or two...

 

fish harder...not smarter. ?

[Alex Ball]

5 minutes ago, KP Duty said:

I don't think the Virtus red diamond screams '$500 rod' with the basic fuji ECS and no upgraded lockdown nut.  They look nearly identical to a Falcon.

The weight does. The feel is nuts. I'm certainly biased. No doubt about it. I had one $500 dollar rod. A Loomis Glx I got for Christmas. Just sold it because I prefer the RD.

    Again, it's all my opinion on this based on how I experience things. I'm pretty much blind without glasses. I often fish without glasses cuz it feels better. Feel is 99 percent of it for me. The RD is by far the best rod I've ever used.

    They are Falcon essentially. Same people place, and actions/lengths. A better Cara in my opinion. Far better. 

[Cbump]

9 minutes ago, galyonj said:

 

How do the catfish know to only bite the lure tied to the lightning rod?

Did I mention a lure somewhere? 

[garroyo130]

I wish you spent as much time organizing the results as you did testing ...