Another newbie rod question

[bp_fowler]

Looking to upgrade both my MHF casting and my MF spinning setups.  Rod + reel together on each of these setups cost ~$100.  
 

I’ve been checking out rods and reels in $80-100 range but there are also a-lot of options in the $125-175 range.  
 

On paper that’s not much difference $ wise to me and I’m sure either option would be a huge improvement over what I have now.

 

So two part question:  

 

1a.  How much of a difference in quality and performance can I expect between rods and reels in the $80-100 range over the ones in the $125-175 range?

 

1b.  Is that difference, if any, significant enough that a relatively new angler such as myself would even notice or benefit?

 

 

[A-Jay]

Price point vs  product quality is ALWAYS a super subjective and personal matter.

Hundreds of previous threads here on the matter have shown many different opinions.

Personally, I have sort of limited experience with the 'newer' gear in those price points.

So I am not in a position to offer much in the way of actionable information.

I would feel OK saying that it seems folks have less challenges with 'better' gear,

than they do with anything that is sold in clamshell packaging.

 

My belief is that the Bitterness of Poor Quality Remains Long After the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten. Quality is never an accident, it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives.

Good Luck with your shopping.

A-Jay

 

[garroyo130]

21 minutes ago, bp_fowler said:

1a.  How much of a difference in quality and performance can I expect between rods and reels in the $80-100 range over the ones in the $125-175 range?

 

IMO going from an $80 rod to a $175 rod is going to make you a better fisherman when using contact baits.

 

Going from a $100 reel to a $175 reel is just going to make you enjoy fishing more. 

 

You'll notice the difference in a rod before you even put a reel on it. 

[MickD]

Just saw an email on TW discounts on rods.

 

My opinion is that for spinning, it's mostly about the rod, with casting it's mostly about the reel.  It will vary with techniques, but this is where I would spend my money.  Daiwa reels, both cast and spin, are good at any price point, and the higher you go the better.  I would say the sweet spot is about $200, but there is a lot of good stuff for less.  I build my own rods and am not familiar with the commercially built stuff any more.

[Catt]

My opinion would be to purchase a quality reel first. When properly maintained a quality reel should last many years. A quality rod is subject to break day one.

 

Once you have a quality reel with a decent rod all money budgeted going forward will upgrade rods.

[Bankc]

Are you talking about a rod and reel combo in the $80-175 range, or a rod in the $80-175 range and a reel in the $80-175 range as well?  

 

Because if you're talking about getting both the rod AND reel for around $80, then I'd highly recommend you push that up closer to the $175 range.  But if you're talking about getting a rod for $80-100 and a reel for $80-100, then I'd say you can get a pretty good setup for that amount that will last you a long time.  To me, rods and reels around the $100 mark are usually a pretty significant step up form rods and reels in the $50-75 range, and well worth the extra money, if you can afford that.  Beyond around $100-150ish, the quality still improves, but at a much slower rate.  

 

Getting both a rod and reel together for $80-100 will still get you a decent rod and reel that you can use to catch fish and have fun.  But in that price range, they're typically geared towards the "I go fishing two or three times a year", type of customer.  When you step up to around $100 a piece for a rod and reel (and to me, $80 is still in that category), then you're buying a rod or reel that was made for someone who takes fishing more seriously, like a hobbyist.  This is for someone who identifies as someone who fishes, not just as someone who has fished before and likely will again.  And as you get into the $300+ range for a rod and reel, you get into the products designed for people who take the hobby of fishing seriously.  Amateur tournament anglers and such.  

 

That's my reading of it all, anyway.  And to be fair, you can still catch just as many fish and have just as much fun with a bamboo stick and some string.  I know.  I've done it before.  So you don't NEED anything fancy.  But it's also okay to want something a little fancier.  

[casts_by_fly]

There are a lot of great values out there at each price point so you can’t just compare a price point per se.  That said, higher price generally will get you a lighter and more sensitive rod but depends on the manufacturer and what price points and choices they have made. For instance, I know falcon well. At $100 they have the bucoo sr. Great rod for the price.  For $130 the low rider features cork grips and a little better blank. For this difference I’d suggest most of the difference is a preference between foam and cork. Pushing up to $199 and the expert series is a big jump. The blank is much lighter, more responsive, and more sensitive. Twice the rod of the bucoo?  Probably close. Other makers will vary. Pick what you want to do, pick your price point, then ask here what the best options are. 
 

same goes for reels. The $175+/- price point is a real sweet spot, especially with the yen where it is and jdm options. An slx shimano is a great price point reel. A curado gets you a bit more refinement. Another $50 ($215 total) gets you a jdm bantam or metanium. Those are big jumps. 

[WRB]

Right now sales are going on with 20% to 40% off on both rods and reels at TW & ALF. 

Brands like Daiwa,  Dobyns, IROD gen3, St Croix rods have choices for both spinning and casting. Best reel deals are JDM. Daiwa and Shimano both domestic and JDM within you budget are good.

Tom