SHould i buy at a show or bass pro?

[bass2187]

This christmas i am getting a rod and reel of my choice. I can not decide if i wanna get my toys at the chicagoland outdoor show, which is a really great show, or outdoor world. I have never bought a rod and reel at a show before and when i have gone to this show before i never really looked and any of the rods or reels. None of these places are exactly close to me and i am going back to school in the middle of january where i mostly fish. Anyone have any advise or experience with buying from an outdoor show?

Thanks,

Mike

This is a link to the show. It shows some of the distributers.

http://www.chicagolandsportshow.com/app/homepage.cfm?appname=100282&linkid=17966&moduleid=1861&campaignid=428&iUserCampaignID=33698028

[Painter Dude]

:)Hey Mike! I would go and enjoy the SHOW! Looks like there will be reputable manufacture booths there with possibly some good show prices and people to assist you. I have purchased from Outdoor shows before and have been satisfied with my decisions. My problem is that BAIT MONKEY!!!

[cart7t]

There are often good bargains to be had at boat shows and I've bought a few rods and some reels there.  Take a look through the BPS catalog, get an idea of what you want and the prices and then go to the show and compare.

[roadwarrior]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?action=post;num=1166861416;quote=1;title=PostReply

[vtbassin]

Both places are good for actually holding a rod or reel in your hands ;D  I usually have a good time at shows seeing all the equipment and talking with people but have not purchased much at them.  I have been to a BPS a few times and always spend more than I planned :  I think BPS is easier to get back to if there are any issues.  

[Hillbilly_Hooker]

I have purchased at shows before as well, but always from a dealer that is 'local' to the show.  In case there was a problem, I could get back to that dealer to resolve the issue.  If you aren't going to be in the area of that dealer, I would have to agree with vtbassin, BPS has stores in a lot of locations and it would be much easier to have an issue resolved through them.