Your # 1 rod choice

[Crabcakes]

These are the rods I would purchase if buying an off the rack rod at various pricing points. Truthfully many companies provides a fine product when you spend this much money. To a certain degree it comes down to personal preference.

At the sub 100 dollar level:

Airrus Co Matrix

Sub 200:

Powell Max (I currently use and like this rod very much at this pricing point)

sub 300:

Airrus Puls-r GL

sub 400:

G-Loomis GLX

400 or more

If you plan to spend this much you shouldn't have to need my advice

Some other advice:

If they're on sale the bps rods are good or if ou need a reel the combos basically give you the rod so always check out what they have.

I don't say this list is the "best" but it's what I would purchase with my money.

[ben23]

Airrus:

Best Warranty (15$ no questions asked new rod)

Balanced rods fish better than light rods IMHO

GREAT value

THERE MUST BE A REASON THEY WIN BEST OF SHOW almost every year in Icast!!!

Excellent features/ performance

Ben

[cabela10]

Airrus:

Best Warranty (15$ no questions asked new rod)

Balanced rods fish better than light rods IMHO

GREAT value

THERE MUST BE A REASON THEY WIN BEST OF SHOW almost every year in Icast!!!

Excellent features/ performance

Ben

How old of a company is Airrus?

Would a new fishing rod company offer lifetime warranties to get people interested in their rods and then in a couple years, change things.

[ben23]

They are a relatively new company, but believe me, Ken (owner) values his customer opinions and realtions more than anything. There is no way he would ever change his policy like. If you call him 702 395 2173, you will understand why soo many people like him. Hes just one cool, freindly guy. he'd be glad to answer any questions/ suggestions you have about the company.

ben

[Redlinerobert]

I second Roadwarrior.  For your application, GLX MBR844C is the best choice.  Megabass rods are great, but I hear that their customer service leaves alot to be desired.  No disrespect meant here Lightninrod-

[lubina]

I don't have an overall #1 rod. My preference change with technique, season, boat vs shore or just my mood at the time. This month my favorite is my newest and 1st Kistler Helium LTA 6.6 ML, I can cast a Baby Griffon w/o a flinch, love it

[Siebert Outdoors]

Loomis BCR854

best rod I have ever used for fishing jigs/worms etc.  It is heavy enough for structure and light enough for smaller jigs.  Excellent rod

[Ky_Lake_Dude]

Any all star.

[basspro05]

Falcon Expert and Cara Series, by far the best small jig rod in my opinion is their 6' 10" MH or Heavy action pitchin rod, falcon has great rods, I have owned three lowriders for about five years and i still horse in big fish no problem.

[nightbasser]

Kistler Helium LTA.  By far my favorite rods.

[Brad_Coovert]

If $$$ are not your biggest concern, go custom on the blank of your choice.

Brad

[Pa Angler]

I like the BPS Johnny Morris rods when on sale an excellent rod for the money and they won't break the bank.

Chow

[Guest avid]

I too am impressed with Rogue rods.  They are excellent.  

Kistlers original LTA's used Rogue blanks (may still do ??)

I just got so spoiled by the CS at St. Croix and Loomis, that I couldn't see changing.

I am suprised by the 4 power loomis being the #1 choice for so many.  I think the MBR 783 is probably the best all around rod made.  When you go to the BCR series it is noticeably stiffer and the 3 power rating is good for most anything except swimbaits and frogs.

BTW, I have no problem with a pro advocating for a sponsor.  I would however like to see all sponsor affiliations listed in the sig line.

[The_Natural]

I am suprised by the 4 power loomis being the #1 choice for so many.  I think the MBR 783 is probably the best all around rod made.

Me too.  I love my 844, but as you stated, the 3 power is much more versatile (Loomis's #1 seller), and the reason Tackle Tour uses it as a base for their rod comparisons.  

Kistlers original LTA's used Rogue blanks (may still do ??)

The first year of the Kistler LTA, the '04s, were built on Rogue blanks.  In '05, they went to Batson, whom makes all their components for them overseas, and then the rods are assembled in Texas.  Most Helium users claim the more parabolic action of the Rogue blanks were better, and I think if you were to ask custom rod builders like George Roth if they would rather use a Rogue blank or a Batson; the Rogue would be preferred hands down.  Rogue blanks are notoriously great blanks to build custom rods on, and I can't see a reason other than cost as to why Kistler outsourced to Batson.  Kistler did start to put flanged guides on the '05s, which is a very basic guide quality that should have been on the '04 Heliums.