Qaulity and Overkill

[senile1]

This is always a good topic for generating many thoughtful posts.  As I have said, I tend to stay in what I consider mid-range equipment (rods and reels below $200) but I am always open to persuasion.  There is no reason to be close-minded about which equipment is the best for the money.  I read an interesting article about how our own expectations will influence the value we perceive that we receive from a product. The link is below.  

http://finance.yahoo.com/columnist/article/moneyhappy/19279

[dodgeguy]

a lot of people buy overpriced products so they can impress people.it has nothing to do with performance or common sense.there is a point where it becomes ridiculous.

[Siebert Outdoors]

The "best value for the money" is an excellent motto to live by, but we often violate this principal for the things we are passionate about. In economics it is referred to as the "law of diminishing returns." For each aditional dollar spent, the value of the gain is proportionately less.

When applied to fishing equipment, it's hard to quantify the dollar value of the "fun factor."

Ahh a business perspective. RW must be a business man. 8-)

The main reason I buy quality equipment is this.

I dont have alot of time to fish and the time I do have I dont need equipment failure.  I also want to get the most out of my time and enjoy it.  I dont go crazy in purchasing the latest or most expensive goods but I do like good quality equipment.

[The_Natural]

I wouldn't say a lot of people buy expensive rods and reels to impress people- maybe cars or clothing...something people will actually see a lot.  Nobody but your partner sees your rods and reels.  I'm not going to be naive and think there aren't some kids who buy a high end rig because they see other folks online with them, and think they are the 'thing to have', but  I do think performance is the main factor, something that is apparent immediately when you pick up a high dollar rod at Bass Pro and feel the incredible light weight.  Weight is why I  bought my first Loomis; I needed a heavy action rod, but all cheaper pitchin' sticks just felt like 2x4's.  There is obviously a point of dimenishing returns, and if you don't care about having the lightest and most senstive rod out there, and just want a good combo that won't hold you back; I think you can spend $200 on a combo and be fine.  I probably recommend a Shimano Citica and Loomis IMX combo more than anything (about a $300 combo)...this combo won't set you back a ton of cash, yet won't hold you back from feeling a finicky bass slowly inhale a football jig in 30ft of water.

[RoLo]

a lot of people buy overpriced products so they can impress people

It's hard to imagine an angler who'd be impressed by another angler's gear, which might stand a better chance of stirring jealousy.

Holding a $500 rod, adds more to one's state-of-mind, than to one's state-of-being.

The most important fishing tool lies between our ears.

Roger

[Alpster]

a lot of people buy overpriced products so they can impress people

It's hard to imagine an angler who'd be impressed by another angler's gear, which might have a better chance of stirring jealousy.

Holding a $500 rod, adds more to one's state-of-mind, than to one's state-of-being.

Roger

Thanks Roger,

That's what I wanted to say.

Ronnie

[roadwarrior]

I don't know about impressing other people with high end fishing gear. The only people I ever notice paying much attention are other guys with pricey gear and  fishing guides. It seems like everyone wants to know what lure you're using, the color and if they are bold enough, where you were catching them. Rods and reels are certainly THE hot topic among cyber-fishermen, but I rarely hear it in the real world.

[Raul]

I buy the best I can afford,

if I can 't afford it right now I save,

I buy what I want and what I like,

if I like expensive reels I don 't care if you think it 's too much,

if you think I purchase stuff to impress people you are dead wrong.

[KYbass1276]

I don't think anyone so far has given a wrong answer because if we all thought alike then this forum would not be as fun as it is.  It really dosen't matter what you use or how much you spend and that has come clear to me now.  It's all in what you like.   It's a passion and we all are welcome to spend as much or as less as we want in the pursuit of our passion    

But I still think and no offense to anyone who uses one that a ditgital brake control on a baitcaster is a little much.  I mean seriously shimano is really trying to make a buck on that    Electronics and water Don't mix

[Raul]

I don't think anyone so far has given a wrong answer because if we all thought alike then this forum would not be as fun as it is. It really dosen't matter what you use or how much you spend and that has come clear to me now. It's all in what you like. It's a passion and we all are welcome to spend as much or as less as we want in the pursuit of our passion

RIGHT ! nothing compares to the feel you get when fishing with obscenely priced tackle.

[Long Mike]

One Ugly Stick - $39.00.

One St. Croix Rod - $115.00.

The difference in sensitivity? - Priceless!

Mike

[Bud]

   I buy the best I can afford,

if I can 't afford it right now I save,

I buy what I want and what I like,  

if I like expensive reels I don 't care if you think it 's too much,  

if you think I purchase stuff to impress people you are dead wrong.          

My thought exactly Raul.  It is my money I work for it and I will spend it like i want to.

[CSB]

I only buy the best so I'll have one less thing to blame for my lack of ability! 8-)

Im a firm believer in the old adage "you get what you pay for".  If I cant afford the best in anything I do, whether it be fishing, trucks, computers, etc. I wont buy anything. Buying one quality product thats lasts ten years is better than buying two or three lower quality products that last three years.  Price isnt always directly related to quality, though.

[Alpster]

I get a kick out of those who are convinced that spending $300 on a reel is "rediculous" "overkill" "can't be worth it", "I can catch more fish with a willow branch", etc. They obviously don't fish much with a high dollar reel. Everyone wants to make a case for what they do LOL. If you are happy fishing with a Zebco 202 combo, GREAT! Live & let live. If some guys want to spend their hard earned bucks on a Stella or Steez, they aren't hurting anyone. I don't understand the animosity, if you don't want to spend a lot of $ on fishing gear, that's AWESOME, but why be nasty to the ones who do?  :-/ (scratchin my head?)

Ronnie

[scbassin]

Hey Fellas This is simple You like to fish,you work for your money YOU BUY WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPAY AND I BUY WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY  THEN EVERYBODY IS HAPPY  HAPPY Isnt that why we all started fishing anyway  

Muddy Man is happy did he buy a Shimano??????

[Long Mike]

After my above post, I got to thinking about RW's "diminishing returns"  As far as I am concerned, the value (increased ability to catch fish) gained between a low-priced rod and a medium range rod is enormous.  But what does the value curve look like when one goes from a $100 rod to a $300 rod?  My assessement is that the curve is very steep when it comes to going from low-priced to mid-range rods, but how quickly does the curve level off when one steps up from a $100 to a $300 rod?  I would venture to say that the value (remember?, the ability to catch fish?) curve gets real flat and real fast.  

Mike.

[Catt]

My point is that in some anglers hands a high end rod & reel will make a difference but in some anglers hands it will not. When fishing deep structure with Texas Rigs, Jigs, Carolina Rigs, or Drop Shots some people don't get and many never will.  

[ww2farmer]

I get a kick out of those who are convinced that spending $300 on a reel is "rediculous" "overkill" "can't be worth it", "I can catch more fish with a willow branch", etc. They obviously don't fish much with a high dollar reel. Everyone wants to make a case for what they do LOL. If you are happy fishing with a Zebco 202 combo, GREAT! Live & let live. If some guys want to spend their hard earned bucks on a Stella or Steez, they aren't hurting anyone. I don't understand the animosity, if you don't want to spend a lot of $ on fishing gear, that's AWESOME, but why be nasty to the ones who do? :-/ (scratchin my head?)

Ronnie

I have seen it the other way too, guy's with the top of line stuff that walk around with a chip on there shoulder who think if you aint' fishing with whatever they ue you just aint fishing.

I do see a little of that here, but I see more of what Ronnie is talking about. Too bad, but

!  guess it's unaviodable, we have guys who like high end stuff, guys who like mid range stuff, guys who buy what they can afford, guys who buy nothing but cheap stuff no matter what, guys jelous of the guys with the high end stuff, guys with what they could afford but wish they could afford more, guys with cheap stuff who thinks it's just as good as any high end rod/reel, guys with high end rods/reels/boats who think it ain't fishing unless you have all top dollar gear...........................what I am saying is we are all here to talk 1 thing, bass fishing, right??? Sure when some one asks fo advice on a rod/reel we should give it along with a usefull opionion. But really all this ranting on OPINIONS is getting old.  

[cart7t]

One Ugly Stick - $39.00.

One St. Croix Rod - $115.00.

The difference in sensitivity? - Priceless!

Mike

or

One Berkley Lightning rod - $35.00

One St. Croix rod - $115.00

The difference in sensitivity? -  Hmmm... makes it a little tougher.

I went to an early boat show last night. One of the magazines I picked up had an article about the cost of a new rod and reel. None other than Rick Clunn himself stated that once you go over the $150 mark for either, you really see diminished returns.  That in fact, for around the $70-90 mark, you can pick up a very nice rod or reel for the price and that even lower end combo's, that price out for around $100-130 can provide a great experience for a new angler.

As he stated, dropping $300-400 on a single rod n reel combo is beyond the means of many, many people.  You're much better off when you start to buy a couple combo's within your budget that allow you fish multiple techniques.

There's nothing that makes me want to roll my eyes more around here than having a new angler asking about what baitcasting rig he should buy as his first with $200 to spend.  Invariably the usual folks insist he go out and spend a little more than that amount on more premium gear.  They're reasoning?  The stuff will last you a lifetime.  

I think you're better off directing that new angler towards purchasing a couple nice rods, one medium and one M/hvy and let him learn the rods and techniques with it and THEN let him decide what kind of rod is best for a longer term after he's had time and experience on the water.

[Guest avid]

There is no doubt that many products are priced waaaaaaaay above what would could called a reasonable profit margin.  

But there is no such thing as "too much quality"  things are constantly improving and that costs money.

But again.  Value is in the eye of the beholder.  

[Raul]

I get a kick out of those who are convinced that spending $300 on a reel is "rediculous" "overkill" "can't be worth it", "I can catch more fish with a willow branch", etc. They obviously don't fish much with a high dollar reel. Everyone wants to make a case for what they do LOL. If you are happy fishing with a Zebco 202 combo, GREAT! Live & let live. If some guys want to spend their hard earned bucks on a Stella or Steez, they aren't hurting anyone. I don't understand the animosity, if you don't want to spend a lot of $ on fishing gear, that's AWESOME, but why be nasty to the ones who do? :-/ (scratchin my head?)

Ronnie

Very well put Ronnie, it 's funny, many of you guys think that spending 3 or 4 hundred dollars in a rod and a reel combo is waaaaaaaaaayyyyy too much, however are willing and spend 10,000 dollars and more in bassboat.

[flechero]

None other than Rick Clunn himself stated that once you go over the $150 mark for either, you really see diminished returns.  

Hmm... what does a rick clunn combo cost?    Sounds like he is representing his sponsor perfectly.  

While I don't disagree with the concept and I think most people on this site agree as well... I do have an issue with the price range.  Anyone who says there is very little difference in a 50MG and anything that fits into the above scenario is either being pad to say it or really is clueless.  I fished Abu 4600's all my life and still say there are great,  but to say they compare to my 50MG's would just be dishonest.  

As he stated, dropping $300-400 on a single rod n reel combo is beyond the means of many, many people

Also very true, but very off topic....  just because someone can't afford a certain piece of equipment, doesn't mean it's not better.  The size of a person's budget has no bearing on the quality of a company's product.  

There's nothing that makes me want to roll my eyes more around here than having a new angler asking about what baitcasting rig he should buy as his first with $200 to spend.  Invariably the usual folks insist he go out and spend a little more than that amount on more premium gear.  They're reasoning?  The stuff will last you a lifetime.  

I think you're better off directing that new angler towards purchasing a couple nice rods, one medium and one M/hvy and let him learn the rods and techniques with it and THEN let him decide what kind of rod is best for a longer term after he's had time and experience on the water.

I couldn't agree more.

[senile1]

I get a kick out of those who are convinced that spending $300 on a reel is "rediculous" "overkill" "can't be worth it", "I can catch more fish with a willow branch", etc. They obviously don't fish much with a high dollar reel. Everyone wants to make a case for what they do LOL. If you are happy fishing with a Zebco 202 combo, GREAT! Live & let live. If some guys want to spend their hard earned bucks on a Stella or Steez, they aren't hurting anyone. I don't understand the animosity, if you don't want to spend a lot of $ on fishing gear, that's AWESOME, but why be nasty to the ones who do?  :-/ (scratchin my head?)

Ronnie

Very well put Ronnie, it 's funny, many of you guys think that spending 3 or 4 hundred dollars in a rod and a reel combo is waaaaaaaaaayyyyy too much, however are willing and spend 10,000 dollars and more in bassboat.

I think this might be comparing apples to oranges.  A new $10,000 bass boat is the low end of the price range, and therefore would compare with the low end of the rod and reel range.  Due to the boat's purpose and the expense of making it fill that purpose, it is naturally going to cost much more than rods and reels.  Of course, here I still follow my principles.  I bought a cheaper used boat that meets my needs fine.  

Well, we all have our own opinions.  I don't think anyone is ridiculous for whatever they buy.  If it's good for them, great.  Much earlier in this thread, before some of us started getting miffed, I stated that for me the benefits received from the highest price gear aren't enough to justify purchasing anything more than around a couple of hundred dollars . . . for me . . . . maybe not for anyone else.  And as always, I'm more than open to changing my mind if I find that some of the highest priced equipment proves me wrong.  My opinions aren't set in stone.  We are all trying to achieve the same thing . . . . catching that big Momma bass.  We just have different priorities and different ways of reaching the same goal.  

[cart7t]

None other than Rick Clunn himself stated that once you go over the $150 mark for either, you really see diminished returns.  

Hmm... what does a rick clunn combo cost?    Sounds like he is representing his sponsor perfectly.  

While I don't disagree with the concept and I think most people on this site agree as well... I do have an issue with the price range.  Anyone who says there is very little difference in a 50MG and anything that fits into the above scenario is either being pad to say it or really is clueless.  I fished Abu 4600's all my life and still say there are great,  but to say they compare to my 50MG's would just be dishonest.  

As he stated, dropping $300-400 on a single rod n reel combo is beyond the means of many, many people

Also very true, but very off topic....  just because someone can't afford a certain piece of equipment, doesn't mean it's not better.  The size of a person's budget has no bearing on the quality of a company's product.  

There's nothing that makes me want to roll my eyes more around here than having a new angler asking about what baitcasting rig he should buy as his first with $200 to spend.  Invariably the usual folks insist he go out and spend a little more than that amount on more premium gear.  They're reasoning?  The stuff will last you a lifetime.  

I think you're better off directing that new angler towards purchasing a couple nice rods, one medium and one M/hvy and let him learn the rods and techniques with it and THEN let him decide what kind of rod is best for a longer term after he's had time and experience on the water.

I couldn't agree more.

I've currently got for sale or will have soon the following:

Chronarch 100

Curado CU200

BPS Pro Qualifier 1000 LP reel

A Pflueger Supreme, 5 bearing older model. ( I may not sell this one)

Blindfolded, the difference in the mechanics of the reels is virtually imperceptable.  Physically there are differences but not mechanically. The reels are all extremely smooth and feel solid.   All the manufacturers are making quality reels.  Once you get above around $120 in price the mechanical differences are barely perceptable.  The physical differences don't justify the extra money.

[BASS fisherman]

i think over $200 for a rod and over $200 for a reel is ridiculous.$400 for a combo would be my absolute max.the price of fishing equipment has become absurd and we are to blame.

[move]And BINGO was his name-o![/move]

Thats all Im going to say on this matter. ;D