Looking for recommendation on Rod choice

[Stylez78]

I have looked over a bunch of threads and kind of narrowed down my selection some based on some reading but I wasn't sure if I was missing out on a potential selection based on some of the criteria and if any of my choices might be better than the other based on the criteria.  So if anyone can lend their advice I'd be extremely appreciative!

I am mainly targeting bass.  I prefer to fish Texas rig with 1/4oz weight and plastic worm but I am also starting to explore chatter & rattle baits.  I fish from the bank of lakes so I won't be out on boats and up to now not much overhang but never know.  I was looking at a Medium fast action rod.  I am going to pair it up with the Carbon X 2000 Spinning reel I was given as a gift.  I'm looking at about $100 for the rod give or take.

 

My current shortlist of rods are:

Daiwa Tatula XT 7' M F

Abu Garcia Veritas 7' M F

Lews TP1X Speed stick 6'9 M F
St Croix Bass X 7'1" M F

Falcon BuCoo BRS-4-17 7' M M

Shimano SLXSX70MA 7' M XF

These all seem to be in the $100 area (the abu and the st croix are about 20 bucks more). 

[DaubsNU1]

I'd say order them all...get them in your hands...select the rod you like the best...and return the rest.

[Stylez78]

1 hour ago, DaubsNU1 said:

I'd say order them all...get them in your hands...select the rod you like the best...and return the rest.

I had gone to the store and felt some of them and to be honest they all feel good compared to the $20 rod/reel Daiwa I been using for the past few years.

I just kept reading that some rods are better suited for certain baits and fishing styles.  I am sure every single rod on that list is a good rod and way better than what I have used.  Since I like to fish mostly Texas Rig if one rod would be better choice than another for that application.

Also I know the Falcon Rod is a medium action but from reviews many people say it is a great rod that is more like a fast action and it was very sensitive compared to other rods.  Was just hoping to hear some feedback form more experienced people than I.  

[PhishLI]

3 hours ago, Stylez78 said:

My current shortlist of rods are:

Daiwa Tatula XT 7' M F

Abu Garcia Veritas 7' M F

Lews TP1X Speed stick 6'9 M F
St Croix Bass X 7'1" M F

Falcon BuCoo BRS-4-17 7' M M

Shimano SLXSX70MA 7' M XF

I haven't fished with or touched a ton of $100 spinning rods, but enough to have chosen the Tat XT over the ones that I have. That doesn't mean there isn't something better at the price point. There are so many choices, then throw in personal preference. Rods are so personal. That said, the MF XT spinning rods I have keep me happy not only because I like their feel in hand and their crisp action, but they've held up to real abuse over 6 years of use. I've dragged in some pretty impressive NY bass through some gnarly weeds with them without one glitch. 

[WaskaCrank12]

I have an Abu Garcia Veritas Winch 7' M/Mod and it has been a fine rod - paired with a Shimano NASCI - I do fish from a boat, I am newer to fishing and learning as I go - When I was looking for a spinning rod in that price range there were many favorable reviews for the Daiwa Tatula XT 7' M/F, I chose the Abu Garcia because I had been given a gift card to a local shop and they had that rod in stock (otherwise I probably would have gone with the Daiwa XT) - I do not have any experience with any of the other rods you mentioned - all the best in your search

[casts_by_fly]

I love my falcons and I think the bucoo series is a great value at $100. That said, for a bottom contact spinning rod I’m not convinced they have enough sensitivity for me. I don’t have that spinning rod but I have three of the casting rods, the nearest to that one being the 5-17. With braid, ok. With mono/fluoro I’d want something just a bit better. I suspect the Tatula is that bit better on this one. 

[Stylez78]

I really appreciate the replies!!  I think I will just get the Tatula XT.  It seems hard to beat for the price.  I appreciate all the replies!

 

[FrnkNsteen]

I was going to suggest the Tatula XT as well. I have a couple Tatula and Tatula Elite in casting models and have been happy with them.

 

Another option I might suggest in that price range is a Fenwick HMG. I haven't fished the most recent version yet, but have been pretty happy with the 2 generations before them. They are typically light, balance well, and usually have good sensitivity.

[Brian11719]

I would also consider a Dobyn's Fury FR 703SF at that price point. It's normally $130 but ALF will most likely have it discounted in the near future (good chance tomorrow) so you can get one closer to $100 and get a lifetime warranty. I really like the Kaden series but that's been more like $140 when they go on sale.

[F14A-B]

I see you decided on the Tat, excellent choice for the coin..

[Stylez78]

I did purchase the Tatula CT but it came yesterday broken 😭.  I setup the exchange so have to wait little longer. 

 

In the meantime, I bought a Abu Garcia Jordan Lee signature rod for $56 shipped.  Don't know much about it as there aren't many reviews but I'm hoping it decent for the price.  I'll end up giving it to my son to use when the Tatula XT comes in.

[PhishLI]

2 hours ago, Stylez78 said:

I did purchase the Tatula XT but it came yesterday broken

From where? Was it in a rod tube or one of those triangular boxes taped together?

[Stylez78]

1 hour ago, PhishLI said:

From where? Was it in a rod tube or one of those triangular boxes taped together?

I bought it from Amazon. I had credit to use up, it was a seller through them I believe.  

 

It was a triangle box.  If I didn't have credit to use I would have just went to tackle warehouse or a reputable online seller.

[PhishLI]

20 minutes ago, Stylez78 said:

I bought it from Amazon.

Just a suggestion. When the new one comes in, and even if the box looks fine, quickly go out and cast something several times at the rod's stated weight limit. The box might've still gotten flexed which could've damaged the blank. It took my brother 5 times once to get an undamaged rod. They kept shipping the replacements in those absurd boxes over and over again.