Recommendations for Upgrading my Med Casting

[Scherbacj]

I’m looking at upgrading my Medium or Medium Light casting rod and am having trouble deciding. I’m looking for a bit of a multi-purpose rod, but will probably use it most for Finesse Swimbaits(3”-4” range), Underspins, 1/4oz Chatterbaits, light t-rigs, Topwaters and jerkbaits. Looking at around 1/8-5/8oz lure range and I generally use braid to fluorocarbon leader.
 

At first I was thinking Megabass Diablo Spec R, but even though they call it a Medium “do all” rod the line/lure ratings feel too high. My Med Hvy Victory has the same lure ratings. 

 

 I was looking at the Cashion Icon Topwater/Jerkbait Rod since it claims to have a bit of a parabolic action, but the Micro Guides worry me since I use a leader.

 

I have also considered the Shimano Curado Med Light or maybe even the Expride since everyone raves about them.

 

I currently have a very old Fenwick HMX Med/Fast and it just doesn’t do it for me anymore with Poor sensitivity, heavy, etc. 
 

So, I’m open to advice and suggestions. Looking to stay around the $200-$225 range but could be convinced to go up to $300 if it’s worth it, like going Expride over Curado if it’s a true leap in quality. 

[new2BC4bass]

Don't own one (too pricy), but from what I read, the Expride is a great rod even above its price.  I'm a fan of Falcon rods.  Also like my Fenwicks, but have nothing below the HMG and mine are older models.  At the $300 price point, you might want to also look at Kistler Helium rods

 

I'm interested in what suggestions you will get.  You have a wide open field given your price range.

 

[johnmyers]

I had a Cashion jerkbait top water rod and it’s a really nice rod and I had no problem with braid to leader

[casts_by_fly]

8 hours ago, Scherbacj said:

I’m looking at upgrading my Medium or Medium Light casting rod and am having trouble deciding. I’m looking for a bit of a multi-purpose rod, but will probably use it most for Finesse Swimbaits(3”-4” range), Underspins, 1/4oz Chatterbaits, light t-rigs, Topwaters and jerkbaits. Looking at around 1/8-5/8oz lure range and I generally use braid to fluorocarbon leader.
 

At first I was thinking Megabass Diablo Spec R, but even though they call it a Medium “do all” rod the line/lure ratings feel too high. My Med Hvy Victory has the same lure ratings. 

 

 I was looking at the Cashion Icon Topwater/Jerkbait Rod since it claims to have a bit of a parabolic action, but the Micro Guides worry me since I use a leader.

 

I have also considered the Shimano Curado Med Light or maybe even the Expride since everyone raves about them.

 

I currently have a very old Fenwick HMX Med/Fast and it just doesn’t do it for me anymore with Poor sensitivity, heavy, etc. 
 

So, I’m open to advice and suggestions. Looking to stay around the $200-$225 range but could be convinced to go up to $300 if it’s worth it, like going Expride over Curado if it’s a true leap in quality. 

 

Have a look at the falcon finesse jig/topwater.  6'10", 1/4-3/4 (or 1/4-5/8 in the Cara).  It sounds like just what you're asking for.  It's labeled a MH, but that's on falcon's scale.  I'd put it as a medium+ on most other makers.  I have the Expert lineup version myself.  It was my lighter bladed bait rod and topwater spook rod originally.  I've found that I tend to go with 1/2 oz versions of those so I put them on another rod now and keep the FJ as 3/8 size topwaters and lighter finesse jigs/unweighted plastics.  It has a really nice soft tip for throwing that 3/8 weight range.

[Scherbacj]

4 hours ago, johnmyers said:

I had a Cashion jerkbait top water rod and it’s a really nice rod and I had no problem with braid to leader

What did you use it for? Did it work well for a lot of techniques? I can’t afford to have 20 rods that do 1 thing each which is why I am trying to have like 5-6 nice rods that do a lot of things. 

[softwateronly]

This rod has become my ultimate do-everything m/mf casting rod; from jigs and worms to jerkbaits and spybaits.  I've thrown 4g jighead minnow to a 25g salt spoon with it.  Around $250 shipped.  I like it quite a bit more than my expride.

 

https://asianportal-fishing.com/products/4573236260563?variant=44646060097792

 

scott

[johnmyers]

6 hours ago, Scherbacj said:

What did you use it for? Did it work well for a lot of techniques? I can’t afford to have 20 rods that do 1 thing each which is why I am trying to have like 5-6 nice rods that do a lot of things. 

It was pretty good for other things. Spinnerbaits, swimbaits weightless Senkos 

[Junger]

I have two Daiwa TAEL701MMHXB-AGS rods. This is the 7' M/MH XF rated 1/8oz to 1oz. Realistically, throwing heavier stuff around 3/4oz loads and feels better, but the light end of 1/8oz is true with the right reel. I have one as my bank/hiking rod and can throw a lot of presentations with it. It has a soft extra fast tip, and I like for moving baits, jerkbaits and lighter t-rigs, not as good for poppers, but will work in a pinch.

[Jaybert]

I use a Loomis MBR782C for similar uses in that weight range.   842C im sure is good too if you like a 7’.  Mine is the GCX model which is in that price range.   GCX gets some hate for not being a “real” Loomis, but I got mine on sale and for moving baits and light plastics it works just fine and is a nice rod for the price.  I do have the more expensive Loomis rods  and the Gcx isn’t as sensitive or crisp. But it’s still nice.  If you push budget to an IMX Pro in the same models and you will really smile.  Either way the MBR is very versatile in your range of techniques and weights.  And GCX does the job well for me