Is high priced rods really worth it??

[Guest the_muddy_man]

If it were the choice between a St.Croix Avid and an Extreme AVID all the way Since I have 2 premiers and as many extremes, I would rather the Extreme in some cases, Like t Rigging, weeds and those freaking inserts on both Premiers had to be fixed already>>>>>>>> Actions being equal that is I have a 6'6" Med and Med Heavy of each

[SimonSays]

Just my 2 cents, I went with a St croix Avid casting rod about a year and a half ago, I downgraded to a used st croix premier that I found on craigs list, the difference in sensitiviy was very noticeable, I felt like my senses had dulled when I would drag a lure on the bottom.  That took a bit of getting use to but after a while I adjusted.  Now I sold off my Premier and downgraded again (why oh why are college text books so expensive  :-/ ) to a BPS Extreme travel rod 3 piece since I've moved into a new apt with no place to put full length rods.  The sensitivity also took a huge hit again and i've been trying to adjust.  

Just wanted to say that the sensitivity from an Avid -> Premier -> BPS extreme travel rod is very very noticeable.  

[Taliesin]

I have to be one of the "No" votes.

I have improved my rods from $20 to $60 (not counting my catfishing rods that run to $120 due to pure size), but beyond that...

But then again, I target cats more than bass usually. I'm not talking about those small channel cats either, but targetting 30+# blue cats. The rod needs to be somewhat sensitive, but being indestructible is more important. A GOOD drag on the reel becomes very important when targetting these big fish.

It's not that I don't think improving the quality of your rods is a good thing, because it is. I just put the Rate of Return for your money lower than most. I might buy some bass rods in the next year or so, but they won't cost more than $120 or so. Beyond that... the extra quality isn't worth it to me. It may be worth it for others, but not for me. Another part of it is that when I started out bass fishing (oh so many years ago) it was with what most people now call "bubba gear" that was about as sensitive as a pool cue.

[SlateTundra]

I started using rods from $20 $40 and have fished them for most of my fishing experiences.  They've all caught me some nice fish.  But this year, I decided to up my gear and purchased three Shimano Crucial rods.  Two baitcasting rods and one spinning rod.  I'm absolutely satisfied with the rods.  They are light, very sensitive, limited life-time warranty, great materials, and a great price range that can't be beat.  I can't remember how many rods I've accidentally broke on a trip and it sucks to have to go out and spend more money on another oneit adds up quickly.  If you fished a good quality rod for a whileyou'll definitely feel the difference between a great rod and a cheap one.  I for one will never go back.  If you fish a lot, a higher end rod will be a good investment.  Just my 2 cents worth.

[RiskKid.]

You have to ask yourself. Does the fish know how much you spend on your tackle?

I personally like the high end tackle like several other enthusiasts on this board. I know it does not make me a better fisherman, but an 8 oz rod AND reel combo is hard to put down when you start fishing.

Well said Redline.....I agree with this 100%

[Catt]

When I was 12 my dad taught me how to build custom cabinets & in order to build them you must first have quality tools. Yes you can cut $150.00 a sheet plywood with a hand saw or a skill saw but you get a smoother cut with a table saw. Not only will the cut be smoother but you'll not have to work as hard; I don't mind working I just don't like working hard.

So buy the right tools for the job and buy quality tools; same applies to fishing  

[SlateTundra]

You get what you pay for, remember that.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

You get what you pay for, remember that.

This is not always true!!!!!!!! I am going to upgrade to a ST Croix Avid in the long run The Premiers suck!!! That guide insert problem is peristant and it is very common with that line of rods SHOULDN"T HAPPEN and it has been known for a couple of years, you would think they would correct it by now :-/ I was so excited and pleased when I got my 2 premiers , it was a big step up for me and the rod was lighter and more sensitive than any thing I used. Now on one rod the tip insert has been repaired twice and on the other the 2 guide ionsert  form the reel. They fix them no questions but i don't like this at all!!!!!

[Jig Man]

When I was 12 my dad taught me how to build custom cabinets & in order to build them you must first have quality tools. Yes you can cut $150.00 a sheet plywood with a hand saw or a skill saw but you get a smoother cut with a table saw. Not only will the cut be smoother but you'll not have to work as hard; I don't mind working I just don't like working hard.

So buy the right tools for the job and buy quality tools; same applies to fishing

Exactly, I would rather have one good setup than a dozen pieces of junk.  One of the guys I fish with broke a new rod on the first cast.  I asked him about it and he smiled and said, "Clearance at Wal-Mart only a few bucks."  I'm sitting there with a few $400 setups catching fish and he never had a bite that he could feel.

[ww2farmer]

The Premiers suck!!!quote]

You got that right, they are the most overpriced,overrated, $100 rod there is, I like the avids much much better. I had a few premiers that I bought new this winter to "upgrade" from what I was using. It was a step backwards, and they have all been sold in disgust.  

[cart7t]

When I was 12 my dad taught me how to build custom cabinets & in order to build them you must first have quality tools. Yes you can cut $150.00 a sheet plywood with a hand saw or a skill saw but you get a smoother cut with a table saw. Not only will the cut be smoother but you'll not have to work as hard; I don't mind working I just don't like working hard.

So buy the right tools for the job and buy quality tools; same applies to fishing  

Exactly, I would rather have one good setup than a dozen pieces of junk.  One of the guys I fish with broke a new rod on the first cast.  I asked him about it and he smiled and said, "Clearance at Wal-Mart only a few bucks."  I'm sitting there with a few $400 setups catching fish and he never had a bite that he could feel.

But buying one quality rod and reel, which basically blows the budget, isn't the same as buying the right tools for the job.

If you're a new angler wanting to get into fishing and you fix your rod and reel budget to a certain price.  Going out and blowing the whole wad on one rod and reel isn't going to be very feasible nor rewarding.  If I go out and spend the entire amount, say $400 on one medium action rod and one reel I've just limited my fishing experience.  It's rare that a single rod can be all to every fishing method out there.  Most fall way short.  It would be better to buy a couple of $200 outfits, one medium and one medium hvy, in order to cover as many bases, as far as fishing techniques as possible.  

[Catt]

No where did I say any thing about price but quality does come with a price; you determine what quality you will accept. Buying one quality rod-n-reel isn't limiting you fishing experience in the least instead it enhancing your fishing experience.

I do not buy into this idea that you need a dozen rod-n-reels to be able to catch fish; two quality setups will cover any situation. You can only fish top water, mid-depth, or on the bottom; that's 3 max.  

[dbass]

The_Muddy_Man,

The Premiers suck!!! That guide insert problem is peristant and it is very common with that line of rods SHOULDN"T HAPPEN and it has been known for a couple of years, you would think they would correct it by now

Here's why....Premier Rods Components

Batson Forecast hard aluminum-oxide guides with double-plated black chrome frames.

I can guaranty the Premier Blank built by a custom builder would be just as good as the Avid rods in the racks...Especially if they are building with Fuji guides JMPO

Tight Lines All!!!  

[deerhuneter02]

To me a high priced rod isn't worth it. A rod around $30 is great for everybody execpt the tournament angler or the person with a lot of extra cash.

[lubina]

You don't get what you don't pay for  :-*

Say NO to cheapo tackle ;D

[Guest the_muddy_man]

No where did I say any thing about price but quality does come with a price; you determine what quality you will accept. Buying one quality rod-n-reel isn't limiting you fishing experience in the least instead it enhancing your fishing experience.

I do not buy into this idea that you need a dozen rod-n-reels to be able to catch fish; two quality setups will cover any situation. You can only fish top water, mid-depth, or on the bottom; that's 3 max.

THATS WERE I AM AT CATT  I use 3 rigs one for cranks/topwaters, one for plastics and one for smaller worms/ In the spring and fall i have one spinning set up i really love for Rapalas and thats it.

[roadwarrior]

First let me say, I REALLY like fishing with technique specific equipment, no question about that. BUT...I think you can fish just about every technique with one rod, spinning or baitcasting. Two rod and reel combinations would certainly cover 95% or more of all my fishing. So, I'm in the camp with those who like better equipment even if that means less gear.

Specifically, I would suggest spending ALL of this year's tackle budget on one combo and fish the heck out of it. Next year buy #2. For me that would mean a Medium Power/ Fast Action spinning outfit and a Heavy Power/ Fast Action baitcasting rig.

A third set-up that I would add down the road is another baitcaster with Medium or MH Power/ Moderate Action. And that would be it, you do not NEED another rod.

One last comment, on topic: "Is (Are) high priced rods really worth it?"

My response would be ABSOLUTELY!

8-)

[cart7t]

No where did I say any thing about price but quality does come with a price; you determine what quality you will accept. Buying one quality rod-n-reel isn't limiting you fishing experience in the least instead it enhancing your fishing experience.

I do not buy into this idea that you need a dozen rod-n-reels to be able to catch fish; two quality setups will cover any situation. You can only fish top water, mid-depth, or on the bottom; that's 3 max.  

I'm not saying you need a dozen rods and reels to fish either.

What I am saying is if you're currently fishing with very inadequate equipment or none at all and you have a budget, say $400, that you don't blow the whole thing on one rod and reel but rather,  divide that amount and get 2 rigs that cover the spectrum of methods you'll possible use.  How you decide what those 2 best rigs are is dependant on where you spend the majority of the time fishing.  

[Bud]

      One last comment, on topic: "Is (Are) high priced rods really worth it?"

My response would be ABSOLUTELY!                  

amen

[DRat]

I don't think anyone here is saying that one should go out and buy a high end rod if they can't afford to. If how ever you can afford it by all means get one. I have been able to afford G loomis rods and have several. I also use high end reels. There is a hugh differance in high end and low end, don't fool youself into thinking other wise. I am also a better fisherman than I was 40 years ago when I started with just a cane pole.

[ABC123]

I have 3 bait casters one Abu Garcia 5600, Abu Garcia revo STX, And a Daiwa viento.... On the 5600 I have a $30 Berkley 6'6" med. rod, on the STX I have a $40 Abu Garcia 7' med. Heavy road, and on the Daiwa I have a 7'4" $40 Abu Garcia Med. Heavy rod. My question is how many of you think that more expensive rods are really worth it, like All Star, G. Loomis, St. Croix, Ex....... When purchasing a combo should someone look to buy a more expensive reel and get an ok rod or should they get a ok reel and a really good rod?

IMO, it depends on what you will be using it for. Jigging, dropshot, worms/plastics, and various other finesse fishing situations, it is a must have. I don't see a need for them throwing cranks, spinners and buzzbaits. Bass are not going to nibble or light bite a crank or buzzbait, they are going to inhale them. As long as the rod and operator are capable of setting the hook correctly, you'll catch the fish. If the bite is tough, and the fish are under a lot of pressure, and you need to finesse them, then nothing will compare to a high end rod. Period.

[Taliesin]

IMO, it depends on what you will be using it for. Jigging, dropshot, worms/plastics, and various other finesse fishing situations, it is a must have. I don't see a need for them throwing cranks, spinners and buzzbaits. Bass are not going to nibble or light bite a crank or buzzbait, they are going to inhale them. As long as the rod and operator are capable of setting the hook correctly, you'll catch the fish. If the bite is tough, and the fish are under a lot of pressure, and you need to finesse them, then nothing will compare to a high end rod. Period.

I definately agree with you that the fast lures don't need the sensitive rods. When I can afford to upgrade some tacke, the "finesse" gear will the the first replaced.

[roadwarrior]

I definately agree with you that the fast lures don't need the sensitive rods. When I can afford to upgrade some tacke, the "finesse" gear will the the first replaced.

Well, I understand your point if we were just talking about the strike, but with the right set-up (rod-reel-line-lure) a fisherman can "feel" the structure/ cover he is fishing. I can tell you about the bottom (mud, gravel, sand); the contour (drops, humps, ridges and pools);  the rocks (rounded, sharp, independent or piled); the vegetation (grass, cane, brush or timber) and sometimes, I can feel the fish before it strikes!  

[Raul]

A good sensitive rod is needed to fish crankbaits & spinnerbaits in a place like this one, you should see how it looks below ther surface:

[RWHusker.]

I believe quality is critical and you get what you pay for.  However I do believe that you have to figure value in the equation somewhere.  I just upgraded from a mid grade Cabela's brand rod's to a private builder in the Dallas Metro area named Mike Hendrix of Hendrix Rod's.  I looked at Kistler, Powell, St. Croix and G. Loomis prior to my purchases, and decided for 1/2 the money these rods were extremely comparable and I'm thrilled with my choice.  And besides that Mike calls personally and checks to make sure I'm happy and if theres anything else I need.