I'm Going to Open A Can of Worms .....

[luckyinkentucky]

I know I'm going to open a can of worms with this question, but here goes anyway.    ;D

What is the most sensitive and durable rod I can get for $120 or less?  Any brand you want.  

The reason I ask is that I am switching my loyalty from BPS Johnny Morris Elite rods, and they have 85 Million modulus.  Give me a comparison from your opinion.  

[Jeff H]

Shimano Crucial (some models are $119.99) or Compre.  My $129.99 Crucial is more sensitive then my $185 GL3 and that DID impress me.  I like my Shimano rods!

[.ghoti.]

Team Daiwa Light & Tough rods are hard to beat in this price range. I have two, and one of those 85 million modulus Johnny Morris rods. The L&T's are just as sensitive, and are lighter. The JM has better guides. The reel seats are a toss up; I like both. The L&T cork grips seem to fit my hand better than the JM.

The L&T's are IM6, ?? modulus.

The JM's are 85 million modulus; IM-who knows what, and who cares.

Those ratings are basically meaningless when comparing rods from two different makers. I'm starting to think they are basically meaningless, period.

Bottom line; if those were the two rods I had to choose from, I'd buy the L&T's

Cheers,

GK

[Micro]

I have a Johnny Morris Elite MH baitcasting rod, and several Team All Star IM10s MH baitcasters.  The JMs are only a little more sensitive than the All Stars - though given the price difference ($179 versus $110) they ought to be.  But I don't think they are $69 more sensitive.   I will say the All Stars are very tough rods.

I also have a bunch of All Star American Classic rods.  Frankly, I can't tell a lot of difference between these and the IM10s.  They run about $90.  In terms of value, I think these are best All Star products, offering lots of sensitivity, lots of toughness and a great price.  Plus, they are really pretty rods.  

I've also got a few Fenwick HMGs and an HMX.   The HMGs are great rods - and in your price range.  The HMX is a great rod, too, running about $70.

[Guest muddy]

HEY>>HEY>>>>>YOU LET MY WORMS OUT!!!!!!!!!

[cart7t]

All Star Platinum rods.  This guy sells Platinums for $115 each + shipping.  

http://bobbysfishinrods.com/

Incredible rods.  You'll think you're fishing a loomis but far more durable.  

[roadwarrior]

C'mon...

Right now the BEST DEAL ON THE PLANET is the St. Croix Avid Series. Try to find the rod you want or be patient, there are lots of rods to be liquidated over the next couple of months.  Prices have been reported as low as $65, I paid $109 for one. These are the best rods you can buy at the pricing point you are considering.

[Guest muddy]

FENWICK HMG 129  or even the HMX @ 90 bucks!!  Those Allstars are great also 8-)

[Jimzee]

FENWICK HMG 129 or even the HMX @ 90 bucks!! Those Allstars are great also 8-)

I think I'm going to have to side with Muddy on this one.  Fenwick is pretty hard to beat for the sub $120.00 range.  Now if we are talking rods on sale I would go with the Avid.  Pretty sensitive rod with a killer warranty program.

[Micro]

HMGs have lifetime warranties.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

RW, Can you provide a link where the Avids are on sale for that?

Local GM will match the price if I can show them!!!!!!

Thanks,

Wayne

[roadwarrior]

Nope, I have not seen them posted. The bargins seem to be "in-store only". As a matter-of-fact, last time I checked BPS wasn't even offering Avids! The $65 was posted by a member who found a limited selection at Dick's. I found mine at Sportsman's Warehouse in Memphis ($109) and they are now OUT. Reed's Family Outdoors Outfitters had them at 10% off, but that sale is over. However, I expect Reed's to have a BIG sale at some point, they seem to have a large inventory and when the Legend Elite was upgraded, they appeared to be THE LIQUIDATOR for St. Croix.

[Guest muddy]

Nope, I have not seen them posted. The bargins seem to be "in-store only". As a matter-of-fact, last time I checked BPS wasn't even offering Avids! The $65 was posted by a member who found a limited selection at Dick's. I found mine at Sportsman's Warehouse in Memphis ($109) and they are now OUT. Reed's Family Outdoors Outfitters had them at 10% off, but that sale is over. However, I expect Reed's to have a BIG sale at some point, they seem to have a large inventory and when the Legend Elite was upgraded, they appeared to be THE LIQUIDATOR for St. Croix.

Hey RW I did not know this , and now it is too Late!! The Dick's Sporting Godds in our area had them on the rack for 119, but when you checked out they rang up for 79Bucks!!! I think there may be some pressure from St Croix not to advertise at these low prices, can that be true?

[surfer]

What is the most sensitive and durable rod I can get for $120 or less? Any brand you want.

I am surprised no one pointed out that sensitive and durable are opposites in fishing rods. You can have one or the other or a compromise. Naturally the compromise is necessary. I don't know first hand, but I believe these guys when they say the "St Croix Avid on sale for $119 or less is the best bang for your buck right now".

I also wanted to point out the rods power, length, and action also plays into its sensitivity. For instance I have a Shimano Crucial Drop Shot Rod M/XF and a G Loomis IMX MH/F. Both are 7ft. They are very similar in sensitivity (disclaimer: I have only been fishing about a year and do not have the most discerning hand). From what I understand the IMX is a better material and construction technique, but the extra power for pulling bass out of cover cost some sensitivity.  If all other factors were the same  the IMX would be more sensitive.

Good luck with your choice.

Any one who knows better please chime in as I only have a years experience so far.

[mike bat]

im with RW ,,,, that avid is a steal at that price .....

[Guest muddy]

Raul ,Reel Mech and Alpster ae the fellas I learned the most from. It seems That Fenwick,Loomis and St.Croix all have technologies that join strength with sensitivity. You might want to ask the. I am not putting Fenwick on the same level as the other too, before that starts an e riot

[FishTank]

As RW mentioned above, if you have a Dick's Sporting Goods close to you stop by and see what they have left.  When I picked mine up their I got it for $65.  It was $99 on clearance, then they had 25% off all clearance, and I was given a $10 off any $50 purchase coupon when I entered the store.  

I don't know when but about this time last year they had all their clearance fishing stuff an addtional 50% off.  I picked up two Shimano Curado 201 BSF's for $40ea and a Shimano Calcutta 251 for $30.  Hopefully they will do it again this year.