X-Mas Rod Help

[RobbyZ5001]

Well i'm a college student sort of short on money lets keep this in mind please! My parents got my uncle a Quantum Catalyst Pti spinning reel. I want to get him a rod to match the reel. I am trying to keep it less then $60. I know there is slim pickings for this price range. I was hoping you guys could help me pick out a rod for him.

The stats on the reel go as follows: CT30PTiA 5.2:1, 160/8, 7+1, 13.1 oz.

He likes the bigger reels so I picked that reel out. He is also tall (6'4) and prefers largers rods. He really only fishes T-rigged 4 inch berkleys, and nightcrawlers. First thing that crossed my mind was a 7' MF but whatever you guys think.

If you could help me that would be awesome! Thank you!

[Sam]

Wait for the after Christmas sales or the late January and early February sales at your local tackle shop, Cabella's, Gander Mountain or Bass Pro Shops.  You can get a higher priced rod within your price range.

Then, take the advice of the guys on this site regarding the rod to balance your new reel.

If you are asking the clerks at any tackle store, be it the big ones or the small ones, be careful as the guys on this site have forgotten more than the clerks know.

So guys, suggestions?????

And I guess Kistler, Loomis, and St.Croix are out of the picture?

[sal669]

I am 6'3" and I like longer rods too. I think a 7' M F or XF is a good choice.

Try BPS or cabelas, they have good deals on their branded rods (BPS Extreme @ $65).Also look in their "clearane" stuff.

Good luck.

[Jig Man]

The last time I was at BPS they had Bionic blades on sale for $50.   That is a $30 savings.

[mike bat]

robbie there was a guy on ebay ... that sold the quantam rods at a decent price i wanna say 30 bucks ..... i cant remember his stores name but ill try and find it ...... and the rods arent bad ,,, i had a casting rod ....

[RobbyZ5001]

Posted by: Sam Posted on: Today at 3:12pm

Wait for the after Christmas sales or the late January and early February sales at your local tackle shop, Cabella's, Gander Mountain or Bass Pro Shops. You can get a higher priced rod within your price range.

Do you think it will be that great of a sale and worth the wait? I know I like my gifts on xmas but he is older and i'm sure he really wouldn't mind.

Posted by: Sam Posted on: Today at 3:12pm

Then, take the advice of the guys on this site regarding the rod to balance your new reel.

I don't think i'm going to balance it for two reasons. I looked at the thread and it seems to be a personal preference kind of ordeal. Also it seems to be a lot of work and I could possibly damage the rod.

Posted by: Sam Posted on: Today at 3:12pm

And I guess Kistler, Loomis, and St.Croix are out of the picture?

I was looking at the St. Croix Triumph but that idea is still up in the air.

I don't think I want to go the ebay route unless it is an amazing deal.

I like the Bionic blade but if I drive to get it i'm looking at a 2 1/2 hour ride. If I order it shipping will kill me since I will probably want the one piece.

I was checking out the Fish Eagle II but that is also up in the air.

[.dsaavedra.]

ive heard very bad things about the st. croix triumph. ive never used one but i considered it but then changed my mind based on reccomendations from here.

shimano clarus is a good rod in your price range. 7' MF is 69.99 at http://www.***.com/descpageRDSSHIMANO-SHCLSR.html

good lucky and happy buying!

[Jeff H]

Look at a Shimano Convergence.  You'll have money left in your pocket and I think they are really decent rods for the price.

[Micro]

BPS has their Extreme rods on sale for $64.99, normally $99.  Great rods.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59067_100002002_100000000_100002000_100-2-2

[ABC123]

Falcon original series? Shimano Clarus? All star Instinct? Cabela's tourney trail IM7? BPS Extreme?

Just a few I found, maybe someone has some input on them? I got a couple Cabela's rods for the kids and they hold up well. The Cabela's TT IM7 get's my vote.

[Big T]

The Shimano Clarus for $69 would be a great choice, and the Shimano Convergence for around $39 is a good rod as well I have both of these rods and I use them for everything, inshore to freshwater. Although it is not polpular on these boards I own a 6'6" St. Croix Triumph that I have not had any complaints with. They sell for around 60 to 70 dollars as well. What every you buy take the reel with you to make sure it feels good and balances out, you do not want to buy your uncle a rod that the reel is to big for. I think that the Kinectic 30 would work on any of these I fish a Kinetic 40 on a 7ft. Bps Extreme. It is a little heavy, but I need the line capacity for saltwater fishing.

Hope this helps

Big T

[RobbyZ5001]

Thank you Big T it just clicked. I got him a kinetic not a catalyst. I got a catalyst for my dad. I think i'm leaning towards the convergence for now but i'm keeping the Clarus in mind. Its good to know the 30 will balance with a 7ft. Thank you!

[.dsaavedra.]

i would get the clarus over the convergence. in the world of bass rods, you really do get what you pay for, so you should always spend as much as youre willing to spend.

[Jake P]

On bps.com it shows the extreme xps rods on sale from 99$ at 65$ however i went up there and they said the sale was ended even though its STILL posted on there site. when i was there the bionic blades were on sale for 49.99$ and they are very good rods for the price, good luck.

[Micro]

On bps.com it shows the extreme xps rods on sale from 99$ at 65$ however i went up there and they said the sale was ended even though its STILL posted on there site. when i was there the bionic blades were on sale for 49.99$ and they are very good rods for the price, good luck.

Individual store sales will vary.  But they will all honor the internet sale price, even when the in-store sale is over.   You have to go to the customer service counter and ask for the internet sale price and they will give you a voucher to take to the cash register.

[ABC123]

On bps.com it shows the extreme xps rods on sale from 99$ at 65$ however i went up there and they said the sale was ended even though its STILL posted on there site. when i was there the bionic blades were on sale for 49.99$ and they are very good rods for the price, good luck.

Individual store sales will vary. But they will all honor the internet sale price, even when the in-store sale is over. You have to go to the customer service counter and ask for the internet sale price and they will give you a voucher to take to the cash register.

Cabela's does the same thing. They'll look it up right behind the reel counter and remark it for you so you can go straight to the register.

[mar]

i would get the clarus over the convergence. in the world of bass rods, you really do get what you pay for, so you should always spend as much as youre willing to spend.

I also recommend the clarus...  My nephew has the 6"6' spinning one and he loves it.  And a couple of the guys i fish w/ have a few clarus rods in their bass setup.

Regards,

MaR

[Tokyo Tony]

Convergence is a great rod for the price, I have one that I got a while back for 40 bucks.  I don't know if they come in fast action, but the one I have is pretty flexy, medium action, which may not be good for t-rigged plastics.

[slomoe]

I just got a BPS extreme. Its pretty good for the price.

[islandbass]

i would get the clarus over the convergence. in the world of bass rods, you really do get what you pay for, so you should always spend as much as youre willing to spend.

Shimano rods are a solid choice. If you have a Sportsman's Warehouse in your area, check out the Shimano Rods.  There are two in my area in which either the fishing department has gone nuts or they are trying to clear the racks.  They are selling Shimano compres, the line of rods above the Convergence and the Clarus that normally retail for $89 for $45-55.  You can then use the savings to buy him some line or a lure or two.

I have both a clarus casting and a compre spinning. Decent rods for the buck and with the lifetime warranty, either would make a solid choice such that you might keep the rod for yourself.  ;D