Lightniong rods

[guitarkid]

I have researched this on this site, all it said is I have this reel on this lightning rod and so on. I was hoping to get a reply to end all questions, so:

good cranking rod?

good plastic rod?

good feel?

good at all?

        sorry if I am beating on a dead horse

                   -searoach

[Jimzee]

IMHO, Berkley Lightning Rods are about the best "cheapest" rod out there. They make them in a multitude of styles and actions. Go to your local "Mart" stores and look around. They can be found about anywhere for less than $30.00.

[Grey Wolf]

I think it is one of the better cheaper rods on the market.

[.dsaavedra.]

best sub 100 dollar rod i have fished with. im sure there are some rods under 100 bucks that are much better than the lightning rod (a few shimanos come to mind) but i have not fished with any of them so i can not comment on them.

as for the lightning rod, it makes a pretty darn good plastics rod (thats what i use it for), as for crankbait, if you can find the right rod, then it should be good. not sure if they make them in moderate actions though. i would say get a ML power rod if you plan on using it for cranks. as for feel, they have alright feel. it is nothing like my st. croix rods, but it is certainly much better than my ugly stik. so its pretty good feel for a $40 rod. good at all? well if youre on a budget then i say GO FOR IT!!!

[guitarkid]

Wow thanks you guys, possibly girls for letting me in on this.

I am looking for an upgrade rod on a tight budget, the rods that came with my quantum, and pflueger combos were not doing anything for me.

(older quantum style reel, rod is O.K. just looking for something better, the pflueger rod just sux, but came with a really nice reel.)

                 -searoach

[low_pro]

I am looking for an upgrade rod on a tight budget

I'm not sure if you're firm on the lightning rod, but I just purchased a $40 rod and am very pleased with it... here's the thread:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1205256246

I've thrown spinnerbaits, cranks, and soft plastics on it with great results. just something to consider.

from one budget fisherman to another

[JayDub]

lightning rods are AWESOME! ESPECIALLY for there price.

[dodgeguy]

they are way to heavy imho.i would go with a bass pro shops tourney special first.or better yet save up your money for a bionic blade.

[Jeff H]

I can remember when they were cosidered light!! That was many years ago but they were extremely popular early on.

They are a good bargain even today.  I think the Shimano Convergence is slightly better for about the same price.

[Jo Jo]

i have used lightning rods for years and liked them.  i was always on a budget in the past and for the money they are the best out there imo.  have tried others, ugly sticks, and the sort but none we as good for the money as lightning rod.

that said, it would be a better option to save a little cash and spend a little more money on something you won't be disappointed with!!  not saying you will be disappointed with the lightning rod but a better quality rod doesn't cost that much more.  st croix premeir are around $100 and i have heard the triumph series for around 70 is the same rod but made overseas.

[Josey Wales]

I have a lightning rod that I use as a back up... When I brought it off the bench last year, it delivered just fine.

All Star is making some good rods at a decent price, and if you can get to a bass pro shops, those extreme series rods are only $59.99 right now.  An excellent deal IMO

[JayDub]

The lightning rods are better than the All Star and American Rodsmiths rods that they have at academy. (The ones in the 50-60$ range.) Those rods are made overseas and ARE NOT the same quality as the "real" All Stars and American Rodsmiths (The ones listed on there respective websites.)  The Berkley Lightning rod is cheaper AND, IMO, better than those.  They don't last long, all the lightning rods I've had have held up for years.

[Madhouse27]

I'll agree with most of the gang here that the Lightning Rod is a pretty decent rod for the money. I've got an old ultralight one that has been used primarily for brook fishing that still in good shape despite the hell it's been through. Great bang for the buck.

[Raul]

The lightning rods are better than the All Star and American Rodsmiths rods that they have at academy. (The ones in the 50-60$ range.) Those rods are made overseas

True, Lightning Rods are not made overseas .... they are made in Mexico.

[Pencil Pusher]

The lightning rods are better than the All Star and American Rodsmiths rods that they have at academy. (The ones in the 50-60$ range.) Those rods are made overseas and ARE NOT the same quality as the "real" All Stars and American Rodsmiths (The ones listed on there respective websites.) The Berkley Lightning rod is cheaper AND, IMO, better than those. They don't last long, all the lightning rods I've had have held up for years.

More bogus information. I have two All Star Carolina Rig rods; one made in Houston and one made in China, they are identical.

[4pwr]

I have a Lightning 7ft med hvy rated to 1 1/4 oz. There is no denying that it is heavier than premium rods. There also no denying that it is a strong rod that handles heavier bait well. Not every rod in you arsenal should be as light as you can get. Strong generally means heavier and that ain't all bad.

[extreme1018]

i use a 7 ' heavy for inshore saltwater and is fantastic. great for catfish too

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I like there pistol grips more then anything  BUt the shimano convergance has a lifetime warrenty about the same price wish they had um in a pistol grip

[powerman970]

The oldest rod I own that is still in good shape is a lightning rod.  I have had it since I was about 17 years old.  That makes that rod over 16 years old.  It rides in the boat every time I do but rarely gets fished because it is only a 5' rod.

[RockvilleMDAngler]

I can remember when they were cosidered light!! That was many years ago but they were extremely popular early on.

They are a good bargain even today. I think the Shimano Convergence is slightly better for about the same price.

When I first got back into fishing (3 years ago) I bought a Lightning rod and a Convergence.  I still have both but I don't use the Lightning anymore, the Convergence still gets use.  For the money the Convergence is a great rod.  (if you can save up for a Loomis or Carrot Stick you will be happier)

[GitRDoneIke23]

IMHO, Berkley Lightning Rods are about the best "cheapest" rod out there. They make them in a multitude of styles and actions. Go to your local "Mart" stores and look around. They can be found about anywhere for less than $30.00.

Probally the BEST for the PRICE!!! A VERY good "cheap" rod

8-)

[fish-fighting-illini]

 I love my lighning rods especially for the bang for the buck. I would caution though that if the Pflueger rod concerns you that much then the Lighning might not cut it either.

 I have no experience with any Pflueger rods ( only reels ).

I'd look at a Convergence, or  BPS Extreme ( $100 list often had for $60). There is an Allstar series somewhat higher that comes very highly reccomended. Next up from there then would maybe be the St Croix Avid's, then St Croix Legens and Loomis's

I've heard several people mention that the StCroix Triumph series is very substandard quality.

FFI - AKA Matt Crum

[Ky_Lake_Dude]

lightning rods are AWESOME! ESPECIALLY for there price.

x2

[wagn]

having fished both, between the convergence and lightning rods. I would choose the convergence. It has better sensitivity in my opinion.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

having fished both, between the convergence and lightning rods. I would choose the convergence. It has better sensitivity in my opinion.

And a over the counter warrenty.. ;D BTW my local dicks has them on sale for 24 bucks