Rod Questions

[MusicMan]

Hello all,

I am purchasing a new rod tomorrow and would like some input from some of you seasoned guys. Actually, I would appreciate input from anyone who has some knowledge on the subject.

I recently purchased a Revo stx and am totally confused on what rod to put it on. I am not going to purchase multiples at this time. So, what rod(s) would be really good versatile rods for sensitivity and varying presentations?

I found a really nice Bass Pro Johnny Morris trigger M/H 7' on sale for $99/$159. All the reviews say it is great.

All input is appreciated!

[Jake P]

What are you willing to spend and what baits do you plan on throwing? There are different rods for different baits for a reason. If you give us a little more info im sure we can help you out  .

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

This might help:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196114229

For an all-around rod, start with Medium Power/ Fast Action.

8-)

[hawgchaser]

JM rods are awesome but a medium will be a little more versatile. If you want to stay in the $100 range, you can't beat the new Quantum PT rods.   A 7' med will be hard to beat. These are quickly becoming my favorite rods.

[MusicMan]

Thanks Guys! I appreciate the input!

What, if anything, do you know about the Bass Pro rods (quality, value, sensitivity, etc.)?

[Pigsticker]

their extreme rods are pretty good but their below 50 dollar ones are pretty junky imo

[MusicMan]

their extreme rods are pretty good but their below 50 dollar ones are pretty junky imo

The one I am strongly considering is a 7' MH Johnny Morris Signature Trigger. I read every review and everyone likes it. However, I know reviews can sometimes be a bit unrealistic. The regular price of the rod is $159. It is on sale for $99.

I'm not into the whole gear snob thing. Someone mentioned some people snub their nose at BPS gear. I don't know if it is a snob thing or warranted. I've been fishing for 25 years on and off with cheap gear. So, now that I am stepping up, I am looking for great gear but also a great value.

[roadwarrior]

I am looking for great gear but also a great value.

Be patient and buy a St. Croix, G. Loomis or David Green Custom Rod on the BassResource.com Flea Market. We have some great deals on occasion.

8-)

[MusicMan]

I am looking for great gear but also a great value.

Be patient and buy a St. Croix, G. Loomis or David Green Custom Rod on the BassResource.com Flea Market. We have some great deals on occasion.

8-)

I have no problem spending the money on St. Croix, Loomis, etc. However, in reading many reviews on the higher end BPS rods, many people who say they own both are saying the BPS is just as good for less money.

What do you say? Has anyone used the higher end BPS rods and compared them to the StC or Loomis rods?

[coolhandlala]

The bps rods are great because when they break you can take it back and get a new one.  But that is also a problem, THEY BREAK!  I am always trying new gear and purchased 2 JM series rods for $99, a great deal, or so I thought.  Yeah they felt good, but not as good as my st. croix or my loomis.  Save a little longer and buy a croix or loomis.  It took me several years to convince myself that they are worth the money, but when I bought my first I was amazed and I will not go back. Go on ebay or the flea market here and you should be able to get a good deal. :

[roadwarrior]

I have no problem spending the money on St. Croix, Loomis, etc. However, in reading many reviews on the higher end BPS rods, many people who say they own both are saying the BPS is just as good for less money.

What do you say? Has anyone used the higher end BPS rods and compared them to the StC or Loomis rods?

I have never read that and have no idea

who would say so, but the stuff they're

smokin' is still illegal! I think what was

written is that BPS rods are good rods

at their pricing point (on sale for $70).

Raul has made that point on a number of

occasions and I have quoted him in many

responses.

So if you are looking for something for

less than $100, that might be the way to go.

If you are willing to spend a little more, there

are better choices in my opinion.

8-)

[bassripper2000]

Loomis IMX or Higher

St. Croix Avid's or Higher

Powell Rods

Kistler Magnesiums

Those IMO are really good rods .  The Kistler and Powell are good for thier price point.

I wouldn't get a anything lower than a Loomis IMX.  The Avids are well worth the money also.

[hawgchaser]

Here is what i think of BPS Extreme rod and reels.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1207490444/0#0

I have fished with all types of gear in many situations. My fishing buddies all use top notch gear and I try it all. To me, there is a point where the extra price you pay does not equal the performance gained. For instance, nobody will argue that Loomis rods aren't great rods. However, I truly like the new Quantum Pt Energy rods just as much. I have spent a lot of time with both of them in my hands and the extra price for the Loomis is not worth it to me. Some people believe that it is and thats fine.

I did fish with a Kistler not to long ago and thought it was the cats rear. I would spend the extra for it. But I can usually find less expensive gear that performs as well as the higher end stuff. But you do have to look. I have caught several 10lb+ bass, a 15 lb hybrid plus literally 500 5-10lb hybrids, and many big bull redfish. I have not had one single problem or mishap with any of the extreme gear. It has always been flawless.

What else could a fisherman want?

The one thing I will say is that not everyone likes the power hump grip. It fits me well but some think it makes the rod feel bulky.

[bass wrangler569]

I thought that BPS were great rods until I got a loomis. Sensitivity wise their is no comparison, even with the high end BPS stuff. That being said, for the price (especially if you get it on sale) BPS do have pretty decent rods. If you don't mind spending the dough though, I would definately go for the loomis or St. croix.

[Jake P]

I recently bought a Shimano Compre and a Shimano Crucial, both exceeded my expectations and they are around your price point ( Compre=99.99$, Crucial=139.99$). I would definitely recommend either of these rods.

[LAO162]

If your budget is $100 and you need a rod for fishing today, it seems as though the JM might be a reasonable.  Saving for an IMX would certainly give a rod with which you will be satisfied.  On the other hand, if you have to miss a couple months of fishing while you save up, that is quite an opportunity cost.  While I can't attest to their durability (yet), you might also want to handle a Browning Midas while they are on sale for $100.  Very light and sensitive.  It might compare well to the JM and the more expensive recommendations.  Cheers!

[Grey Wolf]

The BPS rods are not just as good as the Loomis rods. That's an asanine statement.  Y ou get what you pay for.

[LAO162]

It's true, quality does not come cheap - it's just economics.

However, if you can't afford the best, the challenge is to find the best that you can afford

To keep perspective, I usually consider the different between my Browning Midas and an IMX to be about 3 months of gymnastics for my daughter.  Back before the family, I probably would have considered the IMX to be at the lower end of my spectrum.  It's interesting to see how priorities and needs change over time and for different situations.  

[Bean Counter]

I have a BPS Crankin Stick and two Tourney Specials that I used for years. I liked them a lot and didn't believe any other rod could be  any better. Both have been collecting dust in the corner of my garage ever since I bought my first St Croix Avid two years ago.

[hawgchaser]

I have a BPS Crankin Stick and two Tourney Specials that I used for years. I liked them a lot and didn't believe any other rod could be any better. Both have been collecting dust in the corner of my garage ever since I bought my first St Croix Avid two years ago.

There is quite a bit of difference in the extreme gear and the two rods you mentioned. The tourney special is a lower end rod. however, I agree that the avid is a awesome rod.

[coolhandlala]

Crucials and clarus rods from shimano are great for the money $140 and $70 and they come with the best warranty you could ask for.  But they are still not a loomis or croix

[KlubbaT]

You might want to look on ebay for a good rod at a good price.  I just picked up a Fenwick HMG 6'6" mf new for $76.85 w/ s&h.  It retails for $119.  Good luck.