Best spinning combo $150 to $200

[Tokyo Tony]

Hi Gents,

Looking for a ML spinning combo for my brother for Christmas, want to keep it between $150 & $200. What would you recommend?

I really wanted to get a Crucial 7' ML F with a Symetre 2500, when they were selling for $55, but I think all of those Symetre deals are gone now. I'd prefer to spend a little more on the rod than the reel, and I'm open to any suggestions.

Oh, and preferably a rod with a good warrantee - my brother tends to break things.

Thanks  8-)

[Muddy]

Pflueger President Spinning Reel in size X6730 Price around 60 bucks

Fenwick HMX 6'6" rod in you ML action Price around  79 to99 ( amazon with 2 day delivery)

That's right in the middle Tony, I have used these to death and beyond, and they both are reliable and without any issues.

[LAO162]

Shhh, This morning the Fenwick HMG 7'0" ML spinning rod was $63.32 at Amazon.  Most likely it will drop in price one or two more times. It's a gamble as to how far down it will go and how long the offer will last.  Even at $63 with accelerated shipping costs its a great deal.

Leon

[Muddy]

There ya go Tony, that's a sweet deal!

[Tokyo Tony]

Thanks guys, I will absolutely look into that.

Does anyone have experience with the Fenwick HMX and the Crucial? I have never used a Fenwick, but I do have several Crucials and love them. Just wondering if you think it would be worth the extra $ for a Crucial.

I'm definitely leaning towards a President for him.

[roadwarrior]

Keep an eye on the Flea Market, I'm sure you will see a Shimano

Symetre at a great price. I would try to match it up with a St. Croix

Avid, which as a combination, would be a great rig and well within

your price parameter.

Buy this to start with:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1229113509

8-)

[Muddy]

Keep an eye on the Flea Market, I'm sure you will see a Shimano

Symetre at a great price. I would try to match it up with a St. Croix

Avid, which as a combination, would be a great rig and well within

your price parameter.

Buy this to start with:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1229113509

8-)

You know RW has a point here, the St Croix comes with a lifetime Warranty, I know because with more than on I had to get the guide inserts put back in the guides. I found out the hard way that I do not care for life time warranties, because they don't catch fish, rods do!

So here i stick with my Fenwicks and I have used them for years without any issues, never had to use whatever warranty they come with, I don'r even bother sending them in. But then again there is more Prestiege to the St Croix name

I would rather have a great rod, at a cheaper price with a warranty I never need

[Tokyo Tony]

Well I offered to buy that Avid, but he said he had second thoughts about selling it, so I guess that's not gonna happen. I'm looking for a ML anyway, but for that deal I was gonna go with the M.

Back to the drawing board - Fenwich & President is looking pretty good right now unless I can find a deal on a Crucial.

[mase088]

IMO the best spinning reel for the price is the Abu Garcia Cardinal, it goes for around $40. That way you can spend a little more on a nice rod like the St. Croix Avid Series or something along those lines. Either way good luck on your decision.

And BTW Carrot Stix have a lifetime warranty as well. So theres another option for you!

[Chris at Tech]

Hmmm....

I do have an Avid AS69MLXF and Daiwa Tierra 2000 combo I've been thinking about unloading...

[ww2farmer]

Thanks guys, I will absolutely look into that.

Does anyone have experience with the Fenwick HMX and the Crucial? I have never used a Fenwick, but I do have several Crucials and love them. Just wondering if you think it would be worth the extra $ for a Crucial.

I'm definitely leaning towards a President for him.

Funny you should ask As stated before most of my rods are Fenwicks and St. Croix, with a few other sprinkled in for varity. I have a few Shimano Compre's and Crucial's. The Crucial is an excallant rod, it is better than an HMX, but it is also more expensive. I would really look at that $63 HMG on amazon, and pair that with a Pflueger Supreme, which can be had NIB on ebay for as little as $75. The HMG is very very close to the Crucial, so much so that I can't say the Crucial is worth the extra $$. Don't get me wrong Shimano rods are slowly creeping into my my "favorite" catagory with Fenwick and St. Croix, but  Fenwicks "bang for the buck" factor can not be ignored, and on top of that they are the most trouble free rods I have ever owned, not 1 EVER has had an issue.

[Tokyo Tony]

Well, just got back from Cabela's. I ended up with a 7' ML Fenwick HMG and a Pfleuger President 35 size. I had 35 bucks off with various promotional things, so the total came out to $133, including 150 yards of yellow 10 lb Power Pro.

I have to say, I'm very impressed with the HMG for the price, just by handling it in the store. It's obviously a quality rod, and it actually seems higher-quality than the Shimano Compre, which is $15 more. Of course, I haven't used the HMG, but you can tell a lot just by handling it.

Anyway, thanks for all the advice guys, especially Mr. Muddyman  8-)

[Muddy]

Enjoy, you won't be dissapointed. If uyou like the HMG, keep an eye on Amazon, every once in a while in the middle of all their listings they have insanely cheap deals on one.