Best casting rod under $125???

[Deep6]

Need some input on what is considered the best rod for the money under 125$, I need 2 rods.

7' Medium Fast paired with a Quantum Catalyst PT 6.4:1 Mono 12#.

Used for cranks, plastics, topwater, light cover.

7' MediumHeavy Fast paired with a Quantum Catalyst PT 7.0:1 Braid 10-12# Diameter.

Used for cranks, spinnerbaits, frogs, buzzbaits, heavy cover.

2 things to consider; I would prefer Cork split grips, and I probably have a tendency to horse the fish out.

any help would be great. anything more than $125 and I would jump up to the St Croix Legend Tournament or a Gold Carrot Stix.

[mozy]

I would actually have to say none of those. If I had to choose I would go a Fenwick HMG, Lamiglas Excel, or Shimano Compre.

[Deep6]

I have added the shimano to the poll. I'm more or less going off what is available at BPS/Cabela's/GanderMtn.

[The Rooster]

I don't know about that Carbonlite, I've heard a lot of good stuff so far and it looks awesome.

But my money is on the Shimano Compre.  It's what I use but I have no interest in split grips.  Compre doesn't offer them anyway so that's good for me.  Wouldn't mind having a split grip for the novelty of it, they look cool, but I think it's going to be hard to beat that Compre with any other rod in that price range, split grips or not.

[Catt]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1246369553/

[dodgeguy]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98314_100002006_100000000_100002000_100-2-6

[flippin and pitchin]

What is "best" is subjective. The Lamiglas Excel series sells for 109.99 and is a much better product than the Competitor series. Fenwick HMG rods also need more love. What you have are incredible options and a selection so you can decide what is best for you based on your criteria. You are half way there already.

[cart7t]

Team Allstars.

[simplejoe]

I voted the Shimano, it's a good all around rod and it's sensitive to feel the light hits. Also like Cart said, All Star rods are nice and good price point also. Dick's sporting goods just had a sale on All-Star rods, if you go to a store and look you might be able too pick one up cheap.

[ww2farmer]

I only have 1 of the rods on your list, the Mojo's. I Know the Mojo's take some flack on here, but I think it's a case of unreal expectation vs. reality. The Mojo's were one of the first in this new $100 rod craze, and I can almost bet my house people went out bought them thinking that with the St Croix name, and the fancy new look, they were getting a high end performance rod for $100, when in a reality the were getting a Premier with a new look. Funny thing is, every one loves there Premiers (which cost more btw), but in all reality the Premier, Mojo, and Triumph are all the same rod. Are the Mojo's the lightest $100 rod........no, are they (or any SC11 blank rod) the most sensitive rod.........kind of subjective, but probably not, but not the bottom either, and they are better than Loomis's entry level rod. One thing they are is well built, and backed by one of, if not the best customer service in the industry. I predict the Skeet Reese rods to be the next "victim" in the $100 rod game, alot of hype behind, what feels/looks/and seems to me, to be a an average at best rod.

[JigMe]

My vote goes to shimano as well. I use my compre for all single hook lures, and never had a problem.

I have heard good things about Abu Garcia Vendetta, and it doesn't feel comfortable when I am holding it.

[lightsout]

I own the mojo 7'M and have been disapointed. It feels as though there's a 1/2oz sinker taped to the end of it. And the sensitivity is no better than rods I own that were $40-50. The guide insert also has popped out of the 2nd from the tip.

I don't own the compre, but fished it and it didn't really standout for me. Decent, but I wasn't blown away. Of course this is subjective, but i think it's very boring/plain looking for a rod in that price range.

I own the 7'H bucoo and absolutely love this rod! It's very comfortable to fish, the grip has just the right amount of "give" when you hold it. I bought it for 1/2oz spinnerbaits/jigs and the feel of the blades thumping is very pronounced. Made in the US also if that means anything, as far as I know the other rods listed are not.

Those are the only rods I have experience with, but I will say I've been impressed with sub $100 Daiwa rods in the past (procyon).

[Captain Obvious]

Just a suggestion, their M series is great

acadiasports.com

[Deep6]

Thanks everybody, I'm pretty well convinced that the Shimano is the way to go. I really appreciate the input from everybody.

If I could re-evaluate the criteria I probably would limit the options to 3, the St Croix Mojo Bass, the Lamiglas Excel, and the Shimano Compre.

I'm going to try to get hands on with the Mojo and the Compre at my local BPS, if they had the Excel id put them all to a hands on eval. you guys really helped narrow down the field and I appreciate it.

[K_Mac]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98314_100002006_100000000_100002000_100-2-6

I think this is a great rod at full price. At this sale price I would buy a couple more if I had any extra cash.

[Blade-Runner]

Falcon Lowrider. MSRP $129 - maybe 4 bucks above your limit but you can usually find cheaper.

[Big Bait Fishing]

get the Okuma EVX-A . it has the best components and one of the best warranties out there !! and to top it all off , it costs only $90.00 

[The Rooster]

I checked that rod out there, and it does look pretty good.  Never heard of Zirconium guide inserts though.  What's that compare to in terms of aluminum oxide, hardloy, alconite, SiC, and all those others??  For $90 though that rod has my attention.  But I did notice the medium and medium heavy have the same lure weight range.  Not sure about that either.

[Big Bait Fishing]

I checked that rod out there, and it does look pretty good. Never heard of Zirconium guide inserts though. What's that compare to in terms of aluminum oxide, hardloy, alconite, SiC, and all those others?? For $90 though that rod has my attention. But I did notice the medium and medium heavy have the same lure weight range. Not sure about that either.

they are a thinner sized SIC ring that is more cupped to the frame inorder to hold up better , they are very good guides , i might use them on some casting rods i will have built after i get some swimbait rods made ... as for both the medium and the medium heavy having the same lure rating , the medium is 1/4-5/8 oz. and the medium heavy is 1/4-1 oz. here is a better list of specs for them - http://www.hookeduptackle.com/m8_view_item.html?m8:item=Okuma%20EVx%20Casting%201pc%20Rods

[LAO162]

If you do some bargain hunting, you can find rods you might like better.  Fenwick Techna AV's and All Star Platinum may not be produced any more, but you can find them in your price range.