What's the difference between a $50 rod, and a $150 rod?

[Smiths.R]

The most I've ever spent on a rod is $50 bucks.  I have a Daiwa Regal XiA spinning reel, and a BPS PQ.  Both have $50 BPS Tourney Special rods on them.  I'm just wondering what I might be missing with a real deal rod.

Thanks guys!

[Incheon Basser]

a ton for worm and jig rods .... moving bait rods not so much... that said I used to be like you then i bought my first name brand 100$ plus rod and have yet to spend less than that since nore will I... a 100 $ is now my lowend rod

[CPT Scrap]

it should first be noted that a more expensive rod isnt necessarily better. however, in general your more expenisve rods will be much lighter, higher graphite counts, and better line guides. they also have some very use full innovations (such as kistlers new micro guides, and revolving line guides)

ive found that the lighter the rod, the longer i can throw my bait with that rod all day. that usually only really makes a difference if your casting upwards of 500+ casts a day. also, my lighter rods have more sensitivity to detect subtle bites.

the higher graphite counts can equate to a more sensitive rod as well, but i look at this as a more sturdy rod.

better line guides mean that your line wont receive nicks while casting and retrieving you lures. i once had a low end quantum rod that would nick my line when it passed through the 3rd and 4th line guides. it was a manufacturer error, but it aggravated me due to losing fish.

The best thing i can advise prior to putting the money into a expensive rod, is to find a buddy who has one close to what you want and borrrow it a few times. see if you can tell a diference in bites between the your rod and his. Hope this helps. 8-)

[grimlin]

it should first be noted that a more expensive rod isnt necessarily better. however, in general your more expenisve rods will be much lighter, higher graphite counts, and better line guides. they also have some very use full innovations (such as kistlers new micro guides, and revolving line guides)

ive found that the lighter the rod, the longer i can throw my bait with that rod all day. that usually only really makes a difference if your casting upwards of 500+ casts a day. also, my lighter rods have more sensitivity to detect subtle bites.

the higher graphite counts can equate to a more sensitive rod as well, but i look at this as a more sturdy rod.

better line guides mean that your line wont receive nicks while casting and retrieving you lures. i once had a low end quantum rod that would nick my line when it passed through the 3rd and 4th line guides. it was a manufacturer error, but it aggravated me due to losing fish.

The best thing i can advise prior to putting the money into a expensive rod, is to find a buddy who has one close to what you want and borrrow it a few times. see if you can tell a diference in bites between the your rod and his. Hope this helps. 8-)

Great reply!

Just beware once you try a nicer rod,It's hard to go back to cheaper ones.

[Captain Obvious]

Read this and you'll see both sides of your question

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1275597149

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http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1275597149

[roadwarrior]

it should first be noted that a more expensive rod isnt necessarily better.

Odd that you would start your post with that

statement. Anyhow, better engineering, components

and craftsmanship are qualities you pay for in

high end rods. In use, weight, balance and sensitivity

are most noticeable.

Industry wide, the "high end" starts at +/- $150.

The St. Croix Avid is a perfect example. MSRP is

$160-$180, but they can be found on sale occasionally

for less.

8-)

[Uncle Leo]

$ 100.00 and more importantly enhanced sensitivity. If you are using for a bottom contact rod then $ 50.00 would be wasted if the cheaper is bought.

[rubba bubba]

- Higher quality blank

- Higher quality components

- Higher build quality

- Additional features

- Better customer support/warranty

Whether these translate into a superior product is up to the ability of each individual. If someone can't tell the difference in performance between an inexpensive rod and a high end rod, they'd be foolish to pay for a high end rod.

[BrASSmonkey]

about $100. 

Seriously though, depending on the technique the rod is going to be used for, the general benefits such as lighter, more sensitivity due to that light weight and higher grade graphite are all tangible differences.  For bottom contact baits, where sensitivity is key, these benfits will be most evident.  On techniques where the rod's sensitivity may not be as important (ie - crankbaits etc), these benefits may not even be actual benefits.  Further, higher grade graphites are also generally more brittle, which can lead to a less sturdy stick.  These are all things that should be considered.  There are also different innovations that you get in the high end rods that you would not otherwise get in lower end models. 

In the end, you need to find out what you are looking for in a rod; what characteristics are important to you, and then see if the higher end rods provide those specific characteristics.  Are these characteristics provided by the more expensive rod worth the difference in price?  That is up to you.

[skunked_again]

it should first be noted that a more expensive rod isnt necessarily better. however, in general your more expenisve rods will be much lighter, higher graphite counts, and better line guides. they also have some very use full innovations (such as kistlers new micro guides, and revolving line guides)

ive found that the lighter the rod, the longer i can throw my bait with that rod all day. that usually only really makes a difference if your casting upwards of 500+ casts a day. also, my lighter rods have more sensitivity to detect subtle bites.

the higher graphite counts can equate to a more sensitive rod as well, but i look at this as a more sturdy rod.

better line guides mean that your line wont receive nicks while casting and retrieving you lures. i once had a low end quantum rod that would nick my line when it passed through the 3rd and 4th line guides. it was a manufacturer error, but it aggravated me due to losing fish.

The best thing i can advise prior to putting the money into a expensive rod, is to find a buddy who has one close to what you want and borrow it a few times. see if you can tell a difference in bites between the your rod and his. Hope this helps. 8-)

debatable.

[Copen1822]

it should first be noted that a more expensive rod isnt necessarily better. however, in general your more expenisve rods will be much lighter, higher graphite counts, and better line guides. they also have some very use full innovations (such as kistlers new micro guides, and revolving line guides)

ive found that the lighter the rod, the longer i can throw my bait with that rod all day. that usually only really makes a difference if your casting upwards of 500+ casts a day. also, my lighter rods have more sensitivity to detect subtle bites.

the higher graphite counts can equate to a more sensitive rod as well, but i look at this as a more sturdy rod.

better line guides mean that your line wont receive nicks while casting and retrieving you lures. i once had a low end quantum rod that would nick my line when it passed through the 3rd and 4th line guides. it was a manufacturer error, but it aggravated me due to losing fish.

The best thing i can advise prior to putting the money into a expensive rod, is to find a buddy who has one close to what you want and borrow it a few times. see if you can tell a difference in bites between the your rod and his. Hope this helps. 8-)

debatable.

I think lt. scrap is saying that just because you pay more for a rod does not mean its better. Some companies make $200 rods which are just as good a another manufactures $250 dollar rod. Makes sense to me.

[skunked_again]

it should first be noted that a more expensive rod isnt necessarily better. however, in general your more expenisve rods will be much lighter, higher graphite counts, and better line guides. they also have some very use full innovations (such as kistlers new micro guides, and revolving line guides)

ive found that the lighter the rod, the longer i can throw my bait with that rod all day. that usually only really makes a difference if your casting upwards of 500+ casts a day. also, my lighter rods have more sensitivity to detect subtle bites.

the higher graphite counts can equate to a more sensitive rod as well, but i look at this as a more sturdy rod.

better line guides mean that your line wont receive nicks while casting and retrieving you lures. i once had a low end quantum rod that would nick my line when it passed through the 3rd and 4th line guides. it was a manufacturer error, but it aggravated me due to losing fish.

The best thing i can advise prior to putting the money into a expensive rod, is to find a buddy who has one close to what you want and borrow it a few times. see if you can tell a difference in bites between the your rod and his. Hope this helps. 8-)

debatable.

I think lt. scrap is saying that just because you pay more for a rod does not mean its better. Some companies make $200 rods which are just as good a another manufactures $250 dollar rod. Makes sense to me.

it is debatable. thats all i am saying.

[CPT Scrap]

copen 1822 has almost hit the nail on the head.

what i actually meant was that there are some manufacturers who put a high price on their rods, and they arent worth the money.

I've used a $200 rod from a certain manufacturer that i honestly couldnt tell a difference between it and an ugly stick.

on a side note...skunked, have you ever fished La Cygne or gone down to Big Hill lake in Parsons? I just noticed your from olathe.

[SJB1226]

I fish a lot of Evergreen Megabass and elite Daiwa stuff, in fact thats the only brands of rods in my boat. in my case some times I pay a lot more for a rod that I could get something that preforms just as good and some times even better for A LOT less money but for me its enjoying the rods not just fishing but in my display at home. now trust me if someone puts a Evergreen Black raven in your hand (I own two of them and thier 800-875 Dollar rods and worth every penny) you will FALL IN LOVE its a amazing rod and I want two more lol. about 70% on the rods that are always on the boat with me is Daiwa Steez rods they are something to behold and once fished you will be spoiled by the weight looks and sensitivity (Given they IMHO arent the most sensitive rod in the world but still very very good) the crispness of the rod and how it feels in your hand will make it almost "Unfun" To fish something thats not on its level. and no one can tell me that gear cant make a person a better fisherman.. being able to feel what the lure is doing is a BIG part of catching bass...crisp casting high end rods make you more accurate in casting and thats A BIG!!!! part of catching bass. and really enjoying what your fishing REALLY helps you catch fish...

The difference between a 400 dollar rod and a 800 dollar rod wont be even CLOSE to what the difference would be between a 50 dollar rod and a 150 dollar rod in performance. if you are used to fishing 50 dollar rods and then you buy lets just say a Daiwa Zillion rod for fishing plastics... the first thing you will notice is what you feel that you never used to feel even using braid on a cheap rod wont come close to feeling what you feel using braid on a nice rod... and if you fish mono on that cheaper rod and then mono on that Zillion rod you wont even know what to do because you will feel so much more and you will be sitting the hook like crazy at every blade of grass you hit for a while lol.... you get better graphite thats lighter stronger more responsive... you get better guides that protect the line and make it cast better you get proper guide spacing that helps the line run along the rod in the perfect way... you get better looking wrap and coating jobs the guides will be all aligned perfect blah blah.... needless to say if you buy a 150-200 dollar rod you will NOT "Want" to fish anything less and your bank account will not like you very much after that.

[muskiebassfisher]

$100. couldn't resist.

[Mike Z]

The most I've ever spent on a rod is $50 bucks. I have a Daiwa Regal XiA spinning reel, and a BPS PQ. Both have $50 BPS Tourney Special rods on them. I'm just wondering what I might be missing with a real deal rod.

Thanks guys!

I woondered the same thing a few months back. I then broke down and spend $130 on a Powell rod and my trusty old Eagle Claw rod was set aside. A few things I have noticed with the more expensive rod. You can feel a lot more and the rod seems to be more sensitive. I can feel the braid moving through the guides when I am reeling. I can feel every rattle of a crank bait, and I have found that the components used are generally higher end and are balanced way better.

I have seen a lot of Dobyns rod questions lately. I had a chance on Friday to feel a couple of rods at a store and can say that they are balanced better than any rod I have felt yet and the tips feel very light. I am not sure how they got such a light feel, but it put other $100-$200 rods to shame that I had been looking at.

[WaterDawg]

IMHO, buying a higher-end rod is akin to buying a $400 bat for a young baseball player. 

It's not going to make him hit the ball if he's not a hitter.  It can, however, make a difference to the kid that knows how to hit by offering a little increased distance per hit and a little more control and feel at the plate.  Not to mention a little boost between the ears, which is important in hitting.  You could also make the same analogy to a golfer using low-end vs. high end gear. 

Buying a higher end rod, while it may not make a novice catch more fish, it can make someone who knows how to fish catch more of them due to increased sensitivity and feel.

My 2cents.

[SJB1226]

IMHO, buying a higher-end rod is akin to buying a $400 bat for a young baseball player.

It's not going to make him hit the ball if he's not a hitter. It can, however, make a difference to the kid that knows how to hit by offering a little increased distance per hit and a little more control and feel at the plate. Not to mention a little boost between the ears, which is important in hitting. You could also make the same analogy to a golfer using low-end vs. high end gear.

Buying a higher end rod, while it may not make a novice catch more fish, it can make someone who knows how to fish catch more of them due to increased sensitivity and feel.

My 2cents.

I agree and disagree at the same time, I dont know about bats..but golf clubs...well take a 120 avg player (Im a very low 80's very high 70's player playing from the white tees) and lets say he plays a set of clubs that was 100 bucks at wally world...then have him a custom fitted set of high end irons made dont even worry about the driver it wont make much difference in a high handicap players game some high end drivers will make there game worse...but the Irons will make a HUGE difference they will lower there avg 5-10 strokes quick because they are much more forgiving then crappy Irons the sweet spot is MUCH larger and they feel much softer at impact and put much more bite on the ball allowing more control from 140 yards and in...

Now about rods... if you take a novice bass fisherman that isnt a dummy and understands what he is trying to do just doesnt know how to find fish yet and doesnt know how to adjust to changes through out the day... he will be a better fisherman with a rod that he can feel what the lures doing with... now I dont think a novice needs to spend over lets say a max of 200 dollars on the soft plastics rod because you can get a hell of a rod for 200 bucks in the Zillion and Cumara line... I know the Zillion rods are VERY sensitive rods that with Braid will provide all the feel you need and the tips and actions are all spot on for bottom contact baits.. and I think that the only rod a novice should spend much money on is a bottom contact lure rod anyhow...you can buy a 40 dollar lightning rod for cranks and stuff and be fine for a while with that... Novice fisherman wont be as intune with his lure as we are and needs a very sensitive rod for bite detection till he/she gets a feel for what hes fishing feels like and can tell with ease when the lure "feels different" truthfully I could put mono on a lightning rod and fish a jig with it with ease and detect bites pretty easy im sure.. I wouldnt do it because im used to and only fish the high end stuff but because I have so much time on the water I could get by with it if I had to... when someone ask me how can you pay 800+ dollars for some rods are they really that good? I will tell them I buy my Evergreen Megabass and Elite JDM/USDM Daiwa rods because I LOVE tackle and I love collecting super high end rods almost as much as I love fishing them! and NO IMHO they arent that much better but IMHO they are better because I like them and thats what counts. the difference between a 500 JDM Steez and a 850+ dollar evergreen Black raven is not much but I love the rod and have bought 3 now.. the difference between a 50 dollar rod and a 200 dollar rod is TONS...and a higher end soft plastics rod will no doubt help novice bass guys catch more fish on soft plastics and something else it will do is allow them to kinda put together a map of what the bottom looks like if they dont have a graph...and that will help them in getting a pattern going once they catch a few fish because they can feel whats going on under the water... another thing I always tell novice guys to use braid on the bottom contact lure rods... why because the feel, it will make a cheap rod have ok feel of whats going on and a good rod will become stellar in feel when using a premium braided line like Daiwa Braid...you cant become a better fisherman if you cant feel the fish bite and if you cant tell what your lure is doing under the water... sure you can feel bites on a crappy rod but there will be a lot of bites you dont feel that you would have felt with a good rod...or if you are fishing lets say a spinner bait and you cant feel the blades turning with a crappy rod well how are you gonna set the hook when a fish grabs the lure and you dont feel the strike but the blades arent turning? I have those kinda bites a lot on spinner baits...when a nice rod you will feel the blades thumpping with ease.. and when the blades stop its one of two things the lure is fouled with grass or something or a fish has it...this is my view on it and I believe completely that a better rod and I dont mean a super high dollar rod... between 130 and 200 dollars will be all the rod you need WILL make you catch more fish...no it wont teach you how to find fish but it will give you enough feel that you can feel the humps and drop offs that you cant see if you dont have a graph and if you look at it like that it will help you find fish... but over all it is a important tool and you shold by the BEST that you can afford and if thats a 20 dollar rhino rod then awesome if its a 800 dollar JDM rod well then you have the tackle bug and your bank account is done for lol.

[.RM.]

IMHO, buying a higher-end rod is akin to buying a $400 bat for a young baseball player.

It's not going to make him hit the ball if he's not a hitter. It can, however, make a difference to the kid that knows how to hit by offering a little increased distance per hit and a little more control and feel at the plate. Not to mention a little boost between the ears, which is important in hitting. You could also make the same analogy to a golfer using low-end vs. high end gear.

Buying a higher end rod, while it may not make a novice catch more fish, it can make someone who knows how to fish catch more of them due to increased sensitivity and feel.

My 2cents.

I agree and disagree at the same time, I dont know about bats..but golf clubs...well take a 120 avg player (Im a very low 80's very high 70's player playing from the white tees) and lets say he plays a set of clubs that was 100 bucks at wally world...then have him a custom fitted set of high end irons made dont even worry about the driver it wont make much difference in a high handicap players game some high end drivers will make there game worse...but the Irons will make a HUGE difference they will lower there avg 5-10 strokes quick because they are much more forgiving then crappy Irons the sweet spot is MUCH larger and they feel much softer at impact and put much more bite on the ball allowing more control from 140 yards and in...

Now about rods... if you take a novice bass fisherman that isnt a dummy and understands what he is trying to do just doesnt know how to find fish yet and doesnt know how to adjust to changes through out the day... he will be a better fisherman with a rod that he can feel what the lures doing with... now I dont think a novice needs to spend over lets say a max of 200 dollars on the soft plastics rod because you can get a hell of a rod for 200 bucks in the Zillion and Cumara line... I know the Zillion rods are VERY sensitive rods that with Braid will provide all the feel you need and the tips and actions are all spot on for bottom contact baits.. and I think that the only rod a novice should spend much money on is a bottom contact lure rod anyhow...you can buy a 40 dollar lightning rod for cranks and stuff and be fine for a while with that... Novice fisherman wont be as intune with his lure as we are and needs a very sensitive rod for bite detection till he/she gets a feel for what hes fishing feels like and can tell with ease when the lure "feels different" truthfully I could put mono on a lightning rod and fish a jig with it with ease and detect bites pretty easy im sure.. I wouldnt do it because im used to and only fish the high end stuff but because I have so much time on the water I could get by with it if I had to... when someone ask me how can you pay 800+ dollars for some rods are they really that good? I will tell them I buy my Evergreen Megabass and Elite JDM/USDM Daiwa rods because I LOVE tackle and I love collecting super high end rods almost as much as I love fishing them! and NO IMHO they arent that much better but IMHO they are better because I like them and thats what counts. the difference between a 500 JDM Steez and a 850+ dollar evergreen Black raven is not much but I love the rod and have bought 3 now.. the difference between a 50 dollar rod and a 200 dollar rod is TONS...and a higher end soft plastics rod will no doubt help novice bass guys catch more fish on soft plastics and something else it will do is allow them to kinda put together a map of what the bottom looks like if they dont have a graph...and that will help them in getting a pattern going once they catch a few fish because they can feel whats going on under the water... another thing I always tell novice guys to use braid on the bottom contact lure rods... why because the feel, it will make a cheap rod have ok feel of whats going on and a good rod will become stellar in feel when using a premium braided line like Daiwa Braid...you cant become a better fisherman if you cant feel the fish bite and if you cant tell what your lure is doing under the water... sure you can feel bites on a crappy rod but there will be a lot of bites you dont feel that you would have felt with a good rod...or if you are fishing lets say a spinner bait and you cant feel the blades turning with a crappy rod well how are you gonna set the hook when a fish grabs the lure and you dont feel the strike but the blades arent turning? I have those kinda bites a lot on spinner baits...when a nice rod you will feel the blades thumpping with ease.. and when the blades stop its one of two things the lure is fouled with grass or something or a fish has it...this is my view on it and I believe completely that a better rod and I dont mean a super high dollar rod... between 130 and 200 dollars will be all the rod you need WILL make you catch more fish...no it wont teach you how to find fish but it will give you enough feel that you can feel the humps and drop offs that you cant see if you dont have a graph and if you look at it like that it will help you find fish... but over all it is a important tool and you shold by the BEST that you can afford and if thats a 20 dollar rhino rod then awesome if its a 800 dollar JDM rod well then you have the tackle bug and your bank account is done for lol.

............

[jkoch]

$106 (assuming 6% sales tax).