HELP - do my rigs still measure up?

[tater]

Getting back into fishing after a LONG layoff. Currently using Shimano Black Magnum reels and Berkley graphite rods. Are this still serviceable, or have there been enough advances that I should upgrade?

[Shane J]

A wise man once told me to use the best equipment available to you. I'd say if you have the ability to upgrade, then do it. Will your old stuff still catch you fish? Sure it will, but if you do upgrade, I'm sure you will notice and appreciate the difference in newer gear.

[roadwarrior]

Nothin' to talk about...time for new gear.

Top of the line (traditional butt):

G. Loomis GLX MBR 842C/ Core 50MG7

Split grip:

NRX 852C or 853C/ Core MG50MG&

Another suggestion for a lot less:

St. Croix Avid AVC68MXF/ Shimano Curado 200E7

8-)

[Grey Wolf]

Definately upgrade if you can afford it.

[Raul]

I still fish with my old Berkley Lightng and Series One rods I purchased in the mid 80 's, the same applies to my old Abu Cardinal and XLT Plus series reels so, yes your rigs still measure up, but I think you 'll enjoy a lot more modern day tackle.

[Scorcher214]

Nothin' to talk about...time for new gear.

Top of the line (traditional butt):

G. Loomis GLX MBR 842C/ Core 50MG7

Split grip:

NRX 852C or 853C/ Core MG50MG&

Another suggestion for a lot less:

St. Croix Avid AVC68MXF/ Shimano Curado 200E7

8-)

Cheaper alternative. :

BPS has these two combos and i love them both.

BAITCASTING

Daiwa Procaster/ BPS graphite series

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98420____SearchResults

SPINNING:

Daiwa Regal/BPS Graphite series

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_100394____SearchResults

[K_Mac]

Most of us would agree that modern gear is far superior to the generation of gear you're using.

I still have an old Berkley rod from that era that I use for for moving baits. The weight, balance, and sensitivity of newer rods, even inexpensive ones, will surprise you and make you smile. :)When it comes to reels it is the same. That old Shimano wasn't a bad reel in its day, but any decent reel you buy today will out perform it.

What you should buy to upgrade is more of a challenge. The Shimano Citica and Curado reels get a lot of love here. Diawa and Abu Garcia are major players. I like Pflueger spinning reels, and Bass Pro Shop's Pro Qualifier for baitcast. If you read through past posts you will find the choices are huge. The choices in rods are even greater. The choices in the $100-200 range will make your head spin. Just about anything in that range will work fine.

When you move to the higher end gear the performance is amazing. You certainly don't have to have it to fish effectively. Most of us don't, but if you have the resources it is fun to use. Good luck.

[Bankbeater]

IMO, I would be more worried about the reel than the rod. You don't want to be on a fishing trip and have to buy a new reel because the old one broke and you can't get parts for it.

[tater]

Thanks guys ... if I give you my wife's email address, do you think you could convince her?

[zerofivenismo]

Thanks guys ... if I give you my wife's email address, do you think you could convince her?

No need to convince her if she don't know about it. 

[Grey Wolf]

Thanks guys ... if I give you my wife's email address, do you think you could convince her?

No need to convince her if she don't know about it.

What's your wife got to do with it ?