Need advice on rod/reel combo, under $225, for soft plastics

[curls00]

So long story short, I broke my Rapala R-Type spinning rod yesterday, but that's fine since I wanted to replace it anyhow with another baitcasting combo.

So I am looking for a rod and reel that will come in under $225ish.

- 7'0" - 7'1" Baitcasting rod

- Medium-Heavy

- Fast or X-Fast action

- Prefer split grip but its not a deal killer.

- Reel: lefty. (I like the new Accurist PT's which I can get for $100 on the nose)

I own a 7'3" H/XF Abu Garcia Vendetta which I like quite a bit as my jig rod. I also own a Kistler Carbon Steel 7'3" Frog-n-Slop rod which is my frog rod. My third baitcast combo is a 7'0" Shimano Compre, MH XF, paired with a Curado 201DHSV.  I like this combo for pitching but also for spinnerbaits.

I want the new combo to excel at pitching weightless t-rig senkos but also to act as a light jig pitching rod.  (By light jig I mean something 1/2oz or less in moderate cover).

Great sensitivity is definitely a plus.

So with approx $125 or a bit more to spend on a rod, what do you recommend for my requirements?  (Falcon isn't avail. here, unfortunately.)

[smallwatermayhem]

So long story short, I broke my Rapala R-Type spinning rod yesterday, but that's fine since I wanted to replace it anyhow with another baitcasting combo.

So I am looking for a rod and reel that will come in under $225ish.

- 7'0" - 7'1" Baitcasting rod

- Medium-Heavy

- Fast or X-Fast action

- Prefer split grip but its not a deal killer.

- Reel: lefty. (I like the new Accurist PT's which I can get for $100 on the nose)

I own a 7'3" H/XF Abu Garcia Vendetta which I like quite a bit as my jig rod. I also own a Kistler Carbon Steel 7'3" Frog-n-Slop rod which is my frog rod. My third baitcast combo is a 7'0" Shimano Compre, MH XF, paired with a Curado 201DHSV. I like this combo for pitching but also for spinnerbaits.

I want the new combo to excel at pitching weightless t-rig senkos but also to act as a light jig pitching rod. (By light jig I mean something 1/2oz or less in moderate cover).

Great sensitivity is definitely a plus.

So with approx $125 or a bit more to spend on a rod, what do you recommend for my requirements? (Falcon isn't avail. here, unfortunately.)

That reel would do fine.. I'd probably choose a Citica though. For the rod, a Falcon BuCoo would be great.

[curls00]

I think the Citica is about $30 more than the Accurist, although I'm not set on the Accurist -- if the Citica + a good rod will end up within my budget, I'll take the Citica for sure.

I can't get Falcon here, unfortunately.  However, I can get Dobyns, Kistler, and the rest of the major brands as well.

[tbird]

I was going to suggest the Citica with the BuCoo rod also,For a new setup I don't think you will find a better bargain at this price. I would suggest  looking on the flea market, there are good deals to be had there..

   T

[adclem]

Should be able to get a St Croix Mojo Bass and a Citica right at your price range.  If you look in the flea market section you may be able to get a better rod and reel for the same price.

Later,

[Senkoman12]

take a look at the lamiglas excel XL734C i have an excel not that model but it is an awesome rod and even ask Red, he really likes them

[roadwarrior]

Be patient and keep an eye on our Flea Market. You should be able

to pick up a St. Croix Avid and a Shimano Citica for $225 or so.

There is an Avid currently offered for $115 delivered to your

door.

8-)

[BossHoss]

  Pick up a Daiwa Cielo from *** on sale for 120$.  They still have a few left in 6'6" MH... It is basically a dressed down steez (same blank).  I got mine in the mail the other day and caught about 8 on it this morning drop shotting.  This rod has been love at first cast for me.  It is so sensitive and looks great.  My only regret is that I didn't get onto the sale earlier so I could have gotten some different models.

   As far a reels go I don't think you could go wrong with the Citca or saving up 20$ and getting a Curado.  I would also suggest looking around for a Pfleuger Summit on sale.

[BASSclary]

Powell  Max 703c

Abu Garcia REVO STX Casting Reel 2009 Left Hand Model - $119.99 at *** right now!!! <--- AWESOME DEAL! ;D 8-) ;D

This put's you at $260. About $40 over but you do get a free pair of WileyX's  8-) 8-)

And also its your worm and jig rod so definately spend more on your rod(As much as you can!!) IMO And the BPS Pro Qualifier is very good for only 1 bone

[piscicidal]

Quantum AC501PT: $100

Diawa Cielo (TW): $125

------------

Total= $225

If you plan on doing any pitching at all with this rig, I think this is the way to go.

I've seen the left handed version (AC501PT) of this reel for even less than $100 on EBAY.

[curls00]

Unfortunately, Tackle Warehouse and most eBay sellers are out of the question at this point. I need this by Sept. 10th (my Classic is on the 11/12th weekend).  Living in Canada, it can take weeks for some things to arrive here, and I don't have the time to pick it up in the USA near where I live right now.

So mostly MSRP prices (as local retailers will give us US MSRP prices in Canadian dollars... not a bad deal usually). 

I might be able to get a free Rapala Shift, 7'1" MH-XF casting rod to replace the Rapala R-Type I broke.  This is a NICE rod and retails for about $165 here in Canada.  If I got this for free (warranty / upgrade), I'd opt for the Shimano Citica E or the Curado E.  Most likely the Curado E in a 7:1 retreive, lefty.  I like my Curado 201DHSV for its high speed and its smoothness and casting performance.  I suspect the new Curado E series is even better.  The main diff. between the new Citica and new Curado is the speed options (Citica in 6.3:1 only), the paddles (better ones on the Curado apparently), and the spool weight... is this correct?

Is the new Curado E worth $50 more than the Citica E to you guys?

[KYntucky Warmouth]

Unfortunately, Tackle Warehouse and most eBay sellers are out of the question at this point. I need this by Sept. 10th (my Classic is on the 11/12th weekend). Living in Canada, it can take weeks for some things to arrive here, and I don't have the time to pick it up in the USA near where I live right now.

So mostly MSRP prices (as local retailers will give us US MSRP prices in Canadian dollars... not a bad deal usually).

I might be able to get a free Rapala Shift, 7'1" MH-XF casting rod to replace the Rapala R-Type I broke. This is a NICE rod and retails for about $165 here in Canada. If I got this for free (warranty / upgrade), I'd opt for the Shimano Citica E or the Curado E. Most likely the Curado E in a 7:1 retreive, lefty. I like my Curado 201DHSV for its high speed and its smoothness and casting performance. I suspect the new Curado E series is even better. The main diff. between the new Citica and new Curado is the speed options (Citica in 6.3:1 only), the paddles (better ones on the Curado apparently), and the spool weight... is this correct?

Is the new Curado E worth $50 more than the Citica E to you guys?

I would go that route and pick up a Curado, it's well worth it's price

[curls00]

Just as a follow-up, Rapala Canada got back to me and they are sending me a new R-Type 7'2" MH-XF casting rod, as they were out of stock on the 7'1" Shift rod.  The R-Type is one step down but still a good quality rod.

I got the Citica 201E -- the Curado 201E7 was sold out everywhere in the city and surrounding area, and the Citica is still a fine reel.  Doesn't hurt that it comes spooled with 50# Daiwa Samurai Braid from my local tackle shop, free of charge!

Hopefully the rod will arrive in the mail before the weekend so I can put it to the test at the Classic this weekend!