RushFan2112 Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 Hey All, Looking to replace my 3 year old Lightning rod (guides are toast and are now cutting my line) with something decent for under $50. I always use braid, so the guides need to be somewhat resistant to fast wear. I'm usually a medium heavy rod guy as I love the firm sensitivity that comes with the heavier setup and horsepower should I get into a pike or something. I had the BPS graphite series 6'6 in my hands yesterday and was surprised with decent feel of it. For $25, it seemed like a steal, but I held off. The Spring Classic is just around the corner, so I'm waiting until then to buy ( I have a ton of points waiting to be used). My main rig is a Shimano Compre, which I absolutely LOVE, but I don't have $100 to spend on a backup rod right now. So, for under $50, what would you roll with and why? Thanks in advance for your reply. Quote
kLuo Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 I'd actually have to say that the best rod around $50 is the berkley lightning shock haha. These rods are supposedly designed for braid users, not sure if you had the lightning rod or shock before, but I have used a shock before and I would say that it's the best budget rod I've used. Quote
WanderLust Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 BPS isn't a bad choice; even another Lightning. I used a *GASP* Ugly Stick Lite for my backup for the longest time. Was a good choice for my kids or friends who were hard on gear as well. Quote
OHIO Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 I would get an Ugly Stik Lite Pro. They sell them at Wal-Mart and they are decent rods. I wouldn't get a Lightning Shock. They have no backbone whatsoever. Quote
Super User webertime Posted February 15, 2011 Super User Posted February 15, 2011 Cabelas Fish Eagle II's are on sale for $50 right now. Lots of ~$50 rods at Cabelas right now. Quote
midnighthrasher Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 The best deal for 50$ or less will be found on this site in the flea market. If your patient you could probably get a lightly used 100$ rod for 50$. You will get alot more bang for your buck. Quote
JigMe Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 The best deal for 50$ or less will be found on this site in the flea market. If your patient you could probably get a lightly used 100$ rod for 50$. You will get alot more bang for your buck. x2 Quote
SausageFingers23 Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 Abu Garcia Vengeance.. x2 But Im not sure that BPS carries them. Quote
Derek Chance Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 I actually really like the feel of the newer lightnings. If braid is your worry, I would be all over the lightning rod shock. That is what the rod is made for and it is around the $50 range Quote
Super User KYntucky Warmouth Posted February 15, 2011 Super User Posted February 15, 2011 I'd stick with the lightening rods...either the standard or the shock. Quote
Super User Grey Wolf Posted February 15, 2011 Super User Posted February 15, 2011 I'd stick with the lightening rods...either the standard or the shock. X 2. Quote
piscicidal Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 The lightning rods are pretty good for a $50 rod. I got a BPS extreme (green color) rod for $49 on clearance a couple years ago. As I've upgraded my arsenal over the past few years, I've got rid of most the lower-tier rods. I continue to use this rod, though. in fact, it's my primary soft swimbait rod and probably caught more fish in 2010 on it than any of my Avids/Crucials/Dobyns/Veritas/etc... Quote
Stasher1 Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 Wait until the buzz dies down over the Veritas and you'll find them all over the Flea Market for ~$50. ;D I don't know how close you are to a Bass Pro, but my local BPS has last year's Quantum Energy PT rods on clearance for ~$45. Much better rod than the Lightning Rod, with Fuji Hardloys and a lifetime warranty. Nine months ago they were $100 rods. Quote
central.PA.bass Posted February 15, 2011 Posted February 15, 2011 Abu Garcia Vengeance.. x2 But Im not sure that BPS carries them. Yeah you're right. I was just there this weekend and didn't see any vengeance rods... wonder why? Quote
crankbait2009 Posted February 16, 2011 Posted February 16, 2011 heres another vote for the Vengeance. Bass Pro Shop doe snot carry these rods at all! you cant even get them on the online store. I just bought mine (should arrive friday) from Tackle Warehouse. If you place a $50 or more order, shipping is FREE. I bought the 6'-3" spinning rod and threw in a couple misc items and they gave me free shipping. if you order the rod anywhere else your looking at around $12 for shipping!!! tackle warehouse is awesome!!!! heres a link: http://www.***.com/Abu_Garcia_Vengeance_Spinning_Rods/descpage-AVNSR.html Quote
RushFan2112 Posted February 17, 2011 Author Posted February 17, 2011 Wait until the buzz dies down over the Veritas and you'll find them all over the Flea Market for ~$50. ;DI don't know how close you are to a Bass Pro, but my local BPS has last year's Quantum Energy PT rods on clearance for ~$45. Much better rod than the Lightning Rod, with Fuji Hardloys and a lifetime warranty. Nine months ago they were $100 rods. Thanks for the tip bud. Stopped by BPS today after work and there was ONE 6'6 Energy MH left on the clearance rack. They did have a few other Energy's left, but they were all ultralight's. I checked it out for all of 30 seconds before walking to the checkout line to pay for it. Couldn't pass it up for $49 with a lifetime warranty. The Vengenance looks really sweet, but I called every sporting goods store in the area to see if they carried them....nothing. I simply can't buy a rod before having it in my hands first. Thanks all for your input. Quote
Josh Bassman Posted February 17, 2011 Posted February 17, 2011 I've seen used Shimano Compre's for around $50. They are good rods. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.