St. Croix vs G Loomis Cheap vs Expensive

[Wammiee]

I am getting 1 or 2 new rod setups looking for advice...My Budget is around $300.00-$400.00.So I am torn between buying 1 expensive setup or 2 decent setups? For the 2 decent setups I was thinking Shimano Symetre Reels or Pflueger President XTs match with around $100 St Croix Rods for about $200.00 per rod set. The other choice is spend all on 1 rod setup in which I was considering the Shimano ci4f or Sustain reel $200-$250 matched with a $200 or so St. Croix. G Loomis. Doing mix of panfish bass fishing mostly from shore. Rod setups?Links to rods/reels would be appreciated! Spinning reels only please!

[Wammiee]

Also, St Croix vs G Loomis is there a preference for certain fishing techniques?

[KSRonH]

You're going to get lots of recomendations, as everyone has their opinion on what brand is best but here's my 2 cents as far as generalities, and I own both Gloomis and St Croix rods. I would recommend in Gloomis in only the IMX or higher quality lines. With St Croix buy Avid or higher quality lines. I personally would recommend one higher quality combo over trying to get two combos using your $300 to $400 dollar budget. You can purchase good spinning reels in the $70 - $100 dollar range, ( Abu 502 or Pflueger Supreme for example ) leaving more dollars for the rod which I feel is the more important component. I feel you will be happier with one high quality combo than two lesser combos. Also check the for sale items here as many great deals are available from time to time. Hope this helps and good luck with your purchase.

[jignfule]

I would strongly suggest you purchase the best equipment you can the first time around. It will cost less in the long run if you  do decide to upgrade. As for St. Croix vs G. Loomis I own both and both are fine rods. I prefer the G. Loomis especially in the GLX. I have not had a chance to fish nrx yet but I figure it's my next rod purchase.

[dodgeguy]

i'd get a pflueger patriarch on a st croix avid.

[Lucky Craft Man]

Here is my suggestion:

G Loomis GLX BSR852 (You can find a good deal on one of these for less than $300 on either a forum or eBay)

Pflueger Supreme 8030 (Again, you can get one of these on eBay for around $70 to $80 new)

After fishing with this combo, you would not want to fish another, so no reason to buy two mid priced set-ups.  Also, you can easily fish bass with this combo.  Panfish maybe a little more challenging (I don't know how well this would cast 1/16 oz. crappie jig), but you could certainly cast out a crappie jig on a bobber with this set-up (a technique I found to be deadly when I used to fish for crappie).