Which Combo Should I Get?

[Ammo87]

I'm deciding between these two:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Rod-Reel-Combos/Spinning-Combos|/pc/104793480/c/104762880/sc/105791580/Abu-Garcia-Cardinal-400i-Spinning-Combo/1222697.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffishing-rod-reel-combos-spinning-combos%2F_%2FN-1102843%2B10005237%2B4294771378%2FNe-10005237%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105791580%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104762880%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU%26sadid%3D44000000018571717

and

http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Agility-Spinning-Combo-Choose/dp/B001UA4OA6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1313618267&sr=8-2

Is either one significantly better than the other?

[endless]

First off Welcome to the site!! Are you ordering online I think you might be able to find better within that price, even in stores. If I had to choose the Abu for me I always like their Spinning reels in away. The Shakespear I always messed with seemed rough. The Abu rod I would be concerned about. If they anything like their older models the tips seem to break. I bought my brother's Father-n-law one and the tip broke.

Then again that Shakespear seems to be much better from reading about than the ones I messed with.

If deadset on those two just do a online check for reviews on both.

Here is a combo that I like. I have the older model in 6'6 M. I use it for wacky all the time. It's $79 ten more than the Abu. Suposely mine(reel) was made by Pflueger at the time and when they went GSX I was told they switched over to Quantum.

GSX™ Tournament Spinning Combo

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=419935&pdesc=GSX_Tournament_6_ML_Power_Spinning_Combo&aID=504AC1&merchID=4006

Here's I would consider if they still have in stock. GSX™ Titanium Spinning Combo

Reg. $99.99

Sale $79.97

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=435554&pdesc=GSX_Titanium_Spinning_Combo_60&aID=504AC1&merchID=4006

[new2BC4bass]

You didn't specify what it will be used for. However, I've got to tell you that it is doubtful you will get many answers. Most people here are enthusiasts who are willing to spend 3 to 10 times that amount on one rod or one reel.

Afraid I can't help you either other than to suggest you add a comment about how you plan on using the outfit. Hard for anyone who has used those combos to make a suggestion without some additional information from you.

EDIT: Well you've already got one more reply than I expected while I was typing.

[Ammo87]

I mostly just go for bass, but I do get some pickerel and occasionally a perch or a catfish. Although, I would like to try and fish for muskie and northern pike at some point as well. I'm not looking for anything top of the line, I would just like to get something that's at least half way decent.

[tomustang]

That Abu combo was on sale at cabelas last month, If I recall it was $50. Bought it for the son but he ended up breaking it (car door slam) before the line got wet. No comparison or review for it because of that but it did feel heavy but solid

[Packard]

Between those two choices, I'd go with the Abu Garcia. But here is another option you should consider http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Rod-Reel-Combos/Spinning-Combos|/pc/104793480/c/104762880/sc/105791580/Pflueger174-President-Spinning-Reel-Combo/739562.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffishing-rod-reel-combos-spinning-combos%2F_%2FN-1102843%2B10000049%2B4294771378%2FNe-10000049%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105791580%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104762880%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104762880%3Bcat105791580

[Ammo87]

Here is the combo I've been using for the past 3 or 4 years at least:

My linkhttps://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=37310&pdesc=Shakespeare_Agility_Spinning_Combo_Rod_Reel&cname=Rod-Reel-Combos&aID=71D&merchID=1009&r=view

This combo was absolutely fine for my needs. So based on that, would you guys agree that the two combos I'm comparing are better, or at least as good as this one?

[endless]

I would say the Abu is but I would think what I offer for in my post would be better and only $10 dollar more than what they want for the Abu and what Packard post is an excellent reel and probably a better rod as well. I had some Pflueger rods that I thought was decent. My brother is also using that same combo Packard mention and loves it. It's the same price as what the Abu is and from Cabela's as well.

[Flywatersmallie]

I can do better, here you go....

ABU/Fenwick Combo

[Ammo87]

Sorry if I'm being a pain in the ***, but can someone explain to me, what specifically makes these combos better than the ones I was considering? I'm not doubting anyone here, I'm just curious.

[Packard]

Sorry if I'm being a pain in the ***, but can someone explain to me, what specifically makes these combos better than the ones I was considering? I'm not doubting anyone here, I'm just curious.

No problem, first off Shakespeare has very low quality stuff, so I'd cross that off. Pflueger makes a quality reel and has more better features than the Abu Garcia Cardinal. The Pflueger combo has aluminum oxide guides which are better than the Abu Garcia stainless steel. Pflueger has a full cork grip and Abu Garcia has split eva grip. Pflueger has more bearings than the Abu Garcia. Pflueger has a higher gear ratio making it a better all around reel. Pflueger has higher reviews and ratings. I can keep going on if you like....

Some of what I mention is based off my personal experience.

[Ammo87]

What about this one:

My linkhttp://www.basspro.com/Pflueger-Medalist-Spinning-Rod-and-Reel-Combo/product/10207184/-1562336#prodDescription

[Packard]

What about this one:

My linkhttp://www.basspro.com/Pflueger-Medalist-Spinning-Rod-and-Reel-Combo/product/10207184/-1562336#prodDescription

That's a nice combo but at that price there are better options.

Here's the best under $100 combo I can find.

Lew's Laser Tournament Speed Spin Combo

That's almost half off and will be an amazing combo.

[Ammo87]

That's a nice combo but at that price there are better options.

Here's the best under $100 combo I can find.

Lew's Laser Tournament Speed Spin Combo

That's almost half off and will be an amazing combo.

I wish I could find this somewhere else. This combo is backordered there.

[new2BC4bass]

This has been an unusual thread. No one has suggested (or copied links for) outfits costing twice what the OP wants to spend. Everyone has been very helpful in trying to find him the best outfit for his money. Heck, I'm tempted by the last link!

My first outfits probably didn't cost any more than the OP's did. Maybe less! Caught lots and lots of fish on them. Of course this was many many years ago. You get more today for your money.

Yup, a good thread.

[endless]

This has been an unusual thread. No one has suggested (or copied links for) outfits costing twice what the OP wants to spend. Everyone has been very helpful in trying to find him the best outfit for his money. Heck, I'm tempted by the last link!

My first outfits probably didn't cost any more than the OP's did. Maybe less! Caught lots and lots of fish on them. Of course this was many many years ago. You get more today for your money.

Yup, a good thread.

Indeed! I always try to stay around the price range when posting. My first setup combo was the Gander Mountain Tournament supposedly now the GSX Tournament that I posted for $79 and now made by Quantum? I bought mine about 4 years ago. The reel still has same features and bearing. I still use my combo. It's my wacky setup. I wouldn't hesitate on buying another combo.

[tholmes]

Another good $100 combo:

Shimano Sedona combo

Another, less costly option:

Pflueger Trion combo

Confused yet?

Tom

[Ammo87]

Ok, so I live in Boston and while I was working my parents took a trip up to Maine today and stopped at Cabela's for me. I had them get me: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Rod-Reel-Combos/Spinning-Combos%7C/pc/104793480/c/104762880/sc/105791580/Lews-Laser-Tournament-LFS8482-Speed-Spin-Combo/1192884.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffishing-rod-reel-combos-spinning-combos%2F_%2FN-1102843%2B10000050%2FNe-10000050%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105791580%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104762880%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104762880%3Bcat105791580

But the guy told them they don't have that rod. So he gave them this: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Fishing-Rods/Spinning-Rods|/pc/104793480/c/104764680/sc/104836680/Lews-Speed-Stick-SG-Spinning-Rods/1161059.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffishing-fishing-rods-spinning-rods%2Flews%2F_%2FN-1102841%2B1000005836%2FNe-1000005836%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104836680%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104764680%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104764680%3Bcat104836680

He still charged them $80 for the combo and told them it's a better rod than the one that was supposed to come with the combo. Is he right? -- He gave them the SG66MFS2 which is 6'6 medium power

[endless]

Nice of him to still only charge the combo price. I wish I could say but I nothing when comes to guides, seats, etc.

The thing that stands out to me from the Cabela's site is the rod you got now has a limited lifetime warranty. The combo itself doesn't list a warranty. It would be interesting to know if is the same or not?

[Ammo87]

Yes, I did get the warranty.

[Ammo87]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for helping and being so patient.

[endless]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for helping and being so patient.

Your welcome! Did you get to use the setup yet? How you like it? Did you register for you rod and reel for the warranty or did you need to do that?