New Rod Advice

Chanceb23 · November 29, 2012, 12:43:10 AM

I have been using Abu Garcia rods forever it seems like and it is a time for a change. I love the Abu's especiallly paired with their revos I just want to try a new rod. I dont anything expensive I not spending over $120. Any advice? I'm looking at the Lew's Tournament SL or Laser SL Speed Stick. Are these better or at least comparable to Abu Garcia's?

bass78 · November 29, 2012, 08:30:00 AM

If you want a good rod for 120.00 or under... may I suggest a Falcon Bucoo... its light, strong and is an over all better rod than the other two that you mentioned. Just my opionion.

West6550 · November 29, 2012, 01:12:55 PM

I prefer Abu Veritas Rods and Lew's Reels myself. Never tried a Lew's rod. I'd go with a StCroix or a Doblyns if I were to try another rod.

bassn1 · November 29, 2012, 01:47:54 PM

The Bucoo is a good rod. However for $10 more you can get a Falcon lowrider $129.95 to $139.95. These are technique specific, have better guides, are a bit lighter and sensitivity improves over the bucoo. The foam handles on the bucoo deaden the sensitivity. IMO. The Lowriders are what I graduated to from the Falcon Original $89 - $99. I am now fishing with the Falcon Cara MG's. At each level the rod becomes lighter, more sensitive and are made with higher quality components.

Good Luck

coldfront · November 29, 2012, 02:19:15 PM

Quote from: bassn1 on November 29, 2012, 01:47:54 PM
The foam handles ... deaden the sensitivity. IMO.

quick question...not to detract from the advice given...but if a guy gets his feel from 'hands on' the rod blank...(under the reel, ahead of the reel)...how much deadening is really going on?

I'll admit, I prefer the feel of cork over foam...but don't see that being a huge driver of sensitivity.

bassn1 · November 29, 2012, 03:37:25 PM

Not a problem. I will use myself as an example, When bumping a bottom bouncer worm, lizard etc... I can feel everything on the bottom not only with my index finger but also with the butt of my hand. I also have a squarebill rod which is a graphite medium extra fast tip. I can feel/sense every tree, limb, leaves, or rock that the bait encounters. When I use my deep diver CB rod. KVD Tour MG 7'11" And am fishing with a 6xd or Freak I feel the baits action fine. However I do not have the same sense of the type of cover or bottom I am fishing. Even when a bass hits the DD CB I almost do not know whether it is a tree limb I am coming over or a fish. I guess this may be a personal issue with me but I feel a sharper more concise reading of the cover/structure I am fishing with cork than I do with foam. Again with foam my finger is reading what the cover is. With cork my whole hand is able to read what the cover/structure is. Thus giving me a quicker read of a bite or a snag. Hope this helps.

Chanceb23 · November 29, 2012, 04:45:10 PM

I have been looking at the Bucco just wasn't sure about. What about the St Croix mojo or halo rods

coldfront · November 29, 2012, 09:31:36 PM

Quote from: bassn1 on November 29, 2012, 03:37:25 PM
Not a problem. I will use myself as an example, When bumping a bottom bouncer worm, lizard etc... I can feel everything on the bottom not only with my index finger but also with the butt of my hand. I also have a squarebill rod which is a graphite medium extra fast tip. I can feel/sense every tree, limb, leaves, or rock that the bait encounters. When I use my deep diver CB rod. KVD Tour MG 7'11" And am fishing with a 6xd or Freak I feel the baits action fine. However I do not have the same sense of the type of cover or bottom I am fishing. Even when a bass hits the DD CB I almost do not know whether it is a tree limb I am coming over or a fish. I guess this may be a personal issue with me but I feel a sharper more concise reading of the cover/structure I am fishing with cork than I do with foam. Again with foam my finger is reading what the cover is. With cork my whole hand is able to read what the cover/structure is. Thus giving me a quicker read of a bite or a snag. Hope this helps.

yes. thanks/

Chanceb23 · November 30, 2012, 12:17:59 AM

Im also looking at 13 rods and Okuma rods.but cant find much about them

pondboss · November 30, 2012, 12:48:04 AM

I will throw my dog in the fight here and mention the H2O Xpress Ethos series of rods. IM8 construction fuji reel seats and alconite guides cork grips and only $60. Personally I am a fan of the blue color as well. They make a handful of models and should cover pretty much all applications.

Chanceb23 · November 30, 2012, 09:11:49 PM

I pulled the trigger today and bought two 13 fishing omen black rods. They feel amazing and could possibly take over all my Abu Garcia Rods. I just hope these rods aren't to good to be true

bassn1 · November 30, 2012, 09:16:50 PM

Great to hear. Enjoy

duke13372 · December 01, 2012, 08:34:09 AM

Put about $30 or so with it and pick up a Kistler KLX. Be one of the first to make a review. Made in the U.S.A. unlike the Falcon Bucco. Apparently, you can only buy them direct. Tackle Tour has a review on them.

lgetc · December 01, 2012, 09:43:00 AM

I sure love my Kistler's I have 5 "Z" BONES crafted by Brion Hastings he can sure wrap a rod!! I also have 2 Helium LTA's and 2 Helium LTX's!! Kistler rods feel everything. St. Croix and Quantum were all I used till I tried a Kistler..

Down4ttown · December 11, 2012, 09:04:21 AM

Quote from: Chanceb23 on November 30, 2012, 09:11:49 PM
I pulled the trigger today and bought two 13 fishing omen black rods. They feel amazing and could possibly take over all my Abu Garcia Rods. I just hope these rods aren't to good to be true

PM me how they feel. I have been so interested in these and want to know how they perform.