Best Rods $100-$200 range

[Karizmo]

I'm trying to figure out what the most promising rods out there are currently. I'm currently looking into MHF rods. Supposedly those are your "do it all" rods which I want since I'm not exactly what you'd call a seasoned veteran. 

The budget is $100-$200 dollars for solely a rod (not a reel combo). I was looking at a St. CROIX bass X but I'm unsure if that is my best option given my budget. If you recommend something slightly over $200, I'd still consider it. 

Any insight would be appreciated 

[ʇuǝɹq™]

Like most people on here, I'm a huge fan of the Dobyns lineup. You should take a look at the Dobyns Fury and Sierra lineups.

[loomisguy]

Right now, I think the best rod in the $200 range is the Mega Bass Levante.
For a do all type of deal I like the Diablo Spec R. The rod could really sell for more.

[zippyduck]

The very best all around rod I have ever used is a Dobyns Sierra 734C. this rod is the best let alone in that price range.
Jigs, t-rigs, spinnerbaits, topwater, skipping senkos, well skipping anything.
I have used it for jerkbaits also.

[SteveTX]

DX 704C Champion Extreme!
Oh yeah that is a $339.99 rod.
But hold on there is one for $220 right here. 
This will be a great rod. You will not have regrets later that you should have bought a higher price/grade rod.  I have several that just sit as I started with some not so great equipment. Had to go spend more to get a quality piece and now these others are just collecting dust. 

[Karizmo]

DX 704C Champion Extreme!
Oh yeah that is a $339.99 rod.
But hold on there is one for $220 right here. 
This will be a great rod. You will not have regrets later that you should have bought a higher price/grade rod.  I have several that just sit as I started with some not so great equipment. Had to go spend more to get a quality piece and now these others are just collecting dust.

This is a Heavy rod. Would this limit what I can do with a MHF rod?

Cant deny it's a great deal though.

[zippyduck]

It is called a heavy action but it is more MH. This rod will not limit what you can do at all.

[Karizmo]

DX 704C Champion Extreme!
Oh yeah that is a $339.99 rod.
But hold on there is one for $220 right here. 
This will be a great rod. You will not have regrets later that you should have bought a higher price/grade rod.  I have several that just sit as I started with some not so great equipment. Had to go spend more to get a quality piece and now these others are just collecting dust.

Well, I now own a Dobyns Champion Extreme. 😉

[coldfront]

The very best all around rod I have ever used is a Dobyns Sierra 734C. this rod is the best let alone in that price range.
Jigs, t-rigs, spinnerbaits, topwater, skipping senkos, well skipping anything.
I have used it for jerkbaits also.

versatility is key in most rods.  I never got going on the Dobyns 'train' as I'm a 'hold it in my hands' before I buy it guy.  so I ran across Powells at my local sportsmans warehouse a few years back.

bought the HD max MH 755 CB (composite rod, little more 'bend').  this thing does great with everythng from t-rigs to squarebills, 1/4 oz popRs.  it tosses the norman dLN like a dream (no 'helicoptering'!)

I'll move to the 765 (handles heavier baits) for jigs, heavier trigs, c-rigs and frogs.  also for the bigger heavier crankbaits like the 10xd's.

I'm not hung up on Powell vs Dobyns, but with about 15 rods, and as a guy who likes consistency, it's tough to change 'em all out.  those powells are about $150.

so focus on those 'lengths' 'powers' and 'actions'.  some great rods out there in the price point you're looking at.  I like st croixs, but i also like 'more' rod guides and 'for the money' you can get more than st croix (IMO)

guys here will do a great job of steering you toward Dobyns.  Some might even have you reach out to the owner and ask Gary directly.  there's a LOT of value in that.  being able to do that.  you tell him what you want, he'll get you in the right rods.


now, all this said, I've learned I don't need a ton of rods with different actions.  sure a little specialization happens.  heavy rod for punching, tossing big swimbaits.  longer, stiffer MH xfast for slow moving 'feel' baits, but can also throw those bigger crankbaits, c-rigs and so on.

for me, i want graphite, higher modulus, more sensitive rods.  exposed blank under reel-seat.  really like the new trend to removal of cork foregrip, let's me also have finger touching blank ahead of reel,  then right lengths (7 to 8 foot for me - just better leverage, control of fish from casting through hook sets and playing them).  break it down to what you want; rods will be a lot less confusing with regard to all the selection choices.

it can at times feel a bit 'over-complex'.

[Oldfart9999]

The BPS CARBONLITE is good rod well within that price range.
Rodney

[SteveTX]

This is a Heavy rod. Would this limit what I can do with a MHF rod?

Cant deny it's a great deal though.

Sorry getting back late to answer your question. You said you wanted a "do it all" type rod. Its almost unanimous that a 4 power casting rod is the rod that fits this bill. Search the forums and I believe this has been asked numerous times.

Also the [http://dobynsrods.com/rod/dx-704c/url=]DX 704C techniques are listed on Dobyns website[/url] but it is not limited to only those. But even if it was that is one heck of a laundry list you get.

PRIMARY TECHNIQUES: Carolina Rigs / Horny Toads / Jigs / Spinnerbaits / Texas Rigs
SECONDARY TECHNIQUES: Buzzbaits / Chatterbaits / Spooks

I think you will find its a extremely versatile higher quality rod. 

[camelcluch]

Mega Bass Levante makes a tough argument in this range.

[FLO GROWN]

Dobyns Champion 734 you can get it on Amazon thru American legacy for $208 that rod can do just about anything,very sensitive,very light, all high quality components,great warranty but if you buy one Dobyns you will end up buying alot more, trust me