Budget Combos, searching for deals...

LgMouthGambler · October 25, 2019, 04:58:07 AM

To make a continuation to my "Korean War" post about finding "workhorse" reels from Korean OEMs for "good deals/budget prices", let's talk about making a combo. In order to make a combo, you need a rod to slap them on, right?...right. So, I have also been in search of "budget minded" rods to cover a few applications. Just like the reels, the rods could be other choices/brands for each individual, as well as other applications depending on where you fish. Remember, I fish in S Florida, and I have chosen 4 reels and 4 rods to complete this "example" of what you can find if you put in the time to look for said "deals". I am always on Ebay, fishing sites, and retail sites searching for sales/deals...it takes time. Lol.

For those of you that haven't read the "Korean War" thread, you can find that here...

http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=149212.0

Now let's look into the combos I put together...down below I have posted a picture to reference them. I tried to keep them close to $200 each. Let's go from left to right.

Combo#1 Abu Garcia Gen4 Revo S and 13 Fishing Omen Black 2 7'1 MH F. This rod I got from a retail site on sale. The rod originally was $139.99, and I picked it up for $110. A savings of $30. Not bad, and this rod will be used for pitching heavier baits with heavy mono. This rod is a bit stiffer than you average MH, and I would rate it more on the H side. It's just a brute of a rod, and hangs there with some higher end rods I've used for this particular application. In fact, I sold off the higher end rod I had before this one, because I like this one better. This brings the total combo price to $210.

Combo#2 Quantum Smoke PT and Ark Sniper 7' MH XF. This rod I got from a retail site on sale/close out. This rod originally retailed for $199.99, and I got it for $85. This rod is pretty incredible, and one of my best finds. Sensitivity in this rod is very good, and the blank is crisp. An absolutely amazing T rig rod, and that's exactly what I use it for with an average diameter mono line. This brings the total combo price to $181.

Combo#3 BPS Johnny Morris Platinum Signature baitcaster and St Croix Mojo Bass 7'1 MH MF. This rod I found on Ebay from a seller during an ebay coupon sale. This rod originally retails for $129.99, and I got it for $105. This rod is mainly used for my treble hook applications, and this particular combo will be used for topwater plugs and spooks. The tip is "giving" enough to keep fish pinned, but enough backbone to handle them. I can even burn traps with it utilizing the reels high speed gearing. This brings the total combo price to $205.

Combo#4 Lews BB1 and Halo Daylite 7' MH F. This rod I also got off Ebay on a "it's the previous gen model sale". This rod originally retails for $99.99, and I got it for $60. This rod is already a "budget minded" rod, but getting it for almost half made it an even better bargain. For a MH it's got one helluva backbone. The tip isnt too stiff either, and can handle baits from 3/8 to 1.5oz just fine. This combo I'm using more towards my soft plastic swim baits with heavy mono. This brings the total combo price to $173.

In conclusion, you can see the combos below, you dont have to spend a ton of money to make an effective fleet. Your fleets may vary depending on your particular waters, but this just shows you examples of what you can do when you take the time to look. Hopefully this helps others in their searching. Thanks for reading.

.

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

fishballer06 · October 25, 2019, 09:16:28 AM

The Ark rods have had my interest for a while. They seem decent, but I always find myself gravitating to my go to brands (St. Croix, Dobyns, Shimano/Loomis).

LgMouthGambler · October 25, 2019, 09:28:16 AM

Quote from: fishballer06 on October 25, 2019, 09:16:28 AM
The Ark rods have had my interest for a while. They seem decent, but I always find myself gravitating to my go to brands (St. Croix, Dobyns, Shimano/Loomis).

Me too. But at the price I paid, it was worth the risk. Im glad I did. Almost bought the Lancer too.

SteveTX · October 25, 2019, 10:00:34 AM

Nice post.

All MH ? Are you just after versatility no dedicated setup?
Wish you would drop the links to some of the sales you find. Could save some of us a lot of hunting.

On second thought dont it could get expensive.

LgMouthGambler · October 25, 2019, 10:12:47 AM

Quote from: SteveTX on October 25, 2019, 10:00:34 AM
Nice post.
All MH ? Are you just after versatility no dedicated setup?
Wish you would drop the links to some of the sales you find. Could save some of us a lot of hunting. On second thought dont it could get expensive.

Yes, they are all "MH", but not all "MH" rods are the same to the "T". MH rods are actually very versatile, unless you are after fishing light weight lures, but thats a whole different topic/style all together.

As far as posting the deals...dont I get blamed enough around here for lightening peoples wallets?

SteveTX · October 25, 2019, 02:04:54 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on October 25, 2019, 10:12:47 AM
Yes, they are all "MH", but not all "MH" rods are the same to the "T". MH rods are actually very versatile, unless you are after fishing light weight lures, but thats a whole different topic/style all together.

As far as posting the deals...dont I get blamed enough around here for lightening peoples wallets?

Yeah I totally get the variations in MH or any rod for that matter. I saw the comment you made on the Halo "For a MH it's got one helluva backbone." and from reviews I figured that one leaned that way. I didn't know if you had counted on that when selecting these 4 rods. I have several MH also and I pair them up to be more dedicated towards what I use them for.

LgMouthGambler · October 25, 2019, 02:25:45 PM

Quote from: SteveTX on October 25, 2019, 02:04:54 PM
Yeah I totally get the variations in MH or any rod for that matter. I saw the comment you made on the Halo "For a MH it's got one helluva backbone." and from reviews I figured that one leaned that way. I didn't know if you had counted on that when selecting these 4 rods. I have several MH also and I pair them up to be more dedicated towards what I use them for.

Honestly, these "MH" rods were purchased sight unseen because of the good price so I can see what they are like. I knew I would find a use for them regardless.

LgMouthGambler · October 30, 2019, 07:50:11 PM

So here is the new budget combo...

Quantum Smoke Speed Freak and Kast King Royal Legend rod. Here is a killer combo since the Royal Legend shares the Abu Vendetta build in a sense.

Reel: $86
Rod: $63

Total: $147

WHAAAAAT?! Ilk report back on the rod. The reel I know is nice as I "had" the 7 gear ratio until FLOGROWN took it.

.

LgMouthGambler · November 05, 2019, 07:03:58 AM

Got a couple of fish on the Kast King rod. Pretty impressive. One snakehead Saturday night, and this morning a decent bass. The rod is actually pretty decent, and like I thought, very similar to the Abu Vendetta MH I had. Though, this rod is rated a H.

.

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

Oldfart9999 · November 05, 2019, 07:07:59 AM

Nice looking combo Matt, nice price too.
Rodney

fishballer06 · November 05, 2019, 11:46:14 AM

Why is the grass still green and the hydrilla still alive?

LgMouthGambler · November 05, 2019, 11:47:11 AM

Quote from: fishballer06 on November 05, 2019, 11:46:14 AM
Why is the grass still green and the hydrilla still alive?

Florida baby!

Lipripper · November 05, 2019, 11:49:53 AM

Nice fish Matt.

Quote from: fishballer06 on November 05, 2019, 11:46:14 AM
Why is the grass still green and the hydrilla still alive?

And short sleeved shirts and no coats or long johns.

LgMouthGambler · November 05, 2019, 07:03:31 PM

There is a killer deal going on with this reel. PM me for details.

This is the Lews Team Lite. Lots of features for a now discounted price. Very light, and very well built.

.

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

LgMouthGambler · November 10, 2019, 06:54:32 PM

So I just got an email for an insane deal. Shimano SLX XT reel, and SLX rod combo for $149.95. Also available is the regular SLX reel and SLX rod for $129.95. So...I have an XT and rod on the way. Lol.

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

Capt. BassinLou · November 10, 2019, 07:02:14 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on November 10, 2019, 06:54:32 PM
So I just got an email for an insane deal. Shimano SLX XT reel, and SLX rod combo for $149.95. Also available is the regular SLX reel and SLX rod for $129.95. So...I have an XT and rod on the way. Lol.

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

The addiction continues...

LgMouthGambler · November 10, 2019, 07:03:17 PM

Quote from: Bassinlou on November 10, 2019, 07:02:14 PM
The addiction continues...

Yeah. This is starting to get ridiculous...

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

Capt. BassinLou · November 10, 2019, 07:03:46 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on November 10, 2019, 07:03:17 PM
Yeah. This is starting to get ridiculous...

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

YOU THINK!!??

LgMouthGambler · November 10, 2019, 07:05:19 PM

Quote from: Bassinlou on November 10, 2019, 07:03:46 PM
YOU THINK!!??

I try not to, it seems to get me into trouble.

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

Capt. BassinLou · November 10, 2019, 07:06:10 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on November 10, 2019, 07:05:19 PM
I try not to, it seems to get me into trouble.

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

Your will power SUCKS!!

LgMouthGambler · November 10, 2019, 07:08:58 PM

Quote from: Bassinlou on November 10, 2019, 07:06:10 PM
Your will power SUCKS!!

Oh God, how I know. And I was just looking at the SLX XT reels for a good deal and thinking to myself "I dont need it". Then I get that email....FmL

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

Capt. BassinLou · November 10, 2019, 07:09:48 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on November 10, 2019, 07:08:58 PM
Oh God, how I know. And I was just looking at the SLX XT reels for a good deal and thinking to myself "I dont need it". Then I get that email....FmL

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

Smh...

merc1997 · November 10, 2019, 08:41:15 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on October 30, 2019, 07:50:11 PM
So here is the new budget combo...

Quantum Smoke Speed Freak and Kast King Royal Legend rod. Here is a killer combo since the Royal Legend shares the Abu Vendetta build in a sense.

Reel: $86
Rod: $63

Total: $147

WHAAAAAT?! Ilk report back on the rod. The reel I know is nice as I "had" the 7 gear ratio until FLOGROWN took it.

.

is that rod a 2 piece?? that is all that i have been able to find, and do not two piece rods.

bo

LgMouthGambler · November 11, 2019, 03:30:48 AM

Quote from: merc1997 on November 10, 2019, 08:41:15 PM
is that rod a 2 piece?? that is all that i have been able to find, and do not two piece rods.

bo

No, it's a one piece.

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

Smallie_Stalker · November 11, 2019, 08:41:33 AM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on November 10, 2019, 06:54:32 PM
So I just got an email for an insane deal. Shimano SLX XT reel, and SLX rod combo for $149.95. Also available is the regular SLX reel and SLX rod for $129.95. So...I have an XT and rod on the way. Lol.

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

I got that email too. Wish I had the funds.

I've been wanting to try the SLX XT and see how I like the braking system among other things.

At these prices your basically getting the rod for $20 when you pay for the reel.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk