Best Rods for the Money

[J.Davis]

First off, I don't want to hear G. Loomis, Kistler, or the more expensive St. Croix rods.  I do not want to spend over $150 on a rod.  I really want to spend $80-120 on my rods.  I have been thinking either the Abu Garcia Veritas, Abu Garcia Vendettas (I have had two of these and I love them, but I think the Veritas or another brand will offer something a little better, BPS Carbonlite, and the Quantum Smokes.  I have heard great things about the Carbonlite series by BPS, and they sell for $90-120 I think.  But, I love to hate store brands even though I know these rods are made by the same company as Abu Garcia and Pflueger.  I don't like the Skeet Reese rods, unlike most people, I love the Yellow/Black color combo, but the rods are cheap (I have not used any of the casting rods or Micro Honeycomb rods)  Please give me some suggestions on these rods or any other ones you might recommend, especially the Carbonlites and Veritas.  Thanks

[BassBUFF]

The Dobyns Savvy series retails around $150. I've got one and bang for the buck, it'd be hard to beat!

[Kyle Kennington]

The Abu Garcia Veritas for 99.99 is a steal. Great rod

[Camden]

The new abu Verdict will be out soon. i also like the st croix mojo series in the same price range about a hundred bucks

[-Shawn-]

The ABU is a great feeling rod for the buck.  But I have heard quite a few breakage issues.
The falcon bucoo and St croix  are both good rods in the 100.00 price range But both feel tip heavy even with a reel installed.   

I personally like the Carbonlite the best out of all the rods at the 100 dollar pricepoint. 

[Mike Cork]

The Dobyns Savvy series retails around $150. I've got one and bang for the buck, it'd be hard to beat!

I'll second the savvy series. I know it's at the top of your price range but you will be able to fill all your fishing needs and have a quality rod that is sensitive yet durable.

[Baltim0re28]

Falcon Bucoo, I got two of them and absolutely love them!! And they have a pretty decent warranty...5 years.

[J.Davis]

I think I'm stuck between the Veritas and Carbonlite..  Any help on just those two??  I would like to hear from someone who has used both.

[Dug]

I noticed you are considering the carbonlite Reel as well, why not just get the BPS carbonlite combo?  I have heard many many good things about them and they will probably be my next rod and reel purchases.  The combo would cost you anywhere from $169-199.00

Dug

[tim4081]

I used a Carbonlite spinning rod alot this year.  The rod held up very well, is very very light and sensitive.  I'm considering a couple more for next year.  I would also recommend the Falcon Low Riders...great rods that are still within your price range.

[NateG]

I've yet to fish a rod that outperforms a BPS Extreme Woo Daves... They just went on sale from 99 to 59 for their annual holiday sale.  This is when I buy them and most of my rods are Extremes.

[HellaBass]

The Dobyns Savvy series retails around $150. I've got one and bang for the buck, it'd be hard to beat!

Ditto, I got a couple as well!

[J.Davis]

I think I am going to try out some Powell rods for now.  I will probably get a Veritas or two eventually though. 

[cbburke]

I had the Abu Garcia Veritas and brought it out fishing one day ..We both werent feeling it.

After that, I brought it back to BPS and got the Mojo Bass instead -- Magic in Heaven

I also have the BPS carbonlite

I would go with MOJO or carbonlite !

[easternshore]

I think I am going to try out some Powell rods for now.  I will probably get a Veritas or two eventually though.

Excellent choice with the Powell! 

[fbenn12122000]

Have you guys tried Grandt rods.  Amazing rods for the money, but check out the warranty.  Unlimited lifetime.  No matter how or why it breaks, you get a new one.

Frank

[coldfront]

I've been very very impressed with the Cabelas XML series...fished them for years...before upgrading to a couple Cumaras...and it took me about a month to figure out that the Cumara's were a bit better...

Which is to say that at $139 (every day price) those Cabelas rods are extremely good, sensitive rods...with a 25 year warranty...

I still use them too...

[Kuntry Jr.]

Kistler has their Carbon Steel rod for 99.99 and it has WAY better components then the Abu Garcia. It will be the only rod I use for frogs because it's the lightest rd that I  think you can buy that won't break under intense pressure that you get when you throw frogs. It's not a bad rod for plastics either.

[J.Davis]

Kistler has their Carbon Steel rod for 99.99 and it has WAY better components then the Abu Garcia. It will be the only rod I use for frogs because it's the lightest rd that I  think you can buy that won't break under intense pressure that you get when you throw frogs. It's not a bad rod for plastics either.

I disagree with that.  I also notice that you have a Kistler jersey in your picture.  I, on the other hand, have no affiliation with the companies I support.  I'll take my Veritas over a Kistler Carbon Steel any day.  First off, those rods look awful.  Second, all of the components are made in China, some of which are not even branded.  The guides on the Carbon Steel are no names that are supposedly "indestructible," but they are cheap "Made in China" components, so I don't buy the "indestructible" title.  Veritas rods have Fuji SIC inserts inside of stainless Fuji guides, which I will take over unnamed Chinese guides 365 days a year.  Third, Abu Garcia uses a 30 ton graphite that is lighter than the Carbon Steel, and very strong.  As far as I can see, the only "better" component may be the Pacific Bay reel seat, but I have had two of those break because they are weak, and the Veritas reel seat is literally indestructible. 

I have heard on multiple accounts that Kistler's customer service is awful.  I have a friend who used his Helium LTA for a few months, and it broke on a hookset.  He sent it in, paying the S&H to the warranty center, and they responded "Sorry, but this rod was under excessive use that caused the blank to fracture."  For one, he only had it for 2 months, and didn't use it too terribly much, and second they obviously don't know what fracture means because that rod completely snapped in half. 

From the reviews I've read, the Carbon Steel is "Okay, but it's not very sensitive.  Tough, but no sensitivity.  Not worth even $100."  and I read constant reviews saying the Veritas is better than their $150-$200 rods. 

But, whatever.  I won't be buying a Kistler CS anytime soon.

[dave0943]

Cold front you mentioned Cabela's rods. I bought two of the Fish Eagle 11 casting rods this season. For 79.95 ea. They feel as good as my Mojo's. They are lite and have excellent hardware. I bought MH 6'6" and 7' MH. Have them matched with a PQ and a Abu Amb 4600C4. Very pleased for the price. I may try one of the Cabela's Prodigy sticks next.

[-Shawn-]

I disagree with that.  I also notice that you have a Kistler jersey in your picture.  I, on the other hand, have no affiliation with the companies I support.  I'll take my Veritas over a Kistler Carbon Steel any day.  First off, those rods look awful.  Second, all of the components are made in China, some of which are not even branded.  The guides on the Carbon Steel are no names that are supposedly "indestructible," but they are cheap "Made in China" components, so I don't buy the "indestructible" title.  Veritas rods have Fuji SIC inserts inside of stainless Fuji guides, which I will take over unnamed Chinese guides 365 days a year.  Third, Abu Garcia uses a 30 ton graphite that is lighter than the Carbon Steel, and very strong.  As far as I can see, the only "better" component may be the Pacific Bay reel seat, but I have had two of those break because they are weak, and the Veritas reel seat is literally indestructible. 

I have heard on multiple accounts that Kistler's customer service is awful.  I have a friend who used his Helium LTA for a few months, and it broke on a hookset.  He sent it in, paying the S&H to the warranty center, and they responded "Sorry, but this rod was under excessive use that caused the blank to fracture."  For one, he only had it for 2 months, and didn't use it too terribly much, and second they obviously don't know what fracture means because that rod completely snapped in half. 

From the reviews I've read, the Carbon Steel is "Okay, but it's not very sensitive.  Tough, but no sensitivity.  Not worth even $100."  and I read constant reviews saying the Veritas is better than their $150-$200 rods. 

But, whatever.  I won't be buying a Kistler CS anytime soon.

Kuntry jr. Jwas just tryint to help.

I can speak for kistlers customer service being top notch.  Yes you read alot of crap on the Internet about warranty problems, but you don't hear this stuff from guys that know how to take care of a rod.   But if a Rod has a manufactureing problem it will show in the first couple of hooksets not a few months down the road.  If a rod breaks after a few months of use it is because the blank was damaged by the user. not from defects.    If the reel seat or handle came loose it would have been repaired.   If your freind would have registered the rod for waranty it would have been covered under the smart way warranty instead of a limited warranty. 

I haven't fished with  the Veritas.  No one has very much because they haven't been out long.  I have had problems with the vendettas.

ANY quality rod blank will fail if it is abbused.  that doesn't mean you have to beat it on a stump.  Abuse is grabbing the rod above the reel when it is loaded, accidentally smacking the TM, loading the rod to free a bait or break the line instead of pulling along the rods axis. Kistler,  Dobyns, Gloomis, powell are all great rods, but as far as warranty they will all give you the same answer when they  see evidence of abuse.   

He was just giving his opinion and what works for him.  You ask for opinions and he gave you his.

[J.Davis]

Kuntry jr. Jwas just tryint to help.

I can speak for kistlers customer service being top notch.  Yes you read alot of crap on the Internet about warranty problems, but you don't hear this stuff from guys that know how to take care of a rod.   But if a Rod has a manufactureing problem it will show in the first couple of hooksets not a few months down the road.  If a rod breaks after a few months of use it is because the blank was damaged by the user. not from defects.    If the reel seat or handle came loose it would have been repaired.   If your freind would have registered the rod for waranty it would have been covered under the smart way warranty instead of a limited warranty. 

I haven't fished with  the Veritas.  No one has very much because they haven't been out long.  I have had problems with the vendettas.

ANY quality rod blank will fail if it is abbused.  that doesn't mean you have to beat it on a stump.  Abuse is grabbing the rod above the reel when it is loaded, accidentally smacking the TM, loading the rod to free a bait or break the line instead of pulling along the rods axis. Kistler,  Dobyns, Gloomis, powell are all great rods, but as far as warranty they will all give you the same answer when they  see evidence of abuse.   

He was just giving his opinion and what works for him.  You ask for opinions and he gave you his.

I appreciate his comment, and I'm sorry if I came off as rude.  I'm a little keyboard happy  .  I've done a lot of research-oriented writing with bass fishing, and that just takes over.  Believe me, as long as someone isn't being rude or unnecessary.  And partially I was hoping for a response like yours.  I want to know the truth, not what the companies and sponsorees try to sell.  I was just saying my reasons for not wanting that rod, not trying to offend Kuntry Jr.  If I did I'm sorry.  I was probably bored and didn't have anything else to do, so I went on a tear.  I appreciate all of your opinions.  And, to tell the truth, if I could afford them, all I would have would be Kistler Z-Bones.  Thanks guys

[-Shawn-]

No big Deal, Just trying to keep the info Flowing.  There is ALOT of experience around this site and as long as you ask questions the right way  you will get tons of help.   It is totally ok to disagree with any post just try to do it in a freindly way. 

Right now there are alot of great rods from 100-200 dolars.  For most fisherman something in that range will be all they ever need.  Just remember one rule of thumb.  The higher dollar and more sensetive a rod is, The better care it requires.  The very best rods out there are also the most delicate.   They are inherently more fragile because to make a rod more sensetive and lighter, the wall thickness of the blank must decrease. 

[Baron49]

Just to add a comment/idea.   

St. Croix Avid rods for an example come with a lifetime warranty.  Granted they sell for a few more dollars then the $150 you want to spend, but I have broken a couple over the years.  I simply get a shipping label from their website and send the rod in.  One exploded due to horsing a big fish in and another was my fault as I connected with the top of the trolling motor and busted a guide.  One was fixed the other replaced within 10 days with no hassles and no problems.

Sometimes it is better to go with the idea you get what you pay for.  Heaven knows I bought a lot of cheap rods over the past 40+ years, but the ones I paid the extra cash for are still the ones I use everytime I head out fishing.

Just my humble opinion after reading about all the limited warranties from companies that have been posted so far.

[J.Davis]

I'm thinking about looking at the Falcon Low Riders also.  Not sure.  I may want to try some Duckett's and Quantum Smokes too.