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Started By
Message
Let's talk high-end bass rods ($150+)
Posted on 1/27/22 at 6:02 pm
Posted on 1/27/22 at 6:02 pm
I'm in the market for a couple new bass rods over the next few months and am interested in some different options.
Currently considering the ALX Zolo, Kistler Helium, and more Shimano Exprides. Open to other options in the $230+ range aside from the G Loomis GCX or the St. Croix Avid X.
It's easy enough to search x vs y when debating between 2 different options, but I want to compile a wider array of reviews. A database of information I can look at and share from a wider bass community. Obviously this stuff is subjective, but in general, I think the more information, the better.
I'd love if y'all would share you reviews of different "high end" rods. For the sake of this discussion, let's stick to rods over $150.
As much information as you can provide is awesome. Everything from a general "I really liked this rod" to detailed breakdowns of its sensitivity, actual power relative to listed power, actual action relative to listed action, and what presentations you use it for.
I'll start with a couple:
Shimano:
- Expride A ?6'10" ML/F Spinning ($270): incredible rod for general finesse applications. Drop shot, ned rig, wacky finesse, neko are all right in line here. Sensitivity is off the charts, and power and action are right in line with what I expect.
- Expride A ?6'10" Med/Mod Fast Glass casting ($270): super soft tip with very strong backbone. Definitely the best squarebill and small crankbait rod I've ever used. The softness in the tip allows you to play fish and the backbone let's you horse them out of over if needed. I also use it for chatterbaits. It's probably a little under powered as a dedicated chatterbait rod, but for jackhammer stealth blades and the new mini max, it's about perfect.
- Expride A ?6'10" Med/F Casting ($270): If you're into high end bass gear, there isn't much more to say about this rod. Arguably the best jerkbait rod currently available. Incredibly well balanced, very crisp action. Exactly what I'd expect from a power and action standpoint. Obviously excels at jerkbaitss, but a great topwater rod too.
- Curado 6'10" Med/F Casting ($160, older model w/cork grips): In general, not a fan. It's fine for what it is, but feels kind of dead in the hand. It fishes comparable to rods that are in the $120 ballpark. Power and action are spot on but sensitivity is lacking and it just feels dull.
Daiwa
- BLX 6'8" ML/XFast spinning ($400): bought this to replace the Expride Rod mentioned above when it go stolen. This rod is insanely light and crazy sensitive but it fishes more like a ML+ or even a M. Pretty common for Daiwas to be "over powered" relative to their rating and this one definitely is. I use it for finesse applications, but it could throw some small poppers and 70 or 80 size jerkbaits no problem, even a 110jr would be fine.
Kistler
- 2018 Argon Pop, Jerk, Crank 6'9" Med/F ($200): Loved this rod for squarebills and poppers. Had a fast enough tip to work a popper but soft enough overall for treblehooks. This was on a NFC blank and it was lively and responsive. Power was spot on but action was more moderate than the "fast" rating it was advertised with.
- 2021 KLX 6'9" LMH/Mod Fast ($300): power and action are spot on. The rod is very lightweight. All that being said, I'm just not feeling this rod. I can't seem to find anything it excels at. I lose chatterbait bites on it, it's too slow to work topwater or jerkbaits the way I want, and it's not really a good fit for bottom contact stuff either (maybe a finesse football?). I don't know. I need to try it some more and see if I can find it's niche. I'm gonna start this year with it as my lip less rod. Hopefully that works for it.
Halo Rods
- KSII Elite 6'10" Med/F ($170): this is one of the most interesting rod blanks I've used. The top 12" or so is insanely soft and thin, then it is fused to a much more normal medium power backbone. This rod can sling super light baits thanks to it's tip but has the power to lean on fish as well. It easily throws 1/10oz ned heads with a zman ned bugz 40 yards (using a daiwa tatula sv tw103). Very light, great sensitivity. Compared to the Curado Rod at essentialy the same price, this rod feels like a significantly more refined rod in every way.
- KSII Elite 7'2" MH/F ($170): as with the 610M, this has a very soft tip which loads great for wrist casts. Haven't had a chance to fish it yet, but feels very light and sensitive.
Abu Garcia
- Veracity 6'10" ML/X-Fast ($200): bought this to use as a sort of "power BFS" rod and it should do great with that. Easily tosses ned rigs and am excited to try it with some micro cranks, whopper plopper 60, shower blows 77.7, and other lightweight casting applications. Has a light enough tip for some heavier drop shots and true finesse techniques too. About what I'd expect from a power and action standpoint.
St. Croix
Avid X 7' MH/F ($230): not impressed with this rod at all. Poorly balanced, marginal sensitivity for the price and the micro guides drove me crazy. Power and action are about what I'd expect. Compared to the Halo KSII I mentioned above, I'd pick the Halo every time.
Currently considering the ALX Zolo, Kistler Helium, and more Shimano Exprides. Open to other options in the $230+ range aside from the G Loomis GCX or the St. Croix Avid X.
It's easy enough to search x vs y when debating between 2 different options, but I want to compile a wider array of reviews. A database of information I can look at and share from a wider bass community. Obviously this stuff is subjective, but in general, I think the more information, the better.
I'd love if y'all would share you reviews of different "high end" rods. For the sake of this discussion, let's stick to rods over $150.
As much information as you can provide is awesome. Everything from a general "I really liked this rod" to detailed breakdowns of its sensitivity, actual power relative to listed power, actual action relative to listed action, and what presentations you use it for.
I'll start with a couple:
Shimano:
- Expride A ?6'10" ML/F Spinning ($270): incredible rod for general finesse applications. Drop shot, ned rig, wacky finesse, neko are all right in line here. Sensitivity is off the charts, and power and action are right in line with what I expect.
- Expride A ?6'10" Med/Mod Fast Glass casting ($270): super soft tip with very strong backbone. Definitely the best squarebill and small crankbait rod I've ever used. The softness in the tip allows you to play fish and the backbone let's you horse them out of over if needed. I also use it for chatterbaits. It's probably a little under powered as a dedicated chatterbait rod, but for jackhammer stealth blades and the new mini max, it's about perfect.
- Expride A ?6'10" Med/F Casting ($270): If you're into high end bass gear, there isn't much more to say about this rod. Arguably the best jerkbait rod currently available. Incredibly well balanced, very crisp action. Exactly what I'd expect from a power and action standpoint. Obviously excels at jerkbaitss, but a great topwater rod too.
- Curado 6'10" Med/F Casting ($160, older model w/cork grips): In general, not a fan. It's fine for what it is, but feels kind of dead in the hand. It fishes comparable to rods that are in the $120 ballpark. Power and action are spot on but sensitivity is lacking and it just feels dull.
Daiwa
- BLX 6'8" ML/XFast spinning ($400): bought this to replace the Expride Rod mentioned above when it go stolen. This rod is insanely light and crazy sensitive but it fishes more like a ML+ or even a M. Pretty common for Daiwas to be "over powered" relative to their rating and this one definitely is. I use it for finesse applications, but it could throw some small poppers and 70 or 80 size jerkbaits no problem, even a 110jr would be fine.
Kistler
- 2018 Argon Pop, Jerk, Crank 6'9" Med/F ($200): Loved this rod for squarebills and poppers. Had a fast enough tip to work a popper but soft enough overall for treblehooks. This was on a NFC blank and it was lively and responsive. Power was spot on but action was more moderate than the "fast" rating it was advertised with.
- 2021 KLX 6'9" LMH/Mod Fast ($300): power and action are spot on. The rod is very lightweight. All that being said, I'm just not feeling this rod. I can't seem to find anything it excels at. I lose chatterbait bites on it, it's too slow to work topwater or jerkbaits the way I want, and it's not really a good fit for bottom contact stuff either (maybe a finesse football?). I don't know. I need to try it some more and see if I can find it's niche. I'm gonna start this year with it as my lip less rod. Hopefully that works for it.
Halo Rods
- KSII Elite 6'10" Med/F ($170): this is one of the most interesting rod blanks I've used. The top 12" or so is insanely soft and thin, then it is fused to a much more normal medium power backbone. This rod can sling super light baits thanks to it's tip but has the power to lean on fish as well. It easily throws 1/10oz ned heads with a zman ned bugz 40 yards (using a daiwa tatula sv tw103). Very light, great sensitivity. Compared to the Curado Rod at essentialy the same price, this rod feels like a significantly more refined rod in every way.
- KSII Elite 7'2" MH/F ($170): as with the 610M, this has a very soft tip which loads great for wrist casts. Haven't had a chance to fish it yet, but feels very light and sensitive.
Abu Garcia
- Veracity 6'10" ML/X-Fast ($200): bought this to use as a sort of "power BFS" rod and it should do great with that. Easily tosses ned rigs and am excited to try it with some micro cranks, whopper plopper 60, shower blows 77.7, and other lightweight casting applications. Has a light enough tip for some heavier drop shots and true finesse techniques too. About what I'd expect from a power and action standpoint.
St. Croix
Avid X 7' MH/F ($230): not impressed with this rod at all. Poorly balanced, marginal sensitivity for the price and the micro guides drove me crazy. Power and action are about what I'd expect. Compared to the Halo KSII I mentioned above, I'd pick the Halo every time.
28
Posted on 1/27/22 at 6:07 pm to The Last Coco
I have a few Dobyns champion extremes that I really like. I think I have 2 spinning and 3 casting. Don’t use them a hell of a lot anymore but they’re great.
ETA: I’m using medium on most of them as I feel they’re a little heavier than typical and I have one MH I use for redfish in heavy grass with some 60lb braid.
I picked most of them up on 40% sale a few years back.
ETA: I’m using medium on most of them as I feel they’re a little heavier than typical and I have one MH I use for redfish in heavy grass with some 60lb braid.
I picked most of them up on 40% sale a few years back.
This post was edited on 1/27/22 at 6:09 pm
Posted on 1/27/22 at 6:15 pm to The Last Coco
If you're going to spend that much just get one custom made. I just ordered 1 from a guy in Lafayette for $250 with all the specs/grips I wanted.
Posted on 1/27/22 at 6:17 pm to The Last Coco
All of my baitcasting and spinning rods are Dobyns champion series. I have 10-12 of them that I've gathered over the years and they're great. A couple of them are specifically bass rods and the rest are inshore saltwater rods. Some carry over both.
I'm of the opinion that when you start spending more than $150.00 on rods, you're going to get a good product, so pick which action and weights you like, balance good warranties, and roll with it. I have broken two Dobyns rods, both by my own fault, and they were a breeze to deal with in the warranty process. Dobyns champion xp 702 medium is my favorite jigging rod I've ever owned.
I'm also not a hardcore bass guy either and I understand that a lot of bass fishermen are probably more particular about their rods than I am.
I'm of the opinion that when you start spending more than $150.00 on rods, you're going to get a good product, so pick which action and weights you like, balance good warranties, and roll with it. I have broken two Dobyns rods, both by my own fault, and they were a breeze to deal with in the warranty process. Dobyns champion xp 702 medium is my favorite jigging rod I've ever owned.
I'm also not a hardcore bass guy either and I understand that a lot of bass fishermen are probably more particular about their rods than I am.
Posted on 1/27/22 at 6:29 pm to The Last Coco
I have two Expride casting rods and they perform better than my G Loomis imx without a doubt. The medium makes a great jerkbait rod that you can hardly find in stock, the med hvy is a great Texas rig/jig/spinnerbait rod and the hvy is an ideal jig rod. Tacticalbassin loves the series.
If you hold a NRX tho it's a holy experience, it's ridiculous
If you hold a NRX tho it's a holy experience, it's ridiculous
Posted on 1/27/22 at 6:31 pm to reds on reds on reds
The Dobyns Champion Extreme Glass Med/Hvy is my favorite crankbait/spinnerbait rod. I know it sounds strange but the glass does both applications super well
Posted on 1/27/22 at 6:35 pm to The Last Coco
I'm trash and use Berkley cherry wood and lightning . I can get four for $ 150 .
Posted on 1/27/22 at 6:41 pm to The Last Coco
I’d take Kistler off the list.
Chinese blanks now. And if you wait 30 seconds, all his rods get deeply discounted because, in the end, they’re not near the quality as other manufacturers.
Plus Trey is a douche.
Also, I’d add megabass to your list. I have several of the new P5 Destroyers and they’re every bit the rod as an nrx.
I also had the old expride models for a bit but once I tried the Poison Adrena, I owned no more exprides. I found the Balance of the expride too tip heavy and didn’t have the progressive backbone the PA has in the medium MH actions.
And finally, for $200, I think the Falcon experts are some of the best out there.
Chinese blanks now. And if you wait 30 seconds, all his rods get deeply discounted because, in the end, they’re not near the quality as other manufacturers.
Plus Trey is a douche.
Also, I’d add megabass to your list. I have several of the new P5 Destroyers and they’re every bit the rod as an nrx.
I also had the old expride models for a bit but once I tried the Poison Adrena, I owned no more exprides. I found the Balance of the expride too tip heavy and didn’t have the progressive backbone the PA has in the medium MH actions.
And finally, for $200, I think the Falcon experts are some of the best out there.
This post was edited on 1/27/22 at 6:42 pm
Posted on 1/27/22 at 6:55 pm to CFDoc
quote:
I’d take Kistler off the list.
Chinese blanks now. And if you wait 30 seconds, all his rods get deeply discounted because, in the end, they’re not near the quality as other manufacturers.
Yeah I watch his website regularly. The Heliums are $350 right now and I wouldn't buy one unless I could get it for under $300.
All the Shimano blanks are Chinese now so I don't really care about country of origin from that standpoint.
I had a chance to pick up 2 PAs half off and passed and when I went back the next day they were gone. Still kicking myself for that.
Posted on 1/27/22 at 6:58 pm to John_V
quote:
Dobyns Champion Extreme Glass Med/Hvy is my favorite crankbait/spinnerbait rod. I know it sounds strange but the glass does both applications super well
I hear you on that. The expride glass i have is a great moving bait rod in general.
And I've heard good things about the Dobyns CE line (regular, not talking about the glass here) but haven't been able to find any in stock to hold. I've read they're slower action that shimano, g loomis, etc... which I'm not usually a fan of for bottom contact and twitch actions but I might have to give one a shot.
Posted on 1/27/22 at 7:02 pm to The Last Coco
Fitzgerald's Stunner HD, these things are so sensitive you can feel the fish looking at your bait. On several occasions I've actually "sensed" the bite a millisecond before I felt the bite. It's like having ESP 
Posted on 1/27/22 at 7:05 pm to The Last Coco
$150 isn't high end. I am not judging, most of my rods run around $100 street price. I know everyone has a hard on for St. Croix but I am just not a fan. If I was spending more than $100 I would probably go custom like it has already been suggested. I like the custom Zook rods I used but they were inshore rods however I have caught bass on them...
Posted on 1/27/22 at 7:18 pm to The Last Coco
quote:I have the Trickster as my main drop shot and Ned rod. Love it.
ALX Zolo
Posted on 1/27/22 at 7:31 pm to armsdealer
quote:
$150 isn't high end. I am not judging, most of my rods run around $100 street price. I
It's subjective, but yeah I'd generally say $150 is mid range and probably $250ish is when you hit "high end" or $500 for the combo. But I also know rods don't always perform at their price point so if someone had a fantastic rod at $150 that fished like a $200-250 rod, I'd like that info too.
Posted on 1/27/22 at 7:42 pm to The Last Coco
High priced rods are like sitka for hunting. For my money, a Falcon Original, medium, medium heavy, or heavy for $70 performs 98% as well as rods 3x that price.
Posted on 1/27/22 at 7:52 pm to The Last Coco
I have several exprides from 6’10 medium to the 7’11 x heavy. Excellent rods for moving baits or straight braid. I’ll probably stick to these for most any applications I want to get more specific with and a dedicated buzz bait setup is next. They haven’t replaced my dobyns champs but are what I’ll buy instead going forward.
Hands down, my favorite rod I own out of 20+, is a loomis 853C JWR. There isn’t a better 1/4-3/8oz Texas rig rod on the planet. The exprides are sensitive, this rod blows them out if the water. I can feel every mussel shell, and can feel the difference between a short strike and when it’s in the crushers like I’m watching the fish. Wouldn’t hesitate to replace it at sticker but it can be had for 30% at just about any dealer. Paired with a light 70 or so reel and it’s a light as a feather with balance that wants to sit just tip up.
Hands down, my favorite rod I own out of 20+, is a loomis 853C JWR. There isn’t a better 1/4-3/8oz Texas rig rod on the planet. The exprides are sensitive, this rod blows them out if the water. I can feel every mussel shell, and can feel the difference between a short strike and when it’s in the crushers like I’m watching the fish. Wouldn’t hesitate to replace it at sticker but it can be had for 30% at just about any dealer. Paired with a light 70 or so reel and it’s a light as a feather with balance that wants to sit just tip up.
Posted on 1/27/22 at 7:59 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
quote:
Hands down, my favorite rod I own out of 20+, is a loomis 853C JWR.
Which line do you have? I've been told to stay away from the GCX and heard mixed things on the IMX. I've also heard some amazing things about the MBRs in general but again, usually coming from folks with GLX and NRX
Posted on 1/27/22 at 8:05 pm to Big Bill
quote:
High priced rods are like sitka for hunting.
No doubt. Which to me means it's specialized, technical equipment that makes my outdoor activities a lot more pleasant and enjoyable.
quote:
For my money, a Falcon Original, medium, medium heavy, or heavy for $70 performs 98% as well as rods 3x that price.
Absolutely there is a heavy aspect of diminishing returns as with everything in life, but I just like nice things and hate thinking I left fish in the water because my gear wasn't the best I could afford.
I know $500+ combos aren't for everyone. To each his own.
Posted on 1/27/22 at 8:06 pm to Big Bill
Amen brother. I am all for fishing nerds if this is your “thing” but my personal mindset is that spending 3x doesn’t net you 3x the fish. Diminishing returns after ~$100. I’m still rigging my green curados on pre-Shakespeare All Stars and not giving it a second thought.
What kind of boats are y’all running? If y’all are dropping that kind of coin on rods, you gotta transport them in style.
What kind of boats are y’all running? If y’all are dropping that kind of coin on rods, you gotta transport them in style.
Posted on 1/27/22 at 8:18 pm to CalcuttaTigah
quote:
What kind of boats are y’all running? If y’all are dropping that kind of coin on rods, you gotta transport them in style.
Fish almost exclusively from a kayak and a flatback canoe.
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