re: Bass fishing rods - What you got?

The new Lews reel is not that great but is holding up as they are Korean and come out of the same plant that makes the revo but with lesser quality parts. They sell like crazy but can't cast with the new smooth longs casters like Daiwas Lexas or even Excellers at all.
Shimano make their reels with pot metal gears now, check with the reel repair guys. Tackle shops are looking for a better reel to get behind.
If you want a rod that lasts and is the very best buy a Loomis and you will never regrett with it. Everyone is hand made and the actions are ones everyone want to copy but just can't get there. You only live once.