re: Let's talk high-end bass rods ($150+)

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Sorry I meant to type it out, the 853C is a GLX. I’ve held the NRXs and they do feel a touch lighter in hand, but I just can’t get over the recoil guides, and obviously the price for diminishing returns on what it will actually give you. Never been too impressed with the IMX or lower lines, they’re fine but just too much other good stuff at that price point and they live off the name to certain extent there.

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Yeah what I've read and heard is if you're spending GCX money ($250), get an Expride. For IMX money ($350), get a poison adrena. If you are spending more than that, now you can talk about the loomis rods. They're all shimano now anyway.

One thing about loomis, their sticker prices are I intentionally inflated. Both local dealers in Nola have a “30% off” sticker on the loomis rack that’s been there for years, and they’ll order any rod at that discount. Tacklewarehouse will match the 30% off if you call, just a MAP thing.

I just use ugly stiks with Abu Garcia reals, and never spend more than $80 on that combo. Been doing just fine for me for years now

While I can’t necessarily comment on “bass rods” specifically (I mainly fish the coast), my arsenal at home namely consists of sub $200 rods… and I try to only buy them when they’re deeply discounted if I can help it.

But a few notable exceptions:

I have a Zook casting rod that was custom that is a really nice rod- solid construction, sensitive blank. I don’t use it super often as it’s a MH rod I use specifically for reds, but when I get a chance to use it, I’m usually always smiling.

St. Croix Legend Xtreme. At $650 retail, these are quite a bit out of my budget…
But last year I had an opportunity to purchase two of them for less than half off, so I bit. They have quickly become my favorite rods to use; the sensitivity is unmatched by any of my others and they’re so light that you can cast all day without fatigue. Only gripe has been that one has the micro guides and with the fishing i do, I typically use leaders. Even an FG knot will hit the micros and it’s a bit annoying. I might see if Superior can replace them…
But I’ve liked them so much that they have me wanting to sell many of my other rods to buy a couple more… they may not be worth 3x’s the cost,but they sure are a pleasure to use. Hard to really explain until you put them to use.

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Old All Stars were great rods back in the day. Shame they sold out.

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MWR1 Med/Heavy Fast tip was the best Jig/Texas rig (1/4 - 1/2 0z)/Carolna-Rig rod ever made.

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Billy kistler is back in the rod game again with Pride rods. He started All Star and Castaway and helped his son with Kistler rods.

Pride still uses the NFC blanks (Gary loomis makes those). I bet Billy would make you one like your old all star.

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I have a Zook casting rod

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Heard that most of his stuff is now made overseas. Doesn't surprise me since many places now carry his rods.

New development in the rod game this AM, Shimano's new Expride B rods announced and available for pre-order. They have the Adrena lower end so they're 30% more sensitive if you can wait til April

LINK

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Shimano's new Expride B rods announced

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Saw those announced a few weeks back. I'm definitely interested. I might snag the 6'10" ML/F Spinning and one of the heavy or xheavy for a frog rog.

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Berkley cherry wood

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One of the few products in any category where I used it once and simply threw it away to prevent any other fisherman or small child from suffering through such poor workmanship.