Best rod in $150-$200 range?

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tohatsu30
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Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by tohatsu30 » Wed Mar 08, 2017 11:37 pm

Opinions on this range.
Irod crusher?
Powell Max 3D?
Fitzgerald Stunner?
Daiwa Tatula?
Lmk what u guys think!!

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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by big_gee » Thu Mar 09, 2017 1:02 am

I would include the Daiwa Cronos as well. Great rod for the price.

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Finnz922
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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by Finnz922 » Thu Mar 09, 2017 1:25 am

Crusher. Looks good. Sensitive. Light. What more would you want?

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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by Hobie-Wan Kenobi » Thu Mar 09, 2017 1:33 am

Tatula all day. They can be had for less than retail and they are super nice rods.

BTW, there have been a million threads started on this topic.
IG @hobie_wan_kenobi_fishing

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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by shimanogloomis man » Thu Mar 09, 2017 3:32 am

Check out Hammer rods there awesome to for around 160.00
Shimano and Gloomis just kick @ss, 17 Phoenix 919 225 Merc 225

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jmb27
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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by jmb27 » Thu Mar 09, 2017 3:43 am

Majorcraft.

I recently got an MS-X (just a bit above $200) and was really impressed with the build quality and components used for the price point. This is a BFS rod (6' 5" L model).

They do sell "regular" bass rod lengths and lure ratings. I'm sure that someone on this board can chime in with thoughts on those, but I'm really digging the MS-X rod I got.

St. Croix Avids are another line to look at the $200 price point.

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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by Randingo » Thu Mar 09, 2017 4:52 am

My two favorites at this point are the Daiwa Cronos and Megabass Levante. In truth, I don't know where you're going to find anyone who has enough familiarity to comment on everything in this price range.

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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by paulito » Thu Mar 09, 2017 6:43 am

Of those that you listed, I would get rank the tatula above them all by far!

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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by Finnz922 » Thu Mar 09, 2017 7:33 am

Randingo wrote:My two favorites at this point are the Daiwa Cronos and Megabass Levante. In truth, I don't know where you're going to find anyone who has enough familiarity to comment on everything in this price range.
I agree with what he said about no one will have owned all these rods at the same time to compare across the board. You are just going to get people's opinions on rods they are using/have used.

Just pick a brand or rod based on your gut feeling. There isn't a bad rod in your list. Just my opinion though.

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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by timinmo » Thu Mar 09, 2017 7:41 am

I have limited experience with the listed rods but like the Tatula. My question to the other posters, do you like the Tatula better than the Cronos? Which is still within the price range.

Staying within the price range I would pick a St. Croix Avid. Right at $200 for the Avid X, love it.

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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by bronzefly » Thu Mar 09, 2017 10:06 am

shimanogloomis man wrote:Check out Hammer rods there awesome to for around 160.00
I haven't fished or handled everything in the $150 to $200 range, but I have fished quite a few. Hammer Rods are among the best I've seen or used in this price range. They're made in the US, have an excellent warranty, and are a fine group of fishing rods.

Hammer Fishing Rods
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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by Randingo » Fri Mar 10, 2017 6:54 am

timinmo wrote:
Staying within the price range I would pick a St. Croix Avid. Right at $200 for the Avid X, love it.
True: it's hard to go wrong with Avid or Avid-x.

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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by poisonokie » Fri Mar 10, 2017 7:10 am

jmb27 wrote:Majorcraft.

I recently got an MS-X (just a bit above $200) and was really impressed with the build quality and components used for the price point. This is a BFS rod (6' 5" L model).

They do sell "regular" bass rod lengths and lure ratings. I'm sure that someone on this board can chime in with thoughts on those, but I'm really digging the MS-X rod I got.

St. Croix Avids are another line to look at the $200 price point.
Those MS-X's are great rods, but good luck finding more of those for around $200, though. I found the mxc-65ml (the basic series, non bfs model) for $200, but that was a bargain. 150-200 is more Volkey territory, which are also nice for the price. However, I have 7 different Tatulas and they are very difficult to beat, especially for what they can be had for. Then again, as others have said, this market segment is highly competitive, so you shouldn't be disappointed in whatever you decide on. If there were BFS Tatulas I never would've considered Major Craft, I know that. I just like the fit and finish, blank behavior, reel seats, etc. I'm sure the Cronos line is great, too, but there aren't as many actions to choose from, they are more expensive and, while it looks cool, I'm not at all convinced that the extra carbon cross wrap on the base of rods like the MS-X and Cronos has any appreciable effect on performance.
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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by Mike and Pike » Fri Mar 10, 2017 9:02 am

The best rods you will find for $150-$200 are $250-$350 used rods with lifetime trasferable warranties. Many found here, many more found on Ebay and the like. Rep samples and members' here are the best.
4 different GLXs tyd for $240 asking , various types and powers here just recently, amongst other deals.

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Re: Best rod in $150-$200 range?

Post by Susitnasalmonguide » Sun Mar 12, 2017 2:17 pm

As others have mentioned there are many rods in this price range I have not tried -- however -- one I have been extra impressed with is the Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris signature series. I've been using a 7' 2" medium-heavy spinning rod. Well balanced, impressively sensitive, lightweight with good backbone, casts very well, and normally priced in the lower end of the range. Also features a skeletal reel seat, and Fuji KR guide system (Alconite). Currently on sale for approximately $130. I've been fishing mine with 30 lb. braid and it compares well to rods that cost considerably more. I've liked this spinning rod so well that I am seriously considering getting a bait casting rod of the same medium-heavy specifications.

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