Looking for a low cost ML casting rod

[nikbrewer]

I do a lot of creek fishing and mainly use my Kuying Teton L casting rod. However, i am finding sometimes i wish i had a bit more backbone. I am looking for a rod that is one step up from this in stiffness, while still being cheap.

On Aliexpress i thee they show a Abu Vengeance 2 piece ML casting rod. Seems it may be a good fit but cant find any info on the rod.

Any other recommendations for sub 100$ ML casting rods?

[LowRange]

Kuying Topcaster ML for starters. The problem is that the Teton L is a trout rod and more or less an UL rod despite the L rating. A Light powerd BFS rod like a Volkey 68L would be a nice one step up on power but are not going to be had for $100 even used. You might be able to track down a new or used 2 pc Majorcraft Corzza L for your price. I think the Topcaster is your plan B and will come in under budget but will be more than just one step up in power over the Teton.

There is a series of Kuying rods, the Conqueror, that are their version of the Volkey line and include BFS tapers for $138. Check out the CQ65L/BF. They're 1 pc so I don't know what they cost to ship and if the tube they use would survive the journey.

[kunia13]

There's also Shimano Zodias 164 or 168 BFS, 2 piece.

[Warhawk]

I ordered a Kuying Teton through Ali-Baba. It arrived today, looks great unfortunately it broke before I could make a single cast.

Mounted a reel and a 1/16 Oz roadrunner. On the back cast the rod broke about 8 inches forward of the ferrule joint.

I opened a “dispute” with Ali-baba, we will see how this goes.

[LowRange]

I ordered a Kuying Teton through Ali-Baba. It arrived today, looks great unfortunately it broke before I could make a single cast.

Mounted a reel and a 1/16 Oz roadrunner. On the back cast the rod broke about 8 inches forward of the ferrule joint.

I opened a “dispute” with Ali-baba, we will see how this goes.

Did the tip section break or did the back half of the rod break? If it is the tip section you might be able to get the seller to send another tip. I know they can be purchased individually so I would imagine the seller would send another as a replacement. Was the rod bought from the Kuying store on Aliexpress?

[Warhawk]

Tip section broke, i just got an email from them.

I suppose I’ll pay the $18 for a new tip, but I don’t much like being called a liar.

Lincoln xu: Dear friend.
good night.
thanks for your patient waiting.Also we are sorry about that.
Let me explain all as below :
We are sure there are 100% no any defect before sending out the parcel, Also we have 2 teams to check pack and deliver every day for hundreds of orders.
we could be responsible for the damaged during transporting.
Please forgive my rudeness there is no any proof to prove it defected because it was good when delivered. For example, we cannot blame the car supplier when the driver has the car accident, correct?

However, in order to cooperate with you for long time, we'd like to offer you a new rod tip of it as long as you pay the freight 18USD for it.

thank you for all understanding and support.

[LowRange]

I've been SOL on imported 2pc rods with a broken tip before. At least with these rods you can buy a replacement tip section although you shouldn't have to with a new rod. Let us know what type of packaging the tip arrives in. I'm curious as to what they use.

[DirtyD64]

I use a TFO dropshot rod (6'9" ML), I paid like $120, they list for like $160 or something, it's been an amazing rod, cork has held strong, etc. Pretty sensitive too. Just really hard to find. At one point they even made a 6'3" Light casting rod, god I wish I had bought one.