SMITTY0045

I agree. If you're paying for a reel in that price range you're going to get a quality reel. Just go with whatever feels best to you

They are pretty good rods for $80. I think you could use the MH or a medium. Either would work. They should on sale when the spring Classic comes around I would also recommend looking into the the Ethos micro at Academy. It's also a $80 rod and it's about the same quality

I would say the Shimano Sedona and Pflueger President. Can't go wrong with either reel

I definitely like Red Label. I use it on most of my reels

Personally I like using a moderate action rod for my top water baits and jerk baits. I feel like I can keep the bait in the water longer when I am twitching because I am not ripping the bait back to the boat with every twitch. It seems to still put plenty of action on the lure

Typically I would say this rod is best for top water and jerkbaits. You could use the rod for spinner baits, but I wouldn't recommend throwing one any heavier than 3/8 oz

I guess I'm one of the only ones that feel this way, but I actually really like Red Label. I have trouble spending a lot of money on line and this like does just fine for me. Plus it's cheap

That's a good point. I suppose I have my Arsenal to where I could buy one as an upgrade. As of right now I usually stick within the $100-$160 price range: my higher dollar rods being used for jigs and Texas rigs primarily. I should probably look into both and see what the difference is

I was assuming that the builder could possibly be using parts he already had in stock or on hand because of the low quoted price, so although he may have been able to choose the components that actually went into his rod, I was thinking his options may be limited in order to stay within the quoted price. Thats my take on the quote. I apologize I wasn't very clear in my original post

I wanted to know more about the IKOS specifically

So I've been eyeing these rods since they came up on TW and have been tempted to get one. I can't really find any reviews of their rods and obviously it's hard to drop $150 on a rod you don't know anything about besides the fact it looks cool.I was wondering if anyone had tried one out? I would probably be looking to get the IKOS

The new Mojo Bass use the same material for blanks as the Avid, so you may be able to get a similar rod for much cheaper. If you are considering going with another brand, I would look into the Daiwa Tatula or maybe a Falcon Lowrider. Both of the rods are great and they are cheaper than the Avids. I'd look into those

I would agree, it is most likely the reel. I have the ghost and one of the H2O micro guide rods and I haven't had any problems. I would clean out the bearings in your reel and grease them up. That should help

My brother has a couple of the H2O rods and I have to say, they really are impressive. They fish just as well as any other rod in its price range, I think they are just looked down on because it's Academy's brand of rods. I really think you will be fine with these rods and if this is what you like in the price range than that's what I would fish. Rods are all about preference. That being said, I would definitely look into the custom rod. The most important thing I would want to know is what components he is using. I would check with him and if you do not recognize the manufacturer maybe look them up online and read some reviews. I would also take a look at some of his other custom builds because that should give you a good idea as to whether or not he will be giving you something that will last.

Although you really can't go wrong with either rod, I picked the ghost when I was between the two. The ghost seemed to a a little bit softer tip and I just liked the feel better. Again, you can't go wrong with either rod, so I would just pick what you are most comfortable with

The Bass Pro by me is having there end of season sale. I saw they still had quite a few Tatula rods by me. These rods are a little bit less expensive than the rods you just mentioned, but I guarantee that fish just as well, if not better. I don't know if you have a bass pro by you or if they would still have them in stock but it would be worth looking into. They are on sale from around $150 down to $100 Also, if you aren't planning on gettingn the rod right away, I would look at the spring classic sale at Bass Pro as well. I look forward to this event every year because they always have huge sale, including pretty much all of their brand items and many other top name brands as well

I've heard a lot of good things about these rods and really want to try one out. My one concern is the real seat. I get the cork is supposed to be extra grippy on the back but there isn't really any blank exposed. Does anyone find this takes away from its sensitivity or is it really not a problem?

I would recommend a rod somewhere in the range of 7'3-6". Typically football jigs are fished deep so you need a longer rod to have better feel and to be able to set the hook. I would probably recommend a MH but if you can find a heavy rod that is not too stout or rigid, that would be good too. Your hook set on one of these jigs does not have to be near as hard as on a casting or flipping jig, so you really do not need a higher power rod. Also I would advise a rod with a softer tip

15 lb Fluoro. I usually use Seagur Red Label

I think you will be fine with that. Those rods are a little bit on the stiffer side as far as crank baits go, but honestly it will work just fine.

The Shimano Cardiff would definitely be a good pick for the swim bait rod, it is really one of the only swim bait reels that won't break the bank, but is still high quality. I would also look into the Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning reel. It fits your budget, and in my opinion they make some of the best spinning reels available

I have a couple of the Orra SX and they are great reels with all types of line, especially braid. They also have 15 lb max drag, which is nice to have when pitching. I would definitely go with whatever the highest gear ratio they have in this real is, I would imagine a 7.0:1 or 7.1:1. The Lews would be another good pick. I haven't used the Mach 1, but I am impressed with the regular speed spools, and I would imagine that reel would be the same quality and allow you to use a higher gear ratio. I think either one of these reels will work great for you. Hoper the helps

The Revo S is definitely a good choice. Check on Amazon, I got mine for a little under $90. Also if you are looking for a good all purpose, made in the USA rod, I would recommend a falcon Bucoo 7' MH. I think those run around $100-110. They basically made this rod to be an all purpose rod, which was exactly why I got mine. Can't go wrong with either

Besides on my reels (I love my Revos), I really am not brand loyal at all. I am more concerned about finding the right length and power for a certain technique and then seeing who has a rod that fits that

I'd have to agree. Really its just a preference thing