NYBasser

Previous version is a decent rod. I'd suggest pass because it was on clearance sale at TW for $260 not too long ago. Not too bad of a price, but not the best deal there is out there. Keep looking around, I recently picked up an NRX on here from another member for $300.

Shimano for both spinning and casting. Just can't beat them....

Amazing rod for 1/2 jigs. Only thing better would be an NRX. If it's the new model GLX, I'd take it. Otherwise skip.

The Orochi XX Diablo Spec R is the winner hands down. Balances well, and has amazing sensitivity. It's not even a contest. The E6X is a decent rod, but it is nowhere near a $200 rod. It would be much better down at the $100 price range.

Stradivari's instruments cost millions... Can't imagine what his reels would cost

I find that the whippy rods work really well for topwater carp at the local pond

I've got a South Bend rod that I use to mess around while bed fishing for bass. The rod is super whippy and has no backbone or sensitivity whatsoever, so it's more of a sight fishing rod.

The Curado 70 is perhaps one of the best baitcasting reels for $150. I've also heard good stuff about the Daiwa Tatula CT Type R as well.

I'm a Shimano guy, so I'm going to say go with the Chronarch. If you are looking to save a little bit of money, the Curado 70 is also an amazing reel for the price.

Have the Ci4+ 2500 FA (Old Model) and the slighty smaller JDM Ci4+ C2500HGS (New Model). Is the new one worth the extra money? In my mind yes, because I was able to pick up a 2000 size stradic for dropshotting and finesse presentations. Both are great reels and perform flawlessly at what they do. Can't go wrong with either.

+1 on the spinning rod. I find that weightless senkos, worms, and flukes are much easier to cast and fish on a spinning setup.

Thanks for the input from everyone. What weight do you normally use for dropshotting? I normally fish open water 20 - 40 ft so I won't be needing too much power in a rod, was leaning toward the 7'2" light rod.

Not just TW. Cabelas, Bass Pro, all major retailers dropped the price to $150

Shimano dropped the price of the Curado I to $150. The Citica is still at $150, hence why I said they are the same price.

I find that 10lb and even 20lb braid gets chaffed up pretty quickly when fishing near docks, rocks, and stumps. A leader makes a world of difference in terms of abrasion resistance. Would rather spend the time tying leaders than cussing over lost fish.

Stick with the Curado. You can find them for pretty much the same price

Personally, I don't like to tamper with my rods so I'd send it off.

Looking to purchase a new dropshot rod and have been eyeing the Phenix M1 series closely. Trying to decide between the 7'2" M or L rod. I usually use 3/16 and 1/4 oz weights with a nose hooked plastic, but will sometimes jump up to 3/8 on windy days. Would like to hear some opinions from people who have or currently own the rod. Thanks

If I can recall correctly the guides on the Duckett ghosts don't have inserts. On guides with no inserts, depending on the material, braid can cause grooving on the inner circle of the guides. Rod sleeves/socks won't help in preventing this.

I currently use a Dobyns Champion 683sf. I used to use a 6'3" Rapsody hot rod. Liked the shorter rod better for skipping, but the champion was a big upgrade in sensitivity.

Looking to pick up a Dobyns Champ Extreme HP DX 702 SF Finesse and pair it up with a Stradic Ci4+ 2500 to replace my GL2 dropshot rod. Should be a nice jump in feel and sensitivity.

Not once did I indicate that all rods within the same power are the same action. Each Dobyns rod fishes slightly different than each other, even if they are of the same model. As @dam0007 pointed out, it's near impossible for a highly produced rod to be equal to every other one. I have fished both the 734 champion and a 744 champion, and in my opinion, the 744 champion isn't "much more" of a rod, the power is just about the same, but it has a much faster tip.

Personal preference. The 735 is a bit too heavy for me, I prefer something a bit lighter to throw jigs. After all, Dobyns recommends a 4 power rod (744) as their "jig special" anyway.

Pretty much the same rod as the 734c. I just prefer longer rods for the better casting distance and slightly better leverage when playing a fish.

I have an Energy PT that I use for Saltwater flounder fishing. Smooth reel and drag, and works great. Try the reel out a few times, and maybe send it to DVT to get it tuned up. The reel itself certainly isn't lacking in performance.