Stephen B

IMO the 735 Fury with be undergunned for flipping. I'd recommend the 765 Dobyns Champion, Dobyns DX 746, Dobyns DX 795, and 894C GLX FPR. Plus the Curado and Zodias rod series have a few good options. It all comes down to intended lures/weights, preferences and budget.

You're probably right. Shimano and Daiwa reign supreme due to the quality of the product they sell and back. The Shimano SLX and Tatula CT are great reels around your price range. I recommend them both over the Lews.

No problems at all. Great rod and super versatile.

I would personally go the Dobyns route.

I'd skip both and get the Megabass Orochi XX or Shimano Expride. But ultimately what is the rod for? The Dobyns Champion lineup has way better options than the ALX Zolo in terms of rod options.

It's awful that people would do this. Do not buy line unless it's from a dealer. If the deal looks too good to pass up usually theres a reason. Pay a little more and pay from a true dealer. Thinking the same. This isn't Invizx as it's not levelwound but the best thing to do is to compare it and contact the seller and Amazon.

Buy the Daiwa

Agreed. The Zodias is a great rod!

St Croix Avid X, Hammer JAK, Dobyns Champion, as well as the Zodias. I have fished and didn't like any of my Kistlers (Zbones, Helium 3s). Sold them all but some people like them. You have a lot of great choices at your price range.

They aren't going to give you enough money to be worth it especially with the cost of shipping. Sell locally or put on consignment at a local shop if possible.

I would sell locally or through the forum before getting ripped off on a trade in.

I prefer the SLX to any Daiwa reel in the price range. The SLX feels great and IMO feels much better than the Diawa Fuego. The SLX is very impressive. Definitely put one in your hands.

Exactly! Brand new at your door in 2-3 days. The reasons I don't buy a custom. Just easier to buy from a company with a good warranty already.

Id go with the Smoke

?????? Great to hear!

Tatula Elite easy choice for me. Personally, I was never impressed with a Kistler (KLX, H3, and Zbone)

Shimano Zodias and St Croix Avid X are tough to beat around your price range.

Zodias wins hands down regarding sensitivity in my hands

With the weather this time of the year Eufaula can be so hit or miss.

SLX any day over the Fuego and Casitas. Best reel in its class IMO

Buy a Shimano or Daiwa!

I'd recommend a SLX reel, Origin A paired with a Curado, Zodias rod. Should be close to your budget.

Are you referring to a rod and reel combined price under $250?

What frogs do you plan to use? Spro 65, Gavacho, Spro Poppin Frog 60? The size of frog I intend to throw and how thick of cover I plan on fishing impact my choice of a frog rod. Do you have any length preferences?

Falcon for me. Easy choice!