Randy Price

In your price range I have used and been pleased with the Shimano Sahara, Nasci, and Daiwa Revros LT. I didn't care for the Tatula or Ballistic but that was just me. If you like to backreel then Daiwa is a better reel for you as the newer Shimano reels dropped this feature.

Hi Jay. I've been happy with my SC rods but part of that is because I visit the factory once a year and get to meet the folks building the rods. I like the fact they're American made. Funny I'm hard core about that but think nothing about putting on my Malaysian made Shimano Stradic Ci4+??????

It's funny how differently rods are loved/hated where you live geographically. I live in the upper midwest (right near the IL/WI) border and of course most guys love St. Croix. I had not even heard of a Dobyn's until recently. The other premium rod is G. Loomis that is well thought of......but not as much as SC.

A few months ago my local Gander Outdoors was going out of business and had all their St. Croix rods 50% off so I bought another Legend Tournament Walleye that I didn't need but felt it was too good of a deal to pass up.

What is your budget? I like the St. Croix Legend Family of rods but they are expensive. For less money I like the Avid or Mojo Series in a 6'6"-7'0" length.

For reels the Daiwa Revros and Shimano Sahara are GREAT for the money. As far as rods the St. Croix MOJO line is really best bang for the buck IMO.

I VIVIDLY remember early winter '81 when Moving Pictures came out. The first single that I remember being played was Tom Sawyer! Great album great band! Canada's Trilogy!!!!

I agree 100% with @Finessegenics!

@dodgeguy is right on the money. I had a firearms obsession for years. Would buy/sell/trade all the time loosing money often. I didn't tell my wife I had been dipping into our savings. When she found out (which eventually they always do) it almost cost me a divorce. That happened 15 years ago and she still doesn't trust me 100% when it comes to money. We now have separate checking accounts which on one hand I like but feel it has affected the intimacy of our marriage. In retrospect I would not recommend it.

I've owned both but didn't like the Ballistic or Tatula. Their frames both felt cheap/flimsy compared to my Stradic's. Now before the haters come out I love my Revros and BG. Most of my spinning reels are Stradic's or Stradic Ci4+. I've never used the reverse switch so that wasn't an issue to me. Maybe it's mental but my Stradic's just seem so much smoother than my Daiwa's.

I like St. Croix a lot. In your price range the Mojo Bass series of rods are very good.

I can't stand thief's. I can only hope karma/hell will have a special spot for them.

I routinely watch the Barrett Jackson Auto Auctions and am often surprised at how inexpensive some muscle cars go for. I recently saw a mid 70's Corvette in great shape go for like $ 7,500.00. Granted it wasn't rare or have an awesome engine but it was a 100% accurate Corvette.

Straight braid. No issues that I'm aware of.

Reveros LT

I've been impressed with the Revros too and I'm a Shimano fanboy!

For the $$ I really like St. Croix's Mojo Bass line.

Leaving the dock area at Lake Namakagon in Cable, Wis. Musky fishing October 12th this year on Lake Namakagon. Snowing, blowing wind and the fishing stunk!

My most recent purchase was a B Stock St. Croix Legend X from the factory. Normally a $ 430.00 rod walked out the door for $ 308.00. Neither the factory guy or I could find the "blemish" that made it a B Stock.

I use the 2500 size on everything but my musky rods. Many of the lakes I fish on you never know what could be on the other end. I caught my PB musky bass fishing with a #3 Mepps so I like having a little larger reel and since I use the 2500 Ci4+ on most of my rods weight isn't an issue.

@Yumeya, that is a good looking reel!

@Keeper Sorry should have typed LTM80MHF. It is one of my musky rods. I bought it back in 2010 so It's getting a little old but it only get used 4-5 days a year. Also almost all of the LT rods are spinning. Only the musky rod is casting if that makes a difference.

I have the LWS70MLF, LBS71MF, TBS71MHF, and LTM80MHF. And no I don't find them tip heavy.

I did post a few posts earlier but I bought another Legend Tournament (my 4th) and the Legend X. I thought the wall made a nice backdrop. I have the SC disease. I have 12 of their rods ( 1-Legend X, 2 Legend Xtremes, 4 Legend Tournaments, 2 Legend Elites, 2 Avids, and 1 Mojo Musky).

Lonesome Dove is my favorite "newer" western. Really liked the relationship between Gus and Woodrow.