What would be the lightest and most sensitive rod for under $180.

Phenix recon or St. Croix avid. I can tell you the recon 714 is under 3.7 ounces and it is built on a 36 ton graphite blank. They retail for $170-$180 but you can find them for 20% off during sales. It is a great rod for bottom contact presentations given the criteria you mentioned.

I'm looking for a spinnerbait rod mostly 3/8oz,1/2oz

The 714 is sort of a unique rod with a lighter tip. I think this rod could handle those spinnerbaits. Just not quite sure why you would need a light and sensitive rod for a reaction bait like a spinnerbait. I have a dobyns savy 734 rod that I use as a spinnerbait rod but it isn't as light or sensitive but has more power to it. I also have dobyns 705 CB glass rod I use as well but both of the rod weights are more and the sensitivity isn't as good as the recon but both balance really well.

Most manufacturers produce lighter weight and more sensitive rods for bottom contact baits where sensitivity is key. If you feel like you need it, the recon line of rods would be a good choice. I would look at the 714 or 744 in that series of rods.

I'm looking for a spinnerbait rod mostly 3/8oz,1/2oz

 

Phenix Recon 715c I dont know about the new version, but the old version weighed 3.65 ounces and could easily handle those spinnerbaits. Not to mention is the most sensitive rod in its price range in my opinion.

The 714 is sort of a unique rod with a lighter tip. I think this rod could handle those spinnerbaits. Just not quite sure why you would need a light and sensitive rod for a reaction bait like a spinnerbait. I have a dobyns savy 734 rod that I use as a spinnerbait rod but it isn't as light or sensitive but has more power to it. I also have dobyns 705 CB glass rod I use as well but both of the rod weights are more and the sensitivity isn't as goodcas the recon but both balance really well.

Most manufacturers produce lighter wight and more sensitive rods for bottom contact baits where sensitivity is key. If you feel like you need it, the recon line of rods would be a good choice. I would look at the 714 or 744 in that series of rods.

 

That is very true as well.

From all the reviews I would also say the Phenix Recon. I have the M1 which is heavier, but its still very light and balances well with my PQ on it.

If you are primarily using this rod for spinning baits, ultra light weight and sensitivity may be over kill, you can use a general use medium/hvy or 3 power 6'6" to 7' casting rod and this gives you a lot of options. Spinning baits are a lot like casting a crankbait, you do a lot casting and retrieving, so balance is very important.

What reel and line do you plan using?

Tom

This will be paired with a lews tournament pro or BB-1 not quite sure yet but I'm thinking the TP

This will be paired with a lews tournament pro or BB-1 not quite sure yet but I'm thinking the TP

 

Keep thinking the TP if you are sticking with lews lol

I've got one of my Recons paired with a Lews TP, it's a very slick combo.

I've got one of my Recons paired with a Lews TP, it's a very slick combo.

 

Matches well too