I've posted a couple times already asking questions to build this set-up for finesse soft plastics. The more time I spend thinking it over, the more options I come up with and the more my budget increases . I thought this would be kind of fun to see what everyone comes up with. If you could build a set-up with the rods and reels below, what would you chose.

 

Reels:

Pflueger President

Plueger Purist

Shimano Sahara

Shimano Symetre

 

Rods:

St. Croix Avid

Fenwick EliteTech Smallmouth

Shimano Crucial

Shimano Compre

 

 

I appreciate all your responses.

That is tough. I use a Pflueger MG with a Veritas and it destroys, so I know any of those setups would do the same. I have found that line makes all the difference. I use an 8lb flouro and throw 1/8 to 1/4oz jigs and absolutely clean up! Best of luck as I do not think you will make a bad choice with those options. 

With those options I'd go 6'10 smallmouth rod with the Sahara or symetre.

BTW, check out my phenix m1 in the flea market, its a sweet rod.

Shimano Symetre. I don't know anything about the rods listed except the Shimanos in the older styles and of those I'd take the Crucial. With the new ones, I have no interest since they don't have a foregrip. Not to mention, I hate seeing rods with an extremely narrow lure weight range. It seems every one of Shimano's new rods has a weight range of something like 1/4 - 3/8 or something similar. That's not flexible enough for me, but I'm rambling on now so I'm done.

I've posted a couple times already asking questions to build this set-up for finesse soft plastics. The more time I spend thinking it over, the more options I come up with and the more my budget increases . I thought this would be kind of fun to see what everyone comes up with. If you could build a set-up with the rods and reels below, what would you chose.

 

Reels:

Pflueger President

Plueger Purist

Shimano Sahara

Shimano Symetre

 

Rods:

St. Croix Avid

Fenwick EliteTech Smallmouth

Shimano Crucial

Shimano Compre

 

 

I appreciate all your responses.

 

Hard to argue with any of the rods, except that I'd put the Avid and Crucial at the top of the list.

 

As for the reels, I've got a bunch of Shimano's, the best being the Stradics. BUT.

 

Let me suggest eBay for the Daiwa Lexa spinning reel. I'm in the process of judging mine (a 2000SH), especially compared to my Stradics, but if what I'm seeing/feeling now, despite being significantly cheaper than the Stradic, it is incredibly smooth, winds line back on the reel beautifully, too. Very impressive reel.

 

Now I'm not sure I'd spend the $ on another Stradic in the future with a quality reel like this on the market.  Just my .02 so far.

I'd go with the Symetere with the Crucial.  I have a Stradic on my Crucial and it feels good in my hands and balanced. 

With those options I'd go 6'10 smallmouth rod with the Sahara or symetre.

BTW, check out my phenix m1 in the flea market, its a sweet rod.

I saw you repost that last night.  I was like man, from your last post about ebay I thought you sold it already.  I should've just sent you a message, but assumed it was gone.  Instead I bought a used Crucial.  I'd take a look at that too that would be a good buy.

I would go symetre and elite tech.

I would go crucial and Stradic, because the Stradic can be had from eBay for $30 more than a retail store symetre and its a much better reel.

Symetre / Crucial combo would be my pick from your list.

Whichever combination feels best in your hand, and the best deal never hurts, any of them will be fine.