It has to be something under $100. I really enjoy using quantums and shimanos, old and new. Most importantly I want something that will be durable, I don't have the funds to buy a new set up every month. Does anyone have any suggestions?

If you are looking for a casting setup for under $100 than a quantum antix (left) from TW and an abu Garcia vengeance...

Instead of a $100 every other month, save $200 and buy a better outfit every quarter. 

 

Kidding aside, I would be looking at used to get the best value for my money.  Especially with the reel portion of the combo.  Some very serviceable rods for about $50 and less new.  Finding a model on closeout is my preference for new rods.

 

BTW, welcome to the forum.  Don't forge to use the search function occasionally.  Lots of good articles at the top as well to provide winter reading material. 

*****edit:

I would prefer a bait cast setup, nothing against spinners, but my casts are a lot better with bait casts

My local Walmart sells the Berkley Lightning and Lightning Shock for $40 (most places sell the Shock for $10 more).  Pick up a used Shimano reel for $60 or a used PQ for that or slightly less.  Could also look at the Shimano Sellus rods.  Suppose to be very good for the money.

 

Another option is to look at the house combos sold by such places as Dick's, Cabela's, BassPro or Gander Mountain.

 

Many people seem to like the H2O Ethos rods and Mettle reels.

people will hate this statement but the kvd quantum from bass pros aint bad (99$)  10bb reel smooth casting cast a mile  i have 2 with no problem  it aint my revo/villain combo by far by for a 100 it aint bad

wait a bit, the bass pro jm combos or extreme combos are a great choice for the money, I think under 200 dollars. I have 4 or 5 that are 5 yrs old and never had a problem.

Could you swing 160ish?  You could get a bass pro carbonlite rod and pro qualifier reel for right around there.  Great combo!  I started with it.  Very under rated rod IMO.

Could you swing 160ish?  You could get a bass pro carbonlite rod and pro qualifier reel for right around there.  Great combo!  I started with it.  Very under rated rod IMO.

I would strongly suggest this as well.  I have two Pro Qualifier bait casters, and they are great reels for the money.  I have a Carbonlite spinning rod and it is also very good for the money.  I assume that their casting rods are equally nice. 

I know you hate to hear it, but everybody is right. Save your money and buy a combo in the $150-200 range. I bought a cheap combo (abu garcia silver max and berkley cherrywood) and I wish I had saved up and gotten something nicer. The rod broke and I had to replace it, and the reel has to be taken apart and lubed after each use just to keep from getting backlashes. My brother has a abu garcia revo stx and it is definetley worth the money to save up and buy something nicer. 

 

Brian

Money is a bit tight for me, I don't make a whole heck of a lot being a 17 yr old, and I just got my own truck so insurance payments are rolling in like crazy.

Y'all are probably right, it may take me a few more months but it is probably best to wait it out.

What about a lightning rod shock and a shimano caius? I don't like shimano, but I've heard a lot of good things about that reel.

What about a lightning rod shock and a shimano caius? I don't like shimano, but I've heard a lot of good things about that reel.

I know the caius is a great reel for the price, and add it to a lighting shock it would be excellent. That puts the whole thing around $130 tax included, sounds like I'm just gonna have to buckle down and start saving some more.

I know the caius is a great reel for the price, and add it to a lighting shock it would be excellent. That puts the whole thing around $130 tax included, sounds like I'm just gonna have to buckle down and start saving some more.

It would also look sexy with all that orange.

Turns out I didn't have to wait or save! On a family venture to Dick's I found a Lew's speed spool combo (normally $100) on clearance for a whopping total of $67.