Using it for a variety of soft plastics and spinners. This is my first baitcaster. My budget is $140, the main rod/reel I'm looking at now is a medium heavy fast action 7 foot bionic blade rod and a 6.3:1 bionic plus reel. If you have another combination in this price range that you think is better, write it below and explain why.

sounds like you have a good starting point.  I might upgrade to the Extreme reel instead of the Bionic.

Just wanted to welcome you to the forum.  

 

I've never used store combos so I can't help you with your choice.  It does seem that buying a combo can sometimes get you more for your money.  Good luck with whatever you decide on buying.

I second the welcome to the forums!

 

Your bionic combo should work nicely. I'm not sure I can suggest a better one at your price point without breaking it up and going separate brands, etc. As well as adding more than a few bucks to the total.

For $150 I would do this.

 

$89.99 - 6'6" St. Croix Triumph MH/F rod model TRC66MHF. http://www.basspro.com/St-Croix-Triumph-Series-Casting-Rods/product/103647/

 

$59.99 - Abu Garcia Silver Max reel. http://www.basspro.com/Abu-Garcia-Silver-Max-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reels/product/11091405011178/

 

 

Total = $150

Thanks for the welcomes guys  

 

I was looking at the silver max reel but didn't want to cross brands. Also not sure about spending an extra $10 on the the Triumph over the bionic 

Welcome to the forums!

Personally I find no issues with crossing brands, if you prefer to just have matching gear that is perfectly okay, but performance wish it wont be better or worse in most cases. St. Croix has great warranties and customer service, which makes the Triumph a great choice. It has a good amount of sensitivity too. I have a Pro Max reel, which is just a step up from the silver max, and It has worked very well for me. Personally I would go with that suggested combo over the BPS combo. Hope this helps.

Christian

X2 on the silver max. I have two of them, fantastic reels and have a flipping switch if you're into that. 

 

I would do a 7' MH Fast abu garcia vendetta rod. I have one of these paired with a silver max and love it. Great rod. 

 

Vendetta & Silver max combo you can't go wrong. From bass pro, both of them are $140 total. 

For $150 I would do this.

$89.99 - 6'6" St. Croix Triumph MH/F rod model TRC66MHF. http://www.basspro.com/St-Croix-Triumph-Series-Casting-Rods/product/103647/

$59.99 - Abu Garcia Silver Max reel. http://www.basspro.com/Abu-Garcia-Silver-Max-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reels/product/11091405011178/

Total = $150

I agree...the Silvermax performs incredibly for the cost. And you can't go wrong with St. Croix. I think the Silvermax is a great starting BC reel. It's inexpensive, but performs well enough to learn on. It also has some room for error, unlike a lot of other inexpensive BC reels.