I bought a Abu Garcia Cardinal SX spinning reel the other day and I need a new rod for it . I was wondering what a good rod for around $50 would be. I'd prefer a cork handle but it isn't the most important thing.

If you have access to a Gander Mountain you might look at their own brand, although they might run $60. I have two of their rods and have been satisfied with both.

All the cheaper Basspro rods are pretty decent, especially the BPS Graphite Series and Bionic Blade. Bionic has a weird grip that not everyone likes, but if you can tolerate it, its $20 off right now at 59.99. The Graphite Series is at $29.99. 

If you do light/ultralight fishing, the Micro Lite series may be worth looking at as well.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Micro-Lite-Graphite-Spinning-Rods/product/10204875/

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Graphite-Series-Spinning-Rods/product/1204170505228/

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Micro-Lite-Graphite-Pack-Spinning-Rods/product/10204877/

 

Shakespeare Ugly Stik Lite are also a very good option. Not as sensitive as the other rods, but it has very very good durability.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Shakespeare-Ugly-Stik-Lite-Spinning-Rods/product/16669/

 

 

Fenwick Eagle is also another option. They just updated this line of rods this year, and they look pretty awesome. They are also offering free shipping anywhere within the US till June 2, which is tomorrow lol.

 

http://www.fenwickfishing.com/Fenwick%C2%AE-Eagle%C2%AE/1317871,default,pd.html#start=4

 

 

 

All of these rods have full cork handle. Fenwick Eagle has the best handle, a combination is hard pressed cork and rubber-impregnated cork. The Bionic Blade and Ugly Stik Lite are carbon fiber(graphite) and fiberglass composite. All the other rods are pure carbon fiber.

Thanks guys, and I actually do have a Gander Mountain near me so I'll go check out their rods. I don't mind spending an extra few bucks as long as it's worth the money. I would buy a BPS rod but the closest one is about two hours away. That's the only reason I haven't bought a BPS PQ reel. Lol

TW has both the Daiwa T and Powell Deisel rods on sale for $60. Those aT's are about as good as you can get in that price range.

I have a few eagle gts and they are awesome rods. Another option is a rapala magnum for 40$ but I'm not sure if they're available in the USA or not. Over here they're pretty common.

I use a Abu Garcia Vengeance spinning rod and I love it.  I feel everything on the bottom and I believe it was $50 on Tackle warehouse.

I'm kinda trying to try some different gear, the only equipment I own besides my spinning rod and my dad's equipment is Abu Garcia. Lol

The Berkley Lightning Shock is a pretty good deal for $40 at Walmart.

The Gander Mountain Vortex rods are really tough to beat in that price range. I have like a dozen of them for kayak rods. Every one set up exactly the same with a Quantum Accurist reel(that Gander has half off all the time too). Regular price is like $60 for the rod but they routinely go on sale for $20-30. And they carry GM's over the counter replacement warranty

The Berkley Lightning Shock is a pretty good deal for $40 at Walmart.

^

Check your local walmart for sales. You'd be surprised.