G. Loomis GLX line, pretty much any of them.

Thus far is my dx742c. I'm on the prowl for an nrx though, so we'll see if that changes in the future.

Loomis Edge 705-1 Mag Bass. Brian.

 The two best rod's I own over $250 are a Megabass Orochi xx EMTF and a Kistler Z-Bone 7'3" Medium Heavy. They are both fantastic rod's but the Z-Bone is a good bit more sensitive, it just doesn't look as good. The Megabass is no slouch though, it is a very fine rod.

 

   For over $250  you really can't go wrong with Megabass, Kistler, St. Croix or G.Loomis. I would stay as far away from dobyn's as I could, I have never thought the DX was any where close to worth what it cost. IMO, that is a $200 to maybe $250 rod at best and you are not getting $350 worth of rod. I know a lot of people like them and feel they are great though so this is only my opinion on them but when you can buy a Z-Bone for $358 it really makes the DX look bad.

My Mega Bass X4 72 Destruction.

Read your last line. Scratch the Mega Bass suggestion. I got nothing.

Loomis NRX 901S.

Didn't pay in this price range though

Thus far is my dx742c. I'm on the prowl for an nrx though, so we'll see if that changes in the future.

 

Arv, I have no doubt, you will have that NRX......soon..... "Here bait monkey",...."here bait monkey."

 

Hootie

I'm with the guy who can't afford one.  However, at that price I would be thinking about a custom rod.

Arv, I have no doubt, you will have that NRX......soon..... "Here bait monkey",...."here bait monkey."

Hootie

It will be mine. Oh yes. It will be mine.

Arv, I have no doubt, you will have that NRX......soon..... "Here bait monkey",...."here bait monkey."

 

Hootie

The bait monkey just left. NRX 853C on the way.

The bait monkey just left. NRX 853C on the way.

WOW!!!.....Am I good or WHAT?

Arv, you're gonna love it!

Hootie

WOW!!!.....Am I good or WHAT?

Arv, you're gonna love it!

Hootie

Hootie - bait monkey whisperer

Arv, let us know how the nrx compares.  I've been struggling with the monkey over an 893/853.  I have a dx 743 and x7 extreme mission currently and I'm wondering if I'm missing anything not having the legendary nrx.

Arv, let us know how the nrx compares.  I've been struggling with the monkey over an 893/853.  I have a dx 743 and x7 extreme mission currently and I'm wondering if I'm missing anything not having the legendary nrx.

Will do. I'll probably post something on the thread I made asking for advice. I haven't used a ton of rods, and usually have to sell to buy new gear so I'll have to add that caveat, but I'll certainly throw my 2 cents into the wide world of opinions once I get some time to use it.

I'm surprised not many people mentioned the megabass xx

I'm surprised not many people mentioned the megabass xx

I will definitely recommend the xx

Dobyns DX 744- most versatile rod I own

Custom is a good way to go above $250. Mike @ DVT does nice work and he's a lot of help if you're new to the process. 

What is it about the rods in this price range that make them preferred over the $100-199 rods?

Weight, balance, components, craftsmanship and sensitivity.

 

 

 

 

I will definitely recommend the xx

X2. Up to $400 you might be able to find better than the xx, but at the $300 price range there's nothing else like it.

I'm surprised not many people mentioned the megabass xx

Actually more people on this thread have recommended the xx than almost any other rod, except maybe the glx/Nrx which isn't really in the $250-$400 price range unless you catch em on sale.

Dobyn's Champ Ext 734 Most versatile rod I have. Spooks, Crackers, blades, chatterbugs,  hollow bellies, plastics. I think the price tag makes me think she's even that much prettier.  I bought it when people were having trouble with the G1s. Now the saavy series is a great bang/buck option, but oh my, they don't belong in this thread! 

What is it about the rods in this price range that make them preferred over the $100-199 rods?

I hear ya! I have a few but got them only on great deals. When I compare some of the $150-$175ers that I buy now, to some of the $225+ ers from say the 90's I think we get way more rod now for the price. I recently fished my finesse rod that was THE rod to have back in 95' (at $225) . In a head to head comparison with a mediocre Phenix M1 ($175), the M1 was better in all factors. Just my opinion, and my budget.

It will be the legend xtreme every time.