I recently received the Shimano Stradic CI4+ that I ordered and put it on my Fenwich Elite Tech Smallmouth rod. While I love both the rod and the reel, they just don't look great together (yes, this matters to me). I am looking for a rod in the 150 dollar range that will look super hot with the black/red scheme of my stradic. Considering Powell Inferno, but not sure if it is too brownish/orangish at reel seat. Also, maybe an *** but want other suggestions. Conversely what reels does anyone have on their smallmouth elite techs that go good with the green?

Talk to Mike at DVT about a custom, he just finished one for me to go with my Stradic CI4. It looks outstanding, and I got a chance to finally use it last weekend. I cannot express how good it fishes, Mike does outstanding work.

There's a Lews rod with the Black and Red theme going (Tournament?).  Quantum Tour has got that theme as well.  I think they have a mid size guide Tour.  Abu Garcia Veracity as well.  Not sure what else is out there in that range but I think all three of those are.  Going up in cost, you might find a used Cumara which matches perfectly.

An older Daiwa Fuego might look good.  They are black with red trim.  No doubt an all black rod would look nice if somewhat generic.  I like the idea of a custom rod.  I picked up a Rainshadow a few years ago with red trim.  My Zillion 50th Anniversary sits on it.  Looks good.    The thing with custom is you can get any length, action, color, hardware, etc. to suit your fancy.  I doubt you could get too exotic with the hardware or blank at that price, but it would probably be a better $150 rod than what you could buy from a factory.....unless you find a rod on closeout.  I got a $300 spinning rod for $75 shipped.....once.  Nicest looking rod I own.

Anything G. Loomis!!!!

 

Actually, any good name brand rod that meets the reels' specifications.

 

I use different brand rods with my Ci4 and have no problems.

Anything G. Loomis!!!!

 

Actually, any good name brand rod that meets the reels' specifications.

 

I use different brand rods with my Ci4 and have no problems.

 

X2

I know my stradic ci4+ looks amazing in my 13 ***

That wasnt my plan it just worked out that way lol

I planning to get a ci4 for my loomis E6X. It will Christmas all year with the red and green

Shimano Zodias. Made for each other.

^ Yes yes yes yes! Those would look positively sick!

Shimano Zodias. Made for each other.

X3! Great minds think alike!

looks good to me

I gotta say the zodias would be the perfect fit from a looks standpoint

A phenix m1 would look awesome!!!

Shimano Zodias. Made for each other.

X2 they look perfect together

Shimano Zodias. Made for each other.

X5! I was thinking a poison adrena but for his price range there's none better than a zodias.

Shimano cumara is made for the Ci4+. I know it is out of your price range, but these two go together like bread and butter. Color matches up perfectly. Balance is perfect.

Can anyone speak to the quality and sensitivity of Shimano rods?  I have owned many of their reels, but never a rod.  Just always viewed them as a quality reel manufacturer, but never considered buying one of their rods.  I totally agree though, I looked at the Cumara and know it would be one sexy set-up.

Around $200.....

That does look super sharp!

Agree with Brian about Mike's great work at DVT. Have my DVT DS rod paired with a Revo. Color is on point.

http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/Tsamdog/media/image.jpg1_zpsiwlnm1zt.jpg.html

Duckett micro Magic

Around $200.....

 

 

I don't think it gets better than that. The red is the same HUE. 

I ordered a Zodias,  This is the first time to try a Shimano rod.  Hope it fishes as good as it looks.

Ducketts .. My ci4 looks great on it .. With black fireline ... But I broke it today setting up on a 6lb bedding fish .. Standing under a tree ... Lol stupid tree ... So when mine comes back I will post pics