Just picked up this reel for $99 over the Daiwa Tatula, due to it's smaller size and lighter weight. Now I just need to find the perfect rod(for all bass techniques.) My price range is $50-100 but I'd really like to keep it under $75... I know there are a lot of killer rods at the $100 mark(Duckett Ghost, Fenwick HMG, 13 F Black ***, Abu Garcia Veritas(2.0), ect...), but I'm on a tight budget... Everyone suggests the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock, but so many reviews say they snap on people. So... I guess I'm saying I need a rod in the $50-75 range. Also, I'm looking for a 7'0" MH/F action that's braid compatible. Thanks!

Powell diesel is perfect... as long as you are careful with your rods.

Powell diesel is perfect... as long as you are careful with your rods.

I'm extremely careful with my gear, but why should I be with the Powel Diesel? Is it like fragile?

Most rods that snap on people do so because of misuse, plain and simple. The two biggest causes of broken rods when on the water is high sticking and boat flipping fish. I posted a video that demonstrated what high sticking is and even though it showed a fly rod it still applies to conventional rods as well. Boat flipping fish, even when done properly is still wrong, the rods were not designed for that, I mean just because you can hammer a screw into a piece of wood doesn't mean it is right, it just means it can be done. The lightning rod shock has a slower action as it is meant to use with braided line, so if you aren't using braid I wouldn't consider that rod because sensitivity is going to be very low and you may have a difficult time with hook sets because of the slower action. So for $50 bucks there aren't many except for store brands, but there is the Abu Garcia Vengeance series and Cabelas has their exclusive Fenwick Silverhawk rods with Fuji alconite guides on sale for $69.99.

I'm extremely careful with my gear, but why should I be with the Powel Diesel? Is it like fragile?

no warranty

Oh, that makes sense... ^^

Most rods that snap on people do so because of misuse, plain and simple. The two biggest causes of broken rods when on the water is high sticking and boat flipping fish. I posted a video that demonstrated what high sticking is and even though it showed a fly rod it still applies to conventional rods as well. Boat flipping fish, even when done properly is still wrong, the rods were not designed for that, I mean just because you can hammer a screw into a piece of wood doesn't mean it is right, it just means it can be done. The lightning rod shock has a slower action as it is meant to use with braided line, so if you aren't using braid I wouldn't consider that rod because sensitivity is going to be very low and you may have a difficult time with hook sets because of the slower action. So for $50 bucks there aren't many except for store brands, but there is the Abu Garcia Vengeance series and Cabelas has their exclusive Fenwick Silverhawk rods with Fuji alconite guides on sale for $69.99.

That was super helpful! Thank you! I may consider the Lightning Rod Shock, but I still have a little research to do.