I got a TW gift card and I want to buy a casting rod for my new Steez SV but I'm not very familiar with American fishing brands. So I hope someone can help me out . 

 

What is the best rod for $ 200 (-230) ?

My criteria are sensitivity and quality. 

 

What would be your choice and why ?

You don't have the best on the list. Kistler klx high quality guides, cork, and reel seat and the most impressive part a north fork composites blank. Kistler rods have the cleanest build I've ever seen. Pretty much a "custom" rod imo.

added it , thank you 

Duckett 

I would consider Carrot Stix, they are insanely sensitive.  Although I am pretty confident I would be the only one to vote for them.  They are awesome rods.

added it , thank you 

 

And I just voted for it.  I have five of the KLX series rods and they make me happy every time I fish.  Today, I was dragging a jig real S-L-O-W and doing that reminded me how sensitive the KLX is.

TackleTour gave the KLX its "Best Value" award when it tested the 7' MF.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

Powell max 3d??? Throw that on there!

Can you get a dobyns that cheap?

Zodias. Haven't gotten my hands on the Levante yet but that's my second choice.

Powell max 3d??? Throw that on there!

Can you get a dobyns that cheap?

No but spending  $ 30-50 more, is okay for me . 

I think I'll go with the Avid X or the Helium 3 .

No but spending $ 30-50 more, is okay for me .

I think I'll go with the Avid X or the Helium 3 .

Yes if you can stretch your budget that much get the helium 3 I have one and love it. I might get flamed for this but honestly imo and I know a lot of other people's NFC blank > anything else.

No but spending  $ 30-50 more, is okay for me . 

I think I'll go with the Avid X or the Helium 3 .

Helium 3 over all those you listed.

The decision has been made. I've ordered the Helium 3 and my next purchase will be the Avid X.

So happy that TW offers international shipping. 

 

Thank you for your support.

The decision has been made. I've ordered the Helium 3 and my next purchase will be the Avid X.

So happy that TW offers international shipping. 

 

Thank you for your support.

 

Nice!  I hope the fish keep it bent for you.  

 

Tight lines,

Bob

I prefer the standard Avid over the Avid X (I prefer the reel seat better), but I gave my vote to the Avid X. 

 

You'll be hard pressed to get a Dobyns Champion for under $200, but if you can, my vote goes to the Champion. 

If you wait may be able to get 20% off during BF sales

I prefer GLoomis I have a few gl2's and gl3's an IMX and GLX   all are either HVY or MHVY most are within the 200.00 price range with exception of the IMX amd GLX...

I'm late to the party, but I'd go Klx first, then Zodias. They both utilize smaller caliber fuji alconite guides which is a plus in my book. You're getting a great, reputable blank with Kistler. Both leave me longing for a full handle though. I've only handled a few Zodias, but the blank felt crisp, responsive, and lively with a relatively decent amount of flex to it making it universal I would imagine. Didn't care for all the clear coat on the blank, but that's shimano for ya.

On 11/17/2015 at 7:56 PM, MidwestF1sh said:

Powell max 3d??? Throw that on there!

Can you get a dobyns that cheap?

I can get Dobyns Champion for 160-180 depending on the power/taper/length.  Dobyns offers active duty and vets 30% any rod if ordered straight from Dobyns.  Just have to provide proof.  Or... everyone else wait until a good TW sale, lol.