I am in the market for a rod and reel that could handle swimbait a like the R2S S-waver and others around the 1-2 oz weight. Also in the lakes I fish are northern pike and Muskie. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on a beginner swimbait setup that could also be used with northern and Muskie? My price range would be probably around $250. 

Rod;

Diawa DX 8' Heavy $110

Okuma A series 7'11" Heavy  Guide Select $125

IRod Gen II 8' Heavy Swimbait $150

all the above work good with lures 2 to 4 oz.

Reel;

Shimano Cadiff 300 series, $120

Tom

IRod Gen II 8' Heavy Swimbait $150

 

This rod for certain, at least in my opinion.

For swimbaits I would say take a look at the Irod's. They have some really good swimbait rod's.

The Phenix m1 swimbait rod has been absolutely amazing for me, paired with a Cardiff 400 and 25# maxima ultragreen

I use a 7'11" MH Enigma, Aaron Marten's crankbait rod for all the small stuff: XD10's, 6-8" glide baits, small swimbaits, and my big rat if I'm not fishing open water. I mainly throw R2S 168's and 200's on it and absolutely love the rod.