So, as I've mentioned elsewhere, I'm a fisherman on a budget.  And, when it's working at least, I like the idea of a simple, quasi-minimalist loadout.

I've got two, mostly-identical, main setups: 7' Tourney Special rods from BPS with Pflueger President spinning reels - one of which is MH/F and the other's a M/F. They were at a price I could live with and have performed pretty well.  The trick is that one of my kids broke the tip (down to the second guide) off the MH rod over the winter last year.  It's still functional, but I fish a lot of bottom contact (jigs, mainly) with that rod and feel like it's not as sensitive now.

I thought about replacing it on a recent trip to BPS, but discovered that they'd changed that line of rods this year... A glance at the online reviews seemed to indicate that the new ones were breaking and not up to the standard of their predecessor.  

Has anyone here used any of that line and could shed some light on what's good or clownshoes?

 

I came reeeeeaaaal close to replacing both rods when the Aetos special was running... But all they had were XF tipped rods by the time I talked myself into it, and I don't think that would work as well for my fishing. 

it looks like you may not be too far from the Gander Mountain in Plattsburg NY. If you can stop in there take a look at their Gander Mountain Tournament Spinning rod. I have had them in my hand and for $80 I think you will like them. Otherwise check Cabelas for this fenwick rod http://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/fishing-rods/spinning-rods|/pc/104793480/c/104764680/sc/104836680/fenwick-reg-hmx-spinning-rod/1433734.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fspinning-rods%2Ffenwick%2F_%2FN-1102841%2B1000003390%2FNe-1000003390%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104836680%3FWTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU

St Croix has Triumph rods for 60$ plus free shipping

Take the rod with you on your next trip to BPS. They may replace it for you even though it's only warrantied for one year. I had one of their MicroLite rods for almost four years. Lost the insert on one of the guides and took it with when I went shopping for a replacement.  While talking with an associate I told him the reason I needed to replace the rod.  He picked out the current edition and replaced mine with it. No charge. Great customer service. I ended up using the money I'd set aside on some tackle. 

1 hour ago, papajoe222 said:

Take the rod with you on your next trip to BPS. They may replace it for you even though it's only warrantied for one year. I had one of their MicroLite rods for almost four years. Lost the insert on one of the guides and took it with when I went shopping for a replacement.  While talking with an associate I told him the reason I needed to replace the rod.  He picked out the current edition and replaced mine with it. No charge. Great customer service. I ended up using the money I'd set aside on some tackle. 

I agree. My BPS is just like this. I would give it a try myself. Not all BPS are the same though. Then if they will not replace and you are worried about the new model, Gander is a great choice also.

It's a frog rod now.

Josh

The only rod I am personally familiar with in that price range is the Berkley Lightning..original, not the Shock.  I still use it on occasion.  Would use it more often, but prefer casting rods.  I consider it a very good rod for the price.  Problem is they don't offer a MH in that line.  They do offer a 7' MHF in the Amp line which costs less than the Lightning.

The H2O Xpress Ethos rods at Academy Sports get good reviews.  They go on sale a few times a year if you can wait for one.