So I'm currently in the market for my first baitcasting rod and am on a bit of a budget. Bass Pro is having their spring sale right now and both the Graphite Series rod (BPS) and the Berkely lighting rod are on sale for $30. I'm looking specifically for a 7'0 MH rod to throw heavier jigs/ T-rigs and get more leverage on frogs and treble baits. I've read some other forums on here in which people really seem to like the lightning rods, but I haven't seen much on the graphite series or the two compared. 

2 hours ago, MA_lmbs said:

So I'm currently in the market for my first baitcasting rod and am on a bit of a budget. Bass Pro is having their spring sale right now and both the Graphite Series rod (BPS) and the Berkely lighting rod are on sale for $30. I'm looking specifically for a 7'0 MH rod to throw heavier jigs/ T-rigs and get more leverage on frogs and treble baits. I've read some other forums on here in which people really seem to like the lightning rods, but I haven't seen much on the graphite series or the two compared. 

The BPS Tourney special was my first baitcasting rod and it did everything i needed it to in a 7' MH-Fast Action. Weightless, weighted t-rigs, flipping, frogging, you name it. It did lack some sensitivity but it did me well. No experience with the Lighting rod but from what I've read on here both will do you good. Choose what feels best in your hands since there is no price difference 

Personally I would go Berkley lightning because I HATE the "PowerHumpGrip"

I have a 5 6 light action graphite series rod on one of my spinning set ups.  I can't say enough about the action and they are surprisingly light.  The one downside it the line guides are fragile, I've never actually broken one before quite like this in 30 years of fishing.  The lining is some kind of ceramic or glass that somehow chipped and was sharp as a razor, that cut me off a few times before I realized what was going on.  Never used a lightning rod before but have held one and they are light as can be too.  If it were me I'd hold each of them and see what one feels better in your hands, and which one has the particular action you are looking for.

 

BTW the BPS rod for spinning reels could have been designed a bit better as far as comfort in the hand.  The screw down ring is right under where your palm goes on, something I didn't notice when I bought it.  Consider this when you are checking them out.

I am not a big fan of the BPS rods till you get much higher in money.  Check you local Walmart for a Berkley Lightning Shock rod.  There is a standard Lightning rod and a Lightning Shock rod.  Walmart lists these rods for $39. There have been some stores clearing them out recently for as low as $10.  Look for the  7'MH.  These rods fish many of the baits you wish to throw. Also if you run across a 6'6" medium it handles cranks, traps, and spinner baits pretty well. I own a bunch of expensive rods but still fish two of the mediums when I chase big stripers.  If they are still on sale try matching the rod up with a Bass Pro Qualifier for $49.

the older BPS graphite rods were pretty nice, but the new blue ones are junk.  get the lightning rod

12 hours ago, fatmaple said:

I have a 5 6 light action graphite series rod on one of my spinning set ups.  I can't say enough about the action and they are surprisingly light.  The one downside it the line guides are fragile, I've never actually broken one before quite like this in 30 years of fishing.  The lining is some kind of ceramic or glass that somehow chipped and was sharp as a razor, that cut me off a few times before I realized what was going on.  Never used a lightning rod before but have held one and they are light as can be too.  If it were me I'd hold each of them and see what one feels better in your hands, and which one has the particular action you are looking for.

 

BTW the BPS rod for spinning reels could have been designed a bit better as far as comfort in the hand.  The screw down ring is right under where your palm goes on, something I didn't notice when I bought it.  Consider this when you are checking them out.

Good advice here.  That's why I will never buy a rod again with ceramic inserts. It cost me a lot of money in cut line and swimbaits launched into orbit years ago when I first started until I finally figured it out too. 

I have two older baitcast LR's and a newer spinning one. The cork on the older BC models is starting to break away. The newer spinning rod is of better quality. But I've never had a real problem with any of them. All they do is work.

I have had a lighting rod shock for a few years and really like it.I would go with the lighting rod.Great rod for the money.