So I have a composite rod, the Ugly Stik Elite. It’s ok and all but it doesn’t have great sensitivity and I was thinking of getting a graphite rod, more specifically the Lews Tournament  Performance TP1 Speed Stick, 7’ MH Fast Action multi purpose rod. I don’t have enough money to get a certain type of rod for every type of lure and would rather have a rod that is decent for all baits.

Do you guys prefer graphite or composite? Also, what baits do you throw on them?

Edit: I’m talking about a baitcasting set up

 

Composite rods are great for crankbaits. They will work for a lot but not the best for bottom contact.  The best all around rod is a mhf rod.  If your spinning only you may consider a heavy as some companies rate spinning diffrent than casting.  Frogs and jigs are what seem to require the power

Thanks for the reply. I’m using baitcasting gear btw

I know a couple guys that are using the Loomis MBR'S as multi-purpose rods and I may jump on that boat for moving baits.  They have a pretty bug range and good sensitivity for a rod with broad reach.  Talked to a gents last week that owned 3 of them and feels he is covered for most situations.

An all around rod for me is a 7' MH/F graphite. With a softer tip. 

Thanks for replies

9 minutes ago, Dtrombly said:

An all around rod for me is a 7' MH/F graphite. With a softer tip. 

I was thinking that too, the rod I was thinking of getting follows that criteria.

When I'm in my kayak or johnboat where space is limited, multipurpose rods are a big bonus. I've found the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock in a 7' MH to be about as versatile of a rod as I've found. I've used them for all kinds of moving baits, jigs, T rigs, weightless Senkos, frogs, and even flipping some grass. They have a good backbone but a little softer tip that allows me to fish treble hooked baits. They're not the lightest rods out there, but maybe something you might consider looking at. 

Check the Lamiglass website.  Great mH rod cheap!  I also have enjoyed the Berkley lightening shocks.  I have an Ugly stick I use for cranking sometimes.  Maybe I am not too picky!  I would also advise you look at St. Croix Mojo line of rods.

4 hours ago, thinkingredneck said:

Check the Lamiglass website.  Great mH rod cheap!  I also have enjoyed the Berkley lightening shocks.  I have an Ugly stick I use for cranking sometimes.  Maybe I am not too picky!  I would also advise you look at St. Croix Mojo line of rods.

Thanks for replying. I have looked at St. Croix Mono and they look good. They are probably my second option when I get a new rod.

Dobyns CL 703C, $80, Merry Christmas!

Tom

16 hours ago, NHBull said:

I know a couple guys that are using the Loomis MBR'S as multi-purpose rods and I may jump on that boat for moving baits.  They have a pretty bug range and good sensitivity for a rod with broad reach.  Talked to a gents last week that owned 3 of them and feels he is covered for most situations.

I have used a CR723 IMX and now a MBR 783 GLX as my "all around" bank fishing rods and I more or less feel the same.  They may not be the best at any one thing but both are pretty great at everything I have tried them with.  My nephew is going to get a E6X 783C MBR for Christmas tomorrow (my sister asked what a "good" rod for him would be, kid is gonna owe me) and from the little bit I got to play with it, the taper/power seems right in line with the GLX version.  

You can't accurately make blanket statements regarding blank materials. Each has pluses and minuses and a lot of other aspects go into making a blank and rod. Focus more on power, action and weight of potential purchases. 

Thanks for all the replies guys! I’m looking for something more around $100 maybe $120 at most, if it’s at all possible.

My GS bought a Dobyns Colt on the black friday sale for his wife. Once it arrived and he set it up he said the heck with that.  It's going in my arsenal. However, knowing his wife, it's hers and he can order another.

Thanks for responses guys. I think I found a rod I want, but I’m still wondering whether you guys like graphite or composite better. Also, what lures do you throw on your graphite and/or composite rods? Thanks again

Simply put, when sensitivity is important, as with worms, use a graphite.  When you need some give, as in cranking, and other treble hook baits, use composite.

I would just get the 7'0' MH graphite .  you made  a good choice . I only take four baitcaters and one spinning rod when fishing and the 7 foot  MH  baitcaster  covers a lot of bases .

3 hours ago, scaleface said:

I would just get the 7'0' MH graphite .  you made  a good choice . I only take four baitcaters and one spinning rod when fishing and the 7 foot  MH  baitcaster  covers a lot of bases .

Ok, sounds good!

5 hours ago, thinkingredneck said:

Simply put, when sensitivity is important, as with worms, use a graphite.  When you need some give, as in cranking, and other treble hook baits, use composite.

Ok. I think I will save up for the lews for stuff like jigs and works and I can still use the ugly stick for cranking and stuff.