What was a purchase you made on a rod,reel or combo that really surprised you how good it was for such a low price? 

 

**Mine was Lew's blue speed stick combo $59 ,have had it for 3 years so far and counting ,bought 3 of them at the time ,have caught hundreds of bass on each one,the only issue I ever had was with one had to replace the reel handle because I caught so many fish on it ?wore out the reel handle ? went to BPS got a universal reel handle $10 **

Recently purchased the Kuying Teton. At $65 I use it over my other rods costing 5 times that price! 

I have more than one.  A Procaster 100HN at $30 on closeout.  I feel it would have been a bargain at the full $80 price.  I picked up a set of 3 Black Max 1600C reels as a package deal for $100 shipped.  Not the tightest reels, but the one I have used has amazed me at how well it will cast light lures even head on in a pretty stiff wind.

 

Rods are harder to pick out.  I have had a Lightning spinning rod for over 40 years that has caught quite a few fish.  No idea what I paid for it.  Although I have spinning rods costing a lot more I still grab it most of the time when I feel the need for a spinning rod.  It still has the Penn 430SS I bought for the rod back then.

 

I bought a used TD-Z 105H and Fenwick 7' ML HMG combo.  Not cheap, but cheap compared to new.  I love this combo.  I can cast a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap on it with no problem.  Seller said he had cast 1/16 oz. with it.  I don't have that kind of skill.  It is the combo I always grabbed first for light lures.  I now have a 6'6" MLM Aetos with PXL that shares the limelight.  Heck of a rod for $75.

 

Almost forgot my older Trion.  it was a backlashing machine on the first rod I put it on.  It came with light braid.  Sent it to DVT for cleaning.  He told me to use heavier line and cast heavier lures than I had been using with it.  Put it on a 6'10" HF and it is a casting machine.  Pretty good $45 investment. 

6' Shimano Clarus UL. I have more expensive rods, but that one just feels perfect. 

Got the newer model of the BPS pro Qualifier rod/reel combo for $120.  Planned on getting the reel but didn't know what I would do with the rod. But, for and extra $20 oh well. Now I use it almost every time I'm on the water. 

 

Also picked up an Abu Revo X for $70.  I'd gladly pay full retail for it.  

The prior model Escence DC. I bought two of them for about $240 new from Japan. Furthest casting reel I have used.

 

Dobyns Champion 705 CB glass cranking rod for $160 new from Cabelas years back.

 

Daiwa Airy Red Pixy with upgrades for $160.

 

A pair of Majorcraft speedstyle rods new for $200.

My other 4 combos are tatulas and Dobyns and there is no question a big  difference using those combos in balance, sensitivity and performance but it just blows my mind that those Lew's are still performing I use them for my spinner bait,rattle trap and soft plastic swim baits.