I'm looking for a bottom contact rod in the $200 range. It will mostly be used for small jigs, Texas rigs and some worms and mostly be used around light to medium cover and some docks. I'm currently looking at the discontinued daiwa zillion line as you can still find some relatively cheap. Unfortunately I'm not able to handle the rods in person beforehand. Any recommendations on actions for daiwa? I can find a 7'2 mh xf and a 7 m xf. Open to other rod suggestions as well. 

Take a look at Kistler they are running a 21% off sale now. 

I have the zillion 7 foot M XF that I use for light Texas rigs. It’s a nice rod but I don’t see much difference in that and my lower priced Tatula rod. I also recommend the Kistler Helium 3. Lighter and more sensitive than my Zillion.

First, welcome to the group !  If you are focused on a Diawa product, which is good,  the the Elite Andy Montgomery 7'1" skippin rod would be ideal for your application.  I know it says it's a heavy action but the tip compensates for that.  Outside of that model, I would suggest any Dobyns 733C in the series you can afford.  

 

Anyone can suggest a GLoomis, St. Croix or Dobyns. 

 

Two $200 rods I am waiting to get a good deal on are the Abu Villain 2.0 and Ark Sniper.  I wouldn't pass on an Invoker at the right price. 

 

ALX Zolo line has a rod or two that should be good.  I've also read good things about the Ikos.

 

From what I have read the Villain 2.0 is a very sensitive rod and is at the top of my "got to have" list.

Kistler Helium 3 7’0” Light MH/F. Really fantastic rod. 

1 hour ago, kschultz76 said:

Kistler Helium 3 7’0” Light MH/F. Really fantastic rod. 

^this

2 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Take a look at Kistler they are running a 21% off sale now. 

I agree... I have Helium, Helium 3 and Magnesium 2s in various shapes & sizes. They’re great rods and made in USA.

 

What I don’t like about them is that they’re on sale ?!?!?!?! Now the bait monkey’s tearing at my checkbook ! 

I have the Abu Garcia Fantasista Rigista 7' M and I picked it for under $200.  So far its the best rod I have ever found at that price.  The ML can still be had.  It would be great for a light T Rig or weightless worms.

 

https://www.sierra.com/abu-garcia-fantasista-regista-casting-rod-1-piece-610-medium-light~p~310ag/?filterString=s~abu-garcia%2F

 

 

Thank you everyone for the input! I'm going to have to look into the kistler helium 3s

20 hours ago, LonnieP said:

I have the zillion 7 foot M XF that I use for light Texas rigs. It’s a nice rod but I don’t see much difference in that and my lower priced Tatula rod. I also recommend the Kistler Helium 3. Lighter and more sensitive than my Zillion.

That says a lot for them I've got 2 different model Zillions(M/XF,MH/F) what type line in comparison? Which Kistler H3 do you have and weight? Also do you know what if any difference on the 2019 models from last years is ? I hear a lot of praise for them but no one local to compare sensitivity vs my Zillions or GLX.  

                                                                                             Thanks appreciate it

Just placed an order for the helium 3 7'1 medium-heavy extra fast on kistlers website for 28% off! Thanks for the input everyone!!

What do you consider light? Just curious

3 hours ago, stratoliner92 said:

That says a lot for them I've got 2 different model Zillions(M/XF,MH/F) what type line in comparison? Which Kistler H3 do you have and weight? Also do you know what if any difference on the 2019 models from last years is ? I hear a lot of praise for them but no one local to compare sensitivity vs my Zillions or GLX.  

                                                                                             Thanks appreciate it

I have the 7’1 MH/XF. No difference in last years models. I’ve used 12 lb flourocarbon on both setups. I still really like my Zillion rod though, it was my favorite until I got the h3.

don't see where MH XF equates to light

4 hours ago, Spankey said:

don't see where MH XF equates to light

It seems all the rods in the helium 3 are xf besides the medium lights which are fast. It was between the 7 m xf or 7 mh xf. From what I've found online the mh xf still has a soft enough tip to be used for this application and is rated for lures down to 1/4 oz. Do you have experience with the helium 3 actions? Do you think I'd be better off with then m xf?

What size lures do you plan on throwing? I thought Kistler made a light MH/XF rated down to 3/16 but I don’t see it on the website. Maybe they discontinued it?

Before it ships give them a call and see if they still have the 7’0” or 7’3” Light Medium Heavy Fast available, they’re rated 3/16-7/8 oz, and are not as fast as the MH/XF. Would be better suited for your stated purpose. 

 

They recently updated the the website and that model went missing. But I literally just order a 6’8” LMH/F spinning rod for my wife 2 weeks ago before they update did the website. 

20 hours ago, Kann18 said:

It seems all the rods in the helium 3 are xf besides the medium lights which are fast. It was between the 7 m xf or 7 mh xf. From what I've found online the mh xf still has a soft enough tip to be used for this application and is rated for lures down to 1/4 oz. Do you have experience with the helium 3 actions? Do you think I'd be better off with then m xf?

I don’t have any experience with them. And please don’t take my comment as a smart butted reply. 

 

That light T Rig I fish pretty often just doing it with Medium and Med Lite X-Fast Rods. Probably doing it on lighter line than you also. I burn through a lot of 6 lb. and 8 lb. test. 

 

My rods for the most part are St. Croix, Avid and Premiere Series with a few Mojo series. Circumstances and different condition most likely dictate your need for a heavier rod.