Looking to upgrade some of my lower end rods for the upcoming season. Will be buying two rods within this price range. I'd like to get one for 3/8 oz-1/2 oz jigs. and the other for spinner baits. Have been looking at the G. Loomis E6X and the Ritual Angling rods. Just wondering what else is there. The jig rod will be paired with a Shimano Curado I and a Scorpion DC for the spinnerbaits.

Loomis is an excellent rod builder but the E6X has not been receiving good reviews. ALX, St Croix, and Dobyns are getting good reviews in that price range. St Croix has stiffer tip than Dobyns giving it an advantage in sensitivity for lighter rods. Dobyns is better balanced and is the best bang for the buck IMHO. I don't own an ALX but I checked them out at the show and talked to the reps. They are built in the US and appear to be high quality. There are many good rod companies today you need to check them out for yourself to determine what you like.

I'd look at the St Croix Avid X, Shimano Zodias, Daiwa Tatula Elite, Megabass Levante (when released). Those are the best rods around that price range IMO. 

 

Ultimately, buy what you like and feel comfortable with. No ones opinion is more valuable than your own personal preferences. 

Almost every rod you buy in that price range will be a good rod, but maybe not good for you.  Once you get out of the cheap rods, it's really a matter of what suits you and the way you fish.

 

The Loomis guys will say their's are the best.  St. Croix, Dobyns users the same.  All fine rods, but so are dozen other brands.  Pick 'em up and try 'em.

 

If you haven't squandered a thousand or so trying rods, you really ain't playing the game.

 

 

12 minutes ago, bayvalle said:

Loomis is an excellent rod builder but the E6X has not been receiving good reviews. ALX, St Croix, and Dobyns are getting good reviews in that price range. St Croix has stiffer tip than Dobyns giving it an advantage in sensitivity for lighter rods. Dobyns is better balanced and is the best bang for the buck IMHO. I don't own an ALX but I checked them out at the show and talked to the reps. They are built in the US and appear to be high quality. There are many good rod companies today you need to check them out for yourself to determine what you like.

I have read both good and bad reviews on the E6X I was considering only because it felt good in the hand.  I will have to look at the ALX rods. Thanks for the advice.

I like the E6X for the price personally, it’s made a great T Rig rod for me. I’ve worked with the Avid X too and the sensitivity is definitely there with that rod too. Like others have said, it really comes down to preference at the end of the day. If you can get some of the rods in this price range in your hands, it’ll be a lot easier to decide.

 

I would definitely check out the new Tatula line up too. I have the original series (first gen) and it’s easily one of the most sensitive rods I own.

I like my Denali rods 

Based on handling it in the store, the E6X is not worth it. I have used the Dobyns sierra at $180, and like it a lot.  Others will recommend Zodias, Avid X, Tatula elite.  

Kistler and falcon

1 hour ago, SMITTY0045 said:

I like the E6X for the price personally, it’s made a great T Rig rod for me. I’ve worked with the Avid X too and the sensitivity is definitely there with that rod too. Like others have said, it really comes down to preference at the end of the day. If you can get some of the rods in this price range in your hands, it’ll be a lot easier to decide.

 

I would definitely check out the new Tatula line up too. I have the original series (first gen) and it’s easily one of the most sensitive rods I own.

Also check out the new Tatula rod with the cork handle. I have two spinning rods in that line and they excellent.

I bought them over the Elite versions. I liked the handle better and they are really well put together.

Some of the most well balanced rods I've felt.

The Denali Lithium 883 would do both depending on how you fish a spinnerbait.

If you like a shorter rod for the blade there is a shorter spinnerbait specific rod in the line as well.

 Also the Witch Doctor Surman 50G is a outstanding spinnerbait and moving bait rod in that price range.

 

Kistler is launching (relaunching) the Argon series. Retail will be about $200 but watch for their occasional sales.

 

Go to their website and sign up for email list. You’ll get sales offers from them.

 

 I sold my old Argons to buy their Feel N Reel rods, now I regret that. Argon is a nice rod in the price range. I think you’ll see the rods on the website in early March.

9 hours ago, matbellon3 said:

    Looking to upgrade some of my lower end rods for the upcoming season. Will be buying two rods within this price range. I'd like to get one for 3/8 oz-1/2 oz jigs. and the other for spinner baits. Have been looking at the G. Loomis E6X and the Ritual Angling rods. Just wondering what else is there. The jig rod will be paired with a Shimano Curado I and a Scorpion DC for the spinnerbaits.

 

Johnny Morris Patriot series. Best bang for $200 out there.

3 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

 

Johnny Morris Patriot series. Best bang for $200 out there.

Show me another rod in this range with Fuji sic guides. You can't.They are also extremely light and well balanced and sensitive.

Dobyns champion series hard to beat for $200

Dobyns champion line is really nice but a bit above your price range at about $230-250.

 

Have seen lots of outstanding reviews on ALX rods but have not tried one myself.

 

shimano zodias gets mentioned a lot too

Kistler helium 3 is on sale now 21 percent off .Should be at the top of your price range. I have that and a Loomis e6x. The kistler is way better than the e6x. Night and day difference.

If you wait for a sale the Dobyns Champ and other rods a little above your price range become attainable. Wouldn't be surprised if there are some sales this weekend for Presidents' Day 

I have a handful of the E6X rods and they have been excellent for me. No complaints.

59 minutes ago, LonnieP said:

Kistler helium 3 is on sale now 21 percent off .Should be at the top of your price range. I have that and a Loomis e6x. The kistler is way better than the e6x. Night and day difference.

X2 saved me from typing the same thing

When you buy price range you stated for bass rods there are several options and what sets mfr's apart is their customer service. Can't go wrong with ALX, Dobyns and St Croix, all have good CS. To test out customer service call each company and ask them your questions.

Tom

PS, my ALX custom rods are similar to Enox Cyclone series.

Just got the Loomis E6X 854 JWR  and the 812 SBR both for $140 at a local retailer. Thank you everybody for your input and advice.

5 minutes ago, matbellon3 said:

Just got the Loomis E6X 854 JWR  and the 812 SBR both for $140 at a local retailer. Thank you everybody for your input and advice.

Sweet deal! Nice!

What did I tell you?  Every one is telling you what THEY like, or who sponsors them.  You've got to do your own homework and find what YOU like. 

 

I wouldn't even start to recommend you throw my rods.

 

If you have that kind of money to buy rods, you are going to get a pretty darn good rod, no matter what brand you buy.

 

I am quite secure financially, probably a lot better off than that. I don't buy $200 rods, and I can afford them.

Falcon Cara Head Turner and/or Lizard Dragger would be my choice.

ALX Zolo

Kistler Helium 3 (when on sale)

Daiwa Tatula