I'm trying to figure out what the most promising rods out there are currently. I'm currently looking into MHF rods. Supposedly those are your "do it all" rods which I want since I'm not exactly what you'd call a season veteran. 

 

The budget is $100-$200 dollars for solely a rod (not a reel combo). I was looking at a St. CROIX bass X but I'm unsure if that is my best option given my budget. If you recommend something slightly over $200, I'd still consider it. 

 

Any insight would be appreciated.

That is a really broad budget with dozens and dozens of fantastic options. From the Fenwick HMG at $100, to the Daiwa Tatula at $150, to the St. Croix Avid at $200. There's a world of difference from $100 to $200.

I'm very happy with my Phenix Feather 6'9 MH/XF at $139. 3.2oz and sensitive. they do fish a bit lighter than advertised, think midway between M and MH, and F and XF. 

That's easy .Johnny Morris Patriot rods. Fuji sic guides. Winn grips. Really light sensitive strong blank.

9 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

That's easy .Johnny Morris Patriot rods. Fuji sic guides. Winn grips. Really light sensitive strong blank.

I have handled them in store but have yet to purchase one. 

1 minute ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

I have handled them in store but have yet to purchase one. 

Awesome rods. Read the reviews.

3 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

Awesome rods. Read the reviews.

I am also from NY!  Did you catch your 7-8 pounder here?

Yeah .Titicus reservoir North Salem  NY

6 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

Yeah .Titicus reservoir North Salem  NY

Never heard of it.  What models of patriot do you have?

I recently purchased my first Megabass rod, the Levante 2019.  $199 and I absolutely love it. 

Most of my existing rods are St. Croix AvidX's and I'd put the Levante right with them. 

32 minutes ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

Never heard of it.  What models of patriot do you have?

It's a NYC watershed reservoir. I have a 7 ft. Medium fast baitcaster . Want to get more. Has a Lew's Tournament Pro 7.5 with sufix advance 8lb mono for finesse.I've always liked BPS rods.

I try to fish only made in USA rods.  I had thought of getting a BPS Patriot rod, but never did and it looks like they're being discontinued.  The SiC inserts seem to me that they're expensive without a gain for bass rods anyway.  Alconite is lighter, and I can't imagine that they're not hard enough for a bass rod.  At the $200 mark, I'd say a 7' MHF St. Croix Avid.  It may take some looking to find one right at that price, but I find I can use mine for a lot of different baits and don't feel like any are a huge compromise.  That's a big plus for me fishing from a kayak. 

1 hour ago, dodgeguy said:

It's a NYC watershed reservoir. I have a 7 ft. Medium fast baitcaster . Want to get more. Has a Lew's Tournament Pro 7.5 with sufix advance 8lb mono for finesse.I've always liked BPS rods.

I have an old Bionic Blade that is still the best buzzbait rod I have ever used. I can't give it stellar marks for overall weight and balance, but it isn't bad and I don't really care for tip down presentations anyway. It has the perfect action to allow a fish to load up but still a lot of backbone to drive the hook home.  

 

What techniques do you use that model for?

Megabass Levante in the Diablo Spec R. I have the Orochi Spec R and absolutely love it. I also have the OG Tatula and a few other rods in your price range including the St Croix Avid. IMO the OG tatula is the most sensitive rod that can be bought new for $150 (can be found for less). I’d go without 2019 Levante first and the tatula would be my second choice. 

St Croix Premier are great all around rods made in USA.

The 2019 Levante is hard to beat it the $200 range, heck it fishes more like $300.

Looks like the Patriot has gone away to me as well, I've seen a few spinning rods left.

 It uses a NFC blank and they just don't seem to be able to supply the things. I'm surprised it doesn't seem to effect Kistler.

My recommendations in this price range. 

 

Megabass Levante

St Croix Avid (or Avid X)

Shimano Zodias

Gloomis E6X

Dobyns Sierra

The best rod under $200 imo is a hammer. You won’t regret it. If your willing to spend a little bit more, for $219 monster tackle has the lamiglas infinity rod 724c. It is an amazing stick!!!! Sensitivity is unbelievable.

12 hours ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

I have an old Bionic Blade that is still the best buzzbait rod I have ever used. I can't give it stellar marks for overall weight and balance, but it isn't bad and I don't really care for tip down presentations anyway. It has the perfect action to allow a fish to load up but still a lot of backbone to drive the hook home.  

 

What techniques do you use that model for?

Ned rigs . Wacky rigs. T rig work in light cover.

On 6/5/2019 at 9:05 AM, dodgeguy said:

Ned rigs . Wacky rigs. T rig work in light cover.

They seem to be out of the Patriot rods in the last couple BPS I have been to.  

Diawa Tatula rods.  Have been a fanboy of them for a while now.  Just an excellent product for the money.

Powell makes excellent rods in that price range. 

2 hours ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

They seem to be out of the Patriot rods in the last couple BPS I have been to.  

Hoping they restock. Great rods. 

Daiwa Tatula

G Loomis E6x

Dobyns Sierra

Shimano Curado

 

all solid rods in your price range.

11 hours ago, LionHeart said:

Diawa Tatula rods.  Have been a fanboy of them for a while now.  Just an excellent product for the money.

LionHeart, I have an OG 6’10 mh Tatula that I really like.   I am looking at the 7’0 M but it has a regular action.  I wanted to use it for light bottom contact baits.  If you have used this one, is it too soft for this type of presentation?  Thanks