I recently upgraded my baitcaster setup to a Dobyns Fury/Lew's Tournament MP combo (from the Lew's Wal-Mart Classic Speed Stick combo). Using Sufix Advance on it. I have been pretty much bowled over by the improvement in sensitivity. I can feel so much more with this new setup.

 

So started thinking about similar upgrade for my spinning combo. Currently I have the Lew's Xfinity combo (medium) that was sold at Wal-Mart for $80. As I have been doing research, this rod actually gets quite a bit of good reviews. It is an IM7, guides seem pretty good, I'm a fan of the Winn grip material on the rod grip and reel knob, and honestly I do feel like it's a pretty solid rod. I think to gain a noticeable improvement in sensitivity I would have to step up to a price point that is not in my budget right now, like something around $100+ each for the rod and reel.

 

That got me started thinking about putting braid on it. Currently have Sufix Advance on the spinning combo too. I really like the Advance for a mono or fluoro option, both in castability and sensitivity. I haven't used braid for years and years, like when it first came out. So, would I get a noticeable upgrade in sensitivity if I switch to braid? Given my budget constraints does that make more sense than switching to a rod that is only marginally better?

 

Assuming the answers to those are "yes," what braid would you recommend? I use my spinning rod for applications on the lighter end. For pond or lake bass, mainly finesse applications. I also use this combo to do some creek fishing. So I would think something on the light end like 10-14 lb. braid with a 6 or 8 lb. leader would work. What would be a good brand braid for this? And seems like the Sufix Advance would be good for a leader if I like it already?

 

Sorry for all of the questions. It's the challenge of taking a setup I do like a lot but think I could get even a little more out of. I guess if my braid experiment is a complete disaster it's not that hard to just spool back up with the Advance ?.

Plenty of good choices available. Since you like Suffix, I would go with 15lb 832 in hi vis yellow.

10 lb. J Braid from Daiwa is what I use.  Both the 4 carrier and 8 carrier versions are good.  If you wanna spend a little more then Power Pro is a great choice.

Suffix 832 has never let me down, spinning or casting gear.

I use 20lb 832 on M spinning and 15lb 832 on ML spinning.

10lb suffix 832 hi viz braid so you also see line jumps to further enhance bite detection to 8lb leader material of choice. I use fluoro for my spinning setup. When i switched to this from straight mono which is all i ever used it was a dramatic improvement. It also improves hookset from bomb casts since very little stretch. Also if and when you decode to upgrade, from my experience the rod is where id spend the money as long as your reel works well for you already.