Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on a casting rod I have an old reel I want to use, I want a new rod. I’m on a low budget (under $50) and I’m thinking about getting the lews laser sg1, and I just wanted to know if anyone knew anything about it. Thanks.

Nope, but another possible option is the Berkley Lightning, not the Lightning Shock.  Don't know about the new model, but the older one is a really good rod for the money.

 

However, if some of these guys can give you a little information on the SG1, then I think you should try it, and give us a review.  Personally I like trying different gear.  Have been impressed several times by gear that no one else ever mentions.

I'll say it again - Diawa Aird-X. Retails for $55, but you can find them for as low as $45. Darn good rod for the price...I still have two in my current arsenal.

What kind of baits are you going to be using with it?  That's the big question.  

29 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I'll say it again - Diawa Aird-X. Retails for $55, but you can find them for as low as $45. Darn good rod for the price...I still have two in my current arsenal.

 

This is exactly right. I have two Aird-X rods that I absolutely love. Every bit as sensitive as a couple $100+ rods I own. 

45 minutes ago, Bankc said:

What kind of baits are you going to be using with it?  That's the big question.  

It would be for my larger lures (1-2 oz)

4 minutes ago, CameronB521 said:

It would be for my larger lures (1-2 oz)

Now we have an issue - I don't know of any $50 rod that can handle 2oz lures... Aird-X Heavy only goes to 1.5oz max rating.

Ugly Stik USCA661H - $40

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/ugly-stik-gx2-casting-rod

 

same 1 1/2 upper limit as the Aird but on Ugly Stiks the upper limit is just a suggestion

 

1 minute ago, garroyo130 said:

Ugly Stik USCA661H - $40

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/ugly-stik-gx2-casting-rod

 

same 1 1/2 upper limit as the Aird but on Ugly Stiks the upper limit is just a suggestion

 

Ya - but I'd almost prefer the proverbial broomstick to an Ugly Stick. I had one - got rid of it as soon as I could...thing felt dead.

What is the older reel? 1-2oz is real or estimate? Bass or catfish.

Tom

Lew's LSG174HC 7'4" Heavy MF is rated for 1/2-2 oz. 

 

My grandson has a Lew's® Laser TXS that's 4 years old, with zero issues. 

On 4/16/2021 at 9:53 AM, CameronB521 said:

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on a casting rod I have an old reel I want to use, I want a new rod. I’m on a low budget (under $50) and I’m thinking about getting the lews laser sg1, and I just wanted to know if anyone knew anything about it. Thanks.

If you spend another 10$, check out the 13 Defy Black.  Ive never used them, but in hand they feel like they should cost a lot more then 60$.  The composite Defy Cranking rods really impressed me with how light they were.  I have shorter graphite rods that weigh more. 

The best advice I can give here is never get the ugly stick, unless you’re fishing saltwater.