Just now, FryDog62 said:

I find that the Aird has more flex so better for crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits

Which is why my Aird-X MH/F is my moving baits rod...as I've mentioned before, it's sensitive enough that I can feel the blades vibrate during retrieve.

If you gave me $50 and made me walk out of a dept store with a reel I’d probably choose an Abu Black Max just because I know they are solid.
 

However with a little patience you can find good deals on better reels. *** always has a good selection of used reels. I’ve bought a ton from them. 

Thanks guys! If this helps any (probably should have said this earlier) I'm mostly going to be using soft plastics, so which of all the rods you all have listed is best for those?

Would a 13fishing Defy black rod paired with a Daiwa cc80 reel be good?

3 hours ago, Devon B. said:

Would a 13fishing Defy black rod paired with a Daiwa cc80 reel be good?

That is a great budget pairing in my opinion. I actually handled this reel and was set to purchase until I found a deal I couldn’t pass up on my CA80. I also was set to purchase a defy black spinning rod until my son gave me the fate black for Christmas.

23 hours ago, BigAngus752 said:

^^^this^^^ and/or the AirdX.  Look no further. 

 

On 8/17/2022 at 5:46 PM, PhishLI said:

This a a great sale price for a nice rod, and a nice upgrade from an Aird-X. Free shipping too.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022115950?pid=850731

What they said. $50 retail, nothing touches the Aird-X. $62 if you need a Med/Hvy, the old Tatula XT is a steal. My nephew has broken 2 defy blacks. His one Aird-X has been great. No troubles with any components. IMO, if you need a Med/Hvy and you can swing $62, the Tatula XT is a no brainer. 

7 hours ago, Deleted account said:

Yeah, but the hot Nevada sun is beating down on your head, what rod under $100 do you like better?

 

Only rods that I’ve purchased that was under a $100 was a Fenwick HMG and a Tatula and Fury which both were on sale.

 

Now even the HMG is above $100.

If it was me, I would buy used or wait for a sale.

 

6 hours ago, Devon B. said:

Thanks guys! If this helps any (probably should have said this earlier) I'm mostly going to be using soft plastics, so which of all the rods you all have listed is best for those?

 

Academy H2O Ethos ?

What are some spinning options? Reels seem to be cheaper.