So I am creating my first baitcaster setup and am torn between two rods. The 7’ MH/F Halo Rave series III or the 7’ MH/F Lews KVD. What do you guys recommend? I like the lure weight for the Halo because I’ll be doing light flipping with this setup, but I’m worried it’s not a good rod.

 

I will be putting a Lews classic pro reel on it.

Not many reviews on the Halo rod so i cant give any advice on it, but i have 1 KVD cranking rod already and 2 regular KVD casting rods out for delivery.

I was using the rod the other day throwing Big Blade Chatterbaits weighing anywhere from 1/2oz-5/8oz-3/4oz and the lure couldnt load the rod up at all. Now its a heavy rod and ratings are 1/2oz-2oz but still those lures are definetly in its ratings but the rod wouldnt load up, even for a moderate rod. Very unusual.

Now these rods are not worth the full price, there are a ton of rods that are much better than the KVD's for the same price and also ones for less money but if you can get them on sale they are good rods. I got my first one for $66 and the 2 i ordered this week for $56 on sale, for that price they are good but not full price. They arent very sensitive rods and are extremely stiff.

Only other Lews rod i have is the TP1 and if that rod were on sale i wouldve bought 2 of them instead of the KVDS.

 

Edit. If you are doing flipping the rod should be good for you, very stiff.