A strange criterion, I’ll admit, but my brother-in-law is in the market for a M/F or M/XF spinning rod after running over one. And he seems willing to spend a bit more than last time.

 

Based on my experience with a ML/F I have and based on the price of his last rod, I’ve recommended the Shimano Convergence, which clocks in at $70, but I’d like recommendations of rods with full cork handles up to $150 or so regular price—and maybe a few beyond in case they are on clearance in that range.

I like my Berkely Lightening Rod. It's only about $50 new and has full cork grip. I don't have a lot of experience with a lot of rod brands, but... I'm very happy with it.

I had a fenwick HMG that had full cork handle that was pretty nice, about 100$

Take a look at the Shimano Compre Walleye series rods and don't let the word WALLEYE get in the way. These are really nice rods with full cork handles that  are a great value.  I have a couple that I like a lot.  

The Daiwa Tatula rods clock in right around $150 and are very nice. 

Bass Pro Shops Fish Eagle $79.99

Lightning rods are nice for $40. For $80 I’d look at Falcon EVO. I have an evo casting rod and like it a lot. For $100 the St. Croix Triumph is my favorite.

Unless the lightning rods have changed, I wouldn't consider those handles cork. Its rubberized cork composite stuff.

 

They are good rod for the price, I just wouldn't call that cork. 

2 hours ago, r83srock said:

Lightning rods are nice for $40. For $80 I’d look at Falcon EVO. I have an evo casting rod and like it a lot. For $100 the St. Croix Triumph is my favorite.

How’s the sensitivity on the Falcon EVO for T-rigs? Looks like a lot of these have a moderate taper.

St Croix Triumph

Penn in shore Medium fast is a great rod for the money 

TW has Lew’s Spinning Speed stick on sale, full cork handle $72 shipped.

Tom

On 1/28/2024 at 11:45 AM, Drawdown said:

How’s the sensitivity on the Falcon EVO for T-rigs? Looks like a lot of these have a moderate taper.

I’m not sure. The casting rod I have is a 7’3” Heavy and feels like a true fast. I threw A-rigs and frogs on it last fall but threw a jig on it from time to time and thought it punched above its price point. Based on that I’d give the spinning rods a hard look if I was needing one.

St Croix Triumph or Premier (on sale)