This christmas i am getting a rod and reel of my choice. I can not decide if i wanna get my toys at the chicagoland outdoor show, which is a really great show, or outdoor world. I have never bought a rod and reel at a show before and when i have gone to this show before i never really looked and any of the rods or reels. None of these places are exactly close to me and i am going back to school in the middle of january where i mostly fish. Anyone have any advise or experience with buying from an outdoor show?

Thanks,

Mike

This is a link to the show. It shows some of the distributers.

http://www.chicagolandsportshow.com/app/homepage.cfm?appname=100282&linkid=17966&moduleid=1861&campaignid=428&iUserCampaignID=33698028

:)Hey Mike! I would go and enjoy the SHOW! Looks like there will be reputable manufacture booths there with possibly some good show prices and people to assist you. I have purchased from Outdoor shows before and have been satisfied with my decisions. My problem is that BAIT MONKEY!!!

There are often good bargains to be had at boat shows and I've bought a few rods and some reels there.  Take a look through the BPS catalog, get an idea of what you want and the prices and then go to the show and compare.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?action=post;num=1166861416;quote=1;title=PostReply

Both places are good for actually holding a rod or reel in your hands ;D  I usually have a good time at shows seeing all the equipment and talking with people but have not purchased much at them.  I have been to a BPS a few times and always spend more than I planned :  I think BPS is easier to get back to if there are any issues.  

I have purchased at shows before as well, but always from a dealer that is 'local' to the show.  In case there was a problem, I could get back to that dealer to resolve the issue.  If you aren't going to be in the area of that dealer, I would have to agree with vtbassin, BPS has stores in a lot of locations and it would be much easier to have an issue resolved through them.