I am absolutely paralyzed with the amount of options for casting rods. I fished 25 years ago with a Diawa Heartland 6’6” medium and a Quantum energy reel. Started fishing again and want to upgrade. I’m the type to purchase and return if I don’t like what I have.  I bought a BPS pro qualifier 7’ MHF and an abu revo 5 sx. Fished with it for a a few weeks and returned it. I have a carbonlite 2.0 reel I bought for $60 that absolutely launches all types of lure weights. Now I need a rod. I have been eyeing the st croix, Johnny morris signature, and I just saw a G Loomis GCX MBR used for $150. The JM signature felt really light and refined. Does anyone know who actually makes this rod? I would have bought it but it was MH XF. I think the Fast action will be more versatile. I can afford expensive stuff I am trying to be cost conscious. 

The Johnny Morris rods ate made in china...but so are 90% of rods on the shelf.  The JM will serve you well I imagine, and have over-the-counter replacement.  The JM will be lighter than others at the $100ish price point.  

I believe the Johnny Morris rods are made by Virtus rod in Arkansas. There might be a parent name not sure. They sure are lightweight when I looked at the store also, but no experience with them otherwise. What model St. Croix are you eyeballing? I find the Victory series to have a very lightweight blank, I’m pretty fond of them, comparing them to rods that cost more.

KP, the JM signature series are made in the US. I’m sure it will be fine. Not sure if the $150 g loomis is a better bet. I do believe you can get superior quality at a lower price by not paying for the “name” of the product. 

Rock, I was looking at the Mojo and I saw the Premier series as well. I want to stay 7’ and under. I do mostly bank fishing. 

The St. Croix Bass X rods are good, inexpensive rods. I have two of them and like them as much as I like my Exprides.

9 hours ago, KP Duty said:

The Johnny Morris rods ate made in china...but so are 90% of rods on the shelf.  The JM will serve you well I imagine, and have over-the-counter replacement.  The JM will be lighter than others at the $100ish price point.  

Wrong.The signature series is made in USA. So is the patriot.the carbon lite is china.i would not buy the signature series because it went from alcpnite to alu.inum oxide guides.

Lamiglas, SC and some Loomis blanks are made (rolled) rod blanks and build their rods in the USA.

ALX assemblies rod blanks made to his specs and assembled in the USA like most rod companies today. I am unaware of any BPS rods made domestically.

Tom

9 hours ago, r83srock said:

I believe the Johnny Morris rods are made by Virtus rod in Arkansas. There might be a parent name not sure. They sure are lightweight when I looked at the store also, but no experience with them otherwise. What model St. Croix are you eyeballing? I find the Victory series to have a very lightweight blank, I’m pretty fond of them, comparing them to rods that cost more.

Well, that's great.  I knew they bragged about the patriot being made here in the states, but didn't know the standard Morris was being made here as well.  Good for BPS, but sounds like they had to downgrade components to make up for the increased production cost.

9 hours ago, KP Duty said:

have over-the-counter replacement.

 

There's your answer 😉

The SC premier is a very well made rod and would fit the bill if you like a more traditional styled rod. However, the triumph is essentially the same rod except for the fact it is made in St. Croixs own Mexico factory instead of WI.  I have enjoyed my premier rods and they have stood the test of time, mine have some age on them now. My triumph is just as nice though, to me. Same 5yr warranty for both.
 

For $20 less I would consider the Falcon EVO also, excellent rod for $80, with Fuji components, a 5 yr warranty, and a traditional look. Some 6-6” to 7’ rods in this series also. 

St. Croix customer service/warranty is hard to beat as well is Bass Pro Shops. Decisions, decisions.

 

Don't know anything about the GCX or JM Sig., and have very little experience with St. Croix.  Gather from your post that you are willing to spend at least $150.  A MHF does make for a good all around rod.

 

You are absolutely correct.  There's a ton of options available to you.  I always like researching before buying, but this can be daunting with all the options for casting rods under $150.  Much more so than researching something like $350-$700 classical guitars.  Try not to  

Loomis makes some nice rods, but IMO you don't get a whole lot for the price of the GCX, other than its made in the US.  

Tatula XT and or Ark Lancer would be worth a hard look.   

23 hours ago, Crabco said:

I am trying to be cost conscious. 

 

These rods mentioned are in the same price range,  look at the return policies.