Got a 5 day fishing trip planned the week after fathers day and I'm looking to get my dad a mild upgrade for his spinning rod. He's currently using a $20 Walmart special that has to be at least 10 years old and the cork is falling apart.

 

-Spinning rod only

-Cork over foam (foam still OK if rod is worth it)

-Prefers short (6'6" to no more than 7' with like 6'9" ideal)

-Throws mostly plastics but occasionally will throw something top surface up to 5/8oz

-Looking to keep it $50 +/- $10

-Bonus points if its from Tacklewarehouse since I need to get other stuff from them.

-(he does not like the reel seat of the Arid X)

 

Two rods I'm eyeing:

*** Defy Gold 6'9" M/F

ARK Catalyzer 2.0 6'6" M/F

 

Any other recommendations or feedback between the two rods? I'm kind of leaning towards the ARK for the 36T blank vs 24T. 

I just went over to tacklewarehouse to look around for you and that has to be the WORST user interface I've ever seen.

 

Goodness, they must not like selling goods.

 

Sorry, that doesn't help you. It's a Monday morning and apparently I want to complain. 

The Lews Hank Parker M spinning rod is pretty good. 

I would say give the good old Lews Hank Parker Rods at Walmart a try. They are locally available, which is always nice to see the rods in person. Surprisingly high quality for the price. The blank of the 6'10" rods have a slightly soft tip leading to a good backbone which should fit the characteristics your looking for in a rod for plastics and topwater lures.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lew-s-Hank-Parker-6-10-1pc-Medium-Action-Spinning-Fishing-Rod/687812356

There are a few 13Fishing fans here - their rods are the least expensive I fish, and I've gone back to snag a back-up on closeout.  

Take a look at these.

https://daiwa.us/collections/freshwater-rods/products/aird-x-rods

I bought two of them for the grandkids.

They are a little top heavy but not bad for what it is.

@Functional I’m going to parrot my friend @bulldog1935 in saying I’m definitely a fan of 13 fishing gear. Although I currently only have a spinning reel and a Fate Black spinning rod from them I’m currently looking at and even started a post about their newest offering the “Oath” line of rods. I will also add I’m a budget type of person with quite a bit of my fishing gear and really enjoy the 2 Lews Carbon Fire and 1 Hank Parker rod I’ve purchased a handful of years ago with the only difference as far as I know being the place of sale and the Carbon Fire sporting Wynn grips vs the Hank Parker having cork. With that said I would still buy the 13 fishing defy gold before the Lews as I just personally feel it’s a wee bit better. I currently don’t own anything from Ark but @T-Billy certainly likes the ones he’s purchased and with the quality of fish he shares I would definitely listen to his advice as well if he chimes in. Happy shopping and keep us posted as to the purchase and your dad’s thoughts if you don’t mind.

14 hours ago, Angler Andy said:

Take a look at these.

https://daiwa.us/collections/freshwater-rods/products/aird-x-rods

I bought two of them for the grandkids.

They are a little top heavy but not bad for what it is.

I think Aird-X rods are tough to beat in their price range. 

Take a look at the Falcon Altrax rods. I haven't used one on the water, but have handled them in store. Probably the nicest $49.99 rod I've felt. That's the first rod I'd go after in your situation. They are new series that just came out earlier this year I believe. They feel pretty similar to their $99.99 Bucoo rods 

I was going to recommend the 13 Fishing Defy before I even read your post. It's a great cheap rod. 

Appreciate all of the responses so far.

 

Hank Parker

13 Fishing Defy

Ark Catalyzer 2.0

Falcon Altrax

 

Arix-X was actually first on my list but we saw one in a store not long ago and he said he really didnt like the reel seat. Going to check out the Lews and Falcon in my travels around town since they show in stock and if I decide to pass on them i'll probably get him the 13 Fishing to try out the brand. 

@Functional I’m looking at the 13 fishing site currently for something else and came across this combo which you can get an additional 15% off by signing up for their e-mails. It would have helped if I captured the price of $69.99 before the 15% off.

Edited May 15, 20251 yr by Eric 26
Added content

Daiwa Aird-X

4 hours ago, Big Hands said:

Daiwa Aird-X

Despite having more expensive rods in my lineup, I still use a couple Aird-X rods...definitely fish above their price-point.

Late to the party but TW has the Abu Jordan Lee rods and reels, but one get 2 free. Works out to $33 a piece.

I like 13 fishing in this price range but reminds me of when the Berkeley lightning rod came out.

11 hours ago, Bird said:

I like 13 fishing in this price range but reminds me of when the Berkeley lightning rod came out.

The early lightning rods were great. Had one and used it for frogs eventually until it snapped.

The Academy near me carries the Daiwa Aird-X and it's one of their best sellers. In my hands felt very good. IMO ...

Good Fishing

1 hour ago, greentrout said:

The Academy near me carries the Daiwa Aird-X and it's one of their best sellers. In my hands felt very good. IMO ...

Good Fishing

They truly are decent rods. And for the price, they are hard to beat. Four rods for $200.00 is a bargain. 

I hope this doesn’t come across as rude but the OP clearly stated his dad doesn’t like the Aird-X reel seat yet there are multiple posts telling him about the Aird-X🤔

2 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

I hope this doesn’t come across as rude but the OP clearly stated his dad doesn’t like the Aird-X reel seat yet there are multiple posts telling him about the Aird-X🤔

This kind of thing happens all the time.  Poster specifies (rod/reel) for max $150 and people are suggesting $400 ones. 

 

22 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

I hope this doesn’t come across as rude but the OP clearly stated his dad doesn’t like the Aird-X reel seat yet there are multiple posts telling him about the Aird-X🤔

To be honest, it said <sic> Arid, and I didn’t see the X. 

All good guys. I've seen it recommended elsewhere tons of times and it was my first choice until he made that comment. If anything it just makes me want to pick one up for myself lol.

I can certainly relate to reel seats not agreeing with me. To each their own