I'm loooking for a general purpose medium action spinning outfit. My budget is $150. Since I will be fishing on open water and would like casting distance, I'm thinking up to 7'0".  I'd also like to have fun with panfish.

A couple outfits that look attractive to me are:

- Daiwa Exceler / St Croix Premier (locally)

- Cabelast Tournament ZX / Fish Eagle XML

I would prefer to buy locally since that is where I can do "hands on" and get advice about local fishing.

Any thoughts you have would be appreciation. Thanks!

http://www.***.com/descpageRDSSHIMANO-SCRDSR.html

Check out the M/L and Medium. I really like the cutout on the cork so that your index finger rides on the blank. The crucial is a sweet rod.

Th anks fourbizzle.  I'm a fan of Shimano rods.  I'd probably have to look at the Compre, though, in order to stay in my budget that includes a reel.

I think your on the right track with the Exceler/Croix setup. The 2500 or 3000 are good all around size. This set up may be just above the $150 limit but not by much. I also like to buy from local shops. I think the relationship you develop with the employees and other customers is well worth the extra cost you might pay. I'm not sure it really cost you more in the end anyway. The local shop I go to will have sales a few times a year with MFG reps and fishing pros in the store. These sale/show have 10-20% discounts and many freebees. Also the local shop I go to will spool up a new reel with free line.

Thanks for the confirmation Bugman

Symtre 2500/ St. Croix Premeir 7ft M fast action.  I got this setup for a friend and find myself using it more than him.  Very well balanced and light.  I own a 7ft M action Shimano Compre also and feel the Premier is more sensitive. Just my $.02.

Thanks Bass Mekanik.  I've also been considering the  Compre.  You $0.02 is helping to validate the premier choice.  

Shimano Stradic 2500 Reel with the BPS Extreme Rod - it comes as a package deal at BPS - I think it's $160.  I have 3 of them.  Excellent.