Which of these combinations would you eliminate as all purpose setups? Are there any obvious combinations that are missing?

A. Cabela Tourney Trail TT663 / Cabela Tournament ZX $90 6-12 / 1/4-5/8

B. Shimano Clarus CSS-66M-2 / Daiwa Exceler $120 6-12 / 1/8-1/2

C. Daiwa Tierra TD-TR 662MFS / Daiwa Exceler 2500 $120 6-14 / 1/8-3/4

D. Cabela XML XCLS664-2 / Cabela Tournament ZX $150 6-12 / 1/4-5/8

E. BPS Extreme XPS XTR66MS / Shimano Stradic 2500 $140 4-12 / 1/8-1/2

F. St. Croix Premier PS66MF-2 / Daiwa Exceler 2500 $160 6-12 / 1/4-5/8

G. Shimano Compre CPSM2B / Daiwa Exceler 2500 $160 6-12 / 3/16-5/8

H. Daiwa Tierra TD-TR 662MFS / Daiwa Tierra 2500 $175 6-14 / 1/8-3/4

I. Fenwick HMG GS66M-2 / Daiwa Exceler 2500 $180 6-15 / 1/4-3/4

J. St. Croix Avid MF662 / Daiwa Exceler 2500 $230 6-12 / 3/16-5/8

I'm fairly comfortable approaching $150, but stretching quite a bit to go beyond that point. Over $200 and I might not be able to put any tackle on the line

I'm not set on 6'6 or MF, but it seems like a good place to start my new rod collection . I'm biased towards the Daiwa Exceler since it felt better to me than the Shimano Sahara. From the comments I've read on different forums it also appears that the Exceler may have an edge in casting, line twist and smoothness. Since I don't expect to fish it extensively (this year), I'm not sure there is a lot of benefit jumping up to the Symetre or Stradic. However, the Daiwa Tierra looks pretty cool

Just so the Shimano posse doesn't get me, I do have both a Symetre and a Stradic in the 1000 size from circa 1994. I still think they are great. I've outgrown the quick fire, though.

Currently, I'm considering the Premier / Exceler combo to be my safe choice. And, I can get them locally.

Thank you!!

Leon

I'm not really familiar with the BPS Extreme, but since it's matched up with the Stradic 2500, that would be my choice. I think the Stradic is the "best value" in the Shimano line-up and if you don't like the BPS Extreme for some reason, you only have $20 tied up in the rod.

Thanks RW, I thought you would prefer the Stradic.  So, I figured I should have at least one Stradic combo in the line-up

It 's  no brainer, Extreme/Stradic combo hands down. You are getting a 100 dollars retail great rod for 20 dollars, with the best bang for the buck 120 dollars Stradic.

I own a BPS Extreme. It's a great rod for the money and a good all purpose rod. I throw everything from jerkbaits to dropshot with it. I would go with the Extreme/Stradic combo.

Another voice from the choir......Extreme/Stradic!    

The nearest BPS is more than a 500 mile round trip for me...  I'd prefer to keep my business local, especially if I will be getting advice on local condition and locations, etc.

For a newbie how much should the local relationship be worth?  Would that change the equation at all?  Naturally, if I go BPS it will have to be through a BR link

Just got done chatting with BPS.  They only have the combo package price for 1 piece models...  More challenges

Even though I am a Daiwa fan, I think you get the best value with the Stardic combo. :-/

I'm getting itchy, might pull the trigger (on the spinning combo  ) tomorrow.  Who am I to doubt the collective wisdom of BassResource?  

For $20 I can live with the one piece or buy a new rod if it doesn't travel well  ;D  Thanks

Hope they don't change the special while I'm sleeping on it (and making a list of accessories )

Leon

Who am I to doubt the collective wisdom of BassResource?

We are the BR collective, resistance is futile ...... prepare to be assimilated.

The order has been placed. The Shimano posse has another member ;D

BPS website was painfully slow today. It looks as though they are updating it with new specials. I timed out numerous times... Seems like it took hours to order a few additional items. But, I'm patient. I've heard that is a virtue when it comes to fishing

Thanks to everyone for their help. Cheers!

Leon

For $140 the BPS Extreme and the Stradic are an awesome set up and a great value.

Welcome to the world of Shimano.

Good luck with the new gear LAO! I think you will be glad you got the one piece.