My oldest son is starting to get serious about bass fishing and can finally set the hook, land, and release on his own so I want to surprise him with his own set up for his 10th birthday coming up in a few weeks.  He's able to handle a 6'6 spinning rod well enough but I think that will also give him room to learn and grow.  Most of our fishing is from the bank using Texas rigged senkos so im thinking a M or MH fast, 2 piece would be prefered for ease of transportation.  Im trying to keep it under 150$ with rod and reel.  Im looking at the Aird X but open to other suggestions, I don't want to break the bank because I know it will get a little abuse but also don't want junk.  His favorite color is green so if that is integrated anywhere on the rod and/or reel that would be preferred.

 

Thank you for any suggestions!

AirXD would be perfect. There are two piece models. I have one but it is a casting rod. 
Unless your environment has tough cover, I’d lean on medium power, fast action. 
If your environment allows for it 8 to 10# monofilament of your choice as the strengths are very manageable for younger kids to use without too much trouble. 
 

The AirXD is no slouch and while it might be “cheap” price wise, it is not cheap quality and performance wise. I have caught 3-5 pound bass and even pink salmon with mine, no sweat. I see no need to spend more on a rod for a 10yo. 
 

As for the reel, if you have a decent 2500 sized reel to spare , I’d let him use it. If you’re willing to spend the full $150, then buy the Daiwa  or shimano spinning reel with the money remaining in the 2500 size. 
 

My daughter used a 6’6” casting rod and reel when she was 7 so a spinning rig in the hands of a 10 yo should be easy peasy lemon squeezy 😎

This may help. Some may find the language used in this article to be humorous because the writer does not sound like a fisherman.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/deals/anglers-guide-top-fishing-rods

 

"The higher the power, the larger fish you can catch without worrying about breaking your line."

 

I did not know a higher rod power meant I never had to worry about breaking my line.

+1 for the Aird-X. I think it’s the best rod under $100 and I’d pick it over most rods under $150. I’ve had the 6’6” medium and it was a staple in my lineup for a while. I’d pair it with a 2500 size Daiwa Exceler and that’d be a nice combo

@AmericanMade If you’re not opposed to a 6’-9” 1 piece rod this in my opinion is an absolute steal. It also has the green highlights for him😉

Thanks for the help.  I was also looking at the Lews.  What does the group think about KastKing?  I did find this in a 6'8 M fast.

 

https://kastking.com/products/kastking-spartacus-ii-fishing-rods?variant=44154146554093

 

Im just talking about the rod and only because of the color, id pair it with a different reel even though ive read a few things saying they've came a long way since they started.

@AmericanMade, I think you’re on the right track regarding getting your son a spinning rod of his own. A 6’6” two piece, medium action Fenwick was my first “serious” rod purchased with my paper route money. That rod (pictured below) provided me years, decade’s really, of fishing memories including landing large trout and 15-25lb Klamath River salmon.  I’d suggest going with a 3000 series reel, which would be the same size as a 2500 that @islandbass recommended, but with more line capacity. 

@AmericanMade Piscifun is having a flash sale currently that I looked at a 1/2 hour ago and clicking now the price was reduced even more. 

I’d give a look at the BPS Tourney Special combo - for $70 it has been a solid performer for both of my boys. They’ve pulled more than a few fish out of the sticks with them problem free. I have a few of the Tourney Special casting rods and no complaints there either.

 

And they’ve got the green in spades - look really cool when I turn the black lights on.

PM me, I have a Don Iovino Phoenix Split Shot spinning  rod 6’6” I am willing to send to you for your son for shipping cost.

Tom