I am looking for a 2 piece casting rod. It will need to be an all aroud type rod for me to keep in the car. I am wanting 6'6" to no more than 7'0 in length. I prefer 6'6" or 6'10". I want the low end lure weight to be 3/16oz or 1/4oz. No more than $100 (Okay, $110 would be considered, but not $140). Medium/Fast preferred. I don't want a MH unless it's on the lighter side.

 

I haven't been to the store to check these out. I would love to hear from anyone that has either of these rods in the M/F single piece configuration, even if it's a 1 piece. Specifically how do they handle the 1/4oz lures they are rated for?
https://www.basspro.com/p/bass-pro-shops-graphite-series-casting-rod-101048312

 

https://www.basspro.com/p/bass-pro-shops-pro-qualifier-casting-rod

 

So, what other options are there that I should be considering?

On Amazon the handing m1 series is pre solid for sub $100 2 piece rods

Daiwa Aird-X has a 6'6" Medium power and a 7'0" Medium-Heavy power in two-piece. $60 MSRP. The MH goes down to 1/4oz.

 

I have the 1-piece MH and it's a really solid rod...performs way above it's price-point.

I’ve learned that rods that stay in my vehicle are subject to abuse. Sometimes severe abuse, that’s why I get my “ stay in she truck rod” from Walmart or yard sales. 
Yard sale are hit & miss, Walmart you can get a decent truck rod for well under a $100.00. Even BPS has some medium/fast 2 piece for under that too.

8 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Daiwa Aird-X has a 6'6" Medium power and a 7'0" Medium-Heavy power in two-piece. $60 MSRP. The MH goes down to 1/4oz.

 

I have the 1-piece MH and it's a really solid rod...performs way above it's price-point.

X 2. I have two of the 7' MH two-piece models. One as a backup because I liked the rod so much. It says fast action, but I would argue it's moderate fast. I can do a lot with that rod paired with braided line. 

8 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Daiwa Aird-X has a 6'6" Medium power and a 7'0" Medium-Heavy power in two-piece. $60 MSRP. The MH goes down to 1/4oz.

 

I have the 1-piece MH and it's a really solid rod...performs way above it's price-point.

^^^^this^^^^
Tom

I'm currently keeping between 1 and 2 rods in the car all the time, but they are full length rods and I drive a Chevy Tracker. They are in the way a lot and I have a lot of concern that they will get damaged as a result. A breakdown rod can be stored behind the rear seat, and is much less prone to damage.

 

I often keep a cheapo break down rod there, but I don't want to fish with a cheap rod all the time since I can't set the hook. I use that rod for small crankbaits mostly.

 

Keep in mind too, I most often fish when I'm out with my family. Hit a pond or a lake for an hour or two while they are with me. On trips that I go by myself, I lay my rods across the tops of the seat so they aren't bent or otherwise subjected to abuse.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look at the Aird-X line. Might be worth it to have a 2 piece MH rod too.

I have a couple O L D Abu Veritas 2 piece rods.  A 7' M/F & 6'9" MH/F, respectively.  I keep them in my truck for just the reasons you say.  To me, they're great 'universal' rods.  Today's Veritas' run $119 on TW.  I cut a spinning rod sock down & shrink tube the top to cover/protect both pieces.  They fit nicely in my under-seat storage.

 

You might be impressed if you can get ahold of them at a local dealer.

 

That's my two cents.  Best of luck picking out your rods.

 

ADD: I also have a 7' M/F Diawa Ardito travel rod in my truck.  It comes with a semi-hard case.  I believe they're $140.  I'll take a Diawa over an Abu rod any day.

Thanks @DogBone_384

1 hour ago, Bazoo said:

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look at the Aird-X line. Might be worth it to have a 2 piece MH rod too.

You could about spend your referenced budget, get both and really be versatile. I know you really like M power rods a lot, but fwiw I’ve consistently found a MH to be a must have whenever I’m targeting largemouth. My M has come back into play again with cover lessening, but I’ve had many a time over the season I was glad I had a MH on hand 

Now my decision is between the BPS Graphite Series and the Aird-X.
 

Does anyone have one of the BPS rods and can comment?

I have the Kastking Zephyr BFS rod and the Kestrel BFS in 2piece. The Zephyr is cheaper then the Kestrel. Also the Kestrel comes in one piece. Both are budget friendly.

https://kastking.com/products/kastking-kestrel-fishing-rods

https://kastking.com/products/kastking-zephyr-finesse-casting-rod

On 10/2/2025 at 3:47 PM, Bazoo said:

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look at the Aird-X line. Might be worth it to have a 2 piece MH rod too.

 

The Aird-X definitely punches above it's weight IMHO.

I have a few of the BPS graphite series rods. No issues. Quality is good for the price. I don’t buy higher end stuff. I have a 7’ MH 2 piece and a 6’6” M 2 piece baitcasters for the car. The 6’6” is the previous version of the graphite series (lighter blue color). I bought this to be my car rod along with a medium spinning combo but the power felt closers to a ML so I added the 7’MH in the current generation. The tip section fits over the bottom section making the diameter thinner in the middle of the rod to reel. Might just be psychological that it feels lighter power than other mediums. I also have 7’6” H flipping stick and 7’M 1pc spinning in the graphite series. I like cork handles. Cork quality is just ok.

 

Thanks for sharing @T.J.. I don't want a medium light, but I also don't want a medium heavy.

 

I have checked my local stores and they don't have them. I guess I could order one and return it if it ain't to my liking.

I haven't checked my in town local stores for the Aird-X yet either.

Airdx - At its price and its value it is incredibly difficult to beat. I believe I have 2-piece medium and it has slain salmon in a jiffy. It is one of my trunk rods. I trusted @MNfisher‘s and others multiple recommendations and I can tell you that even if I did not have the benefit of holding it in hand which I prefer 9 times out of 10, this one is a winner and keeper sight unseen. Period. 
 

Sho’nuff, lol 😝 

Own KastKing Royale Legend Pro Technique Jig/Worm Casting Med. 7ft. 2pc rod. Won't leave home without it. @ Amazon. 

Good Fishing

Really prefer a 6'6" over a 7'. Much easier to work a fluke or a topater from the bank with a shorter rod. Will only accept a 7' if I got no other choice.

14 hours ago, Bazoo said:

Really prefer a 6'6" over a 7'. Much easier to work a fluke or a topater from the bank with a shorter rod. Will only accept a 7' if I got no other choice.

Own BPS Johnny Morris Carbon Lite 2pc. 6ft6in casting rod med. fast. Won't leave home without it. 

Good Fishing 

St. Croix makes a bunch of two piece rods in the Triumph and new revamped Premier line. 

Thanks Jweller.

 

Well, I did purchase one of the BPS Graphite series rods, sight unseen. We'll see how it is when it gets here. I don't normally do that, but the stores closest to me didn't have any according to the website, and felt good about it. Guess I'll see how it feels and if it's decent.

https://www.fenwickfishing.com/collections/casting-rods/products/eagle-bass-casting-rod-2-piece

I received the rod today. I haven't cast with it yet. I wouldn't say I'm disappointed, but it's not what I was thinking it was going to be. It's more like a medium light than a medium.

 

I'll cast it in the yard a while and then fish it some and see how it does. Quality seems good. Nothing about it seems like it's cheap.

 

In comparison to the Lews Hank Parker rod I have that also cost $50, the Lews hits above the price point and the Cabelas Graphite series hits right on it.

 

There was no packaging in the box, just a single wall box and the 2 pieces of the rod dropped in. No damage or issues though.

 

I got the 6'6" Medium Fast 2 piece. It has 7 guides on it. I couldn't find that information online anywhere before ordering.

I cast the rod in the yard a while, and it's definitly in the Light category rather than Medium. I was able to cast a 1/8oz jighead with 2" grub.

 

So, I will guess that their MH/F will be more like everyone else's Medium. I don't suppose anyone has their 2 piece MH in either 6'6" or 7', and can comment?

 

I haven't decided if I'm going to keep it or not. If I do, I'll certainly get another heavier rod to fill the original need.