Looking to build out my lineup on one model, everything from jig, chatterbaits to Jighead minnow and neds. Have a bass X and it keeps fish pinned well but has a reel seat issue and it took more than a month for customer service to respond to me about it.. still open to st croix products but the fact it took so long to get a response kind of rubbed me the wrong way.. 

 

what would you guys recommend???

Dobyns Fury, Daiwa Tatula XT, Shimano SLX are a few.

Falcon low rider

One model or one maker/lineup with different lengths/powers?  I did the latter with Falcon and have a full stable of them now.  The Lowrider models sit right in your price point and would be a good choice.  Specific models will vary but the head turner (6’10” 1/4-3/4 fast action), swim jig (7’2”, 1/8-3/4, fast), and Amistad (7’3”, 1/2- 1 1/2, fast) are a pretty good set that will cover just about everything.  

Selling like new St. Croix Victory spinning MFX & MF, see Flea Market.

Tom

PS, make me an offer, remember shipping cost.

49 minutes ago, little giant said:

Falcon low rider

I use my Lowrider All ‘Round Fast a lot. It’s my primary Texas rig rod. I bought a Kistler Helium for that but it became my jig rig. I really like my Lowrider. 

Hard to get a rod that does all that well, but I have a Daiwa XT that could be used for all that.

I would check out WRB-2.0 listing in the flea market, I don't have those St Croix rods, but have other models and have checked them out in my local shop and their pretty sweet.

I used two daiwa tatula xt rods this season. One 7'M-F spinning rod and one 6'10" MH-R casting rod, both in two piece models. 

 

Excellent rods for the money. The action and power is very good, as is sensitivity. Most importantly for me is that they are very comfortable rods to fish with. Very versatile combo for a two rod solution, I am a bank and kayak angler. More than two rods feels cumbersome to me, so I value versatile rods. 

 

Caught fish using Ned rigs, senkos, light spinnerbaits, and swim jigs on the spinning and mostly spinner baits, chatterbaits, Texas rigs and jigs, on the casting rod. You could use more techniques, but that's my go to list. 

 

I also have a daiwa arid x 7' MH-F two piece casting rod that's very versatile,  super comfy, and pretty good value. That's my car trunk rod most times when I just want one rod for everything. 

It's coming up on sale season, you might be able to get a Tatula rods in your price range. They're pretty good.

Kistler Magnesium rods are good at a $149 price point but it's worth it to spend the extra $50 for a Kistler KLX. I have Kistler KLX, Helium, and Z-Bone rods and they are all great, though they have a higher price point.

 

I have Bass X rods as you mentioned as well and I have never had any problems with them.

@Slumped and skunked I too tend to stick in that price range and although you didn’t specify spinning or casting I will say WRB-2.0 is offering some really nice deals on spinning rods in that range. I will also add that as stated sales will be starting soon if you can wait which I’m fortunate enough to do along with waiting for the next Bass Pro Shops spring sale when I tend to trade in for an upgrade on rods and reels. Lastly at the $100.00 price point I’d suggest taking a look at 13 fishing’s Oath series which offer a complete lineup in both spinning and casting and crankbait bait specific casting models. Although I don’t own one I’m planning on doing as I said above and waiting for the sales to begin before I make my purchase decisions on them. You’ll find mixed reviews on 13 products but I have a lower priced $80.00 model and feel it’s a really good rod for the price point and although I’m planning on purchasing a spinning rod I’m keeping my lower priced one as well.  Hopefully this helps and keep us updated when you do make your decision and ultimately your purchase.

The entire Tatula XT line is outstanding. Light, sensitive and tough. The only 2 exceptions would be the 7’3”H and 7’6”H models, which are too tip heavy for my liking.

I own 5 XT sticks and use them interchangeably with my Rebs.

The glass XTs are the real darlings of the line up. Incredibly light for a composite rod.

I got into bass fishing seriously this spring and ended up buying Tatula XT’s as well and really like them. I don’t tend to go real high end, just not my style. I’m rough and tumble, so I go for decent rod at decent price.
 

I have casting rods in M and MH@7’, MH and H@7’3”, 7’ MR cranking rod and ML, M, MH spinning @7’. Every rod caught fish, though some were obvious workhorse combos. I like the way they have actions for a variety of styles and they look, feel and fish nice. I also got 7’ M and MH Fuego casters. My beater rod for tight spots and hard bank fishing is a 6’6” MH Laguna. My goal is simply to catch bass of both varieties in my state and I’m not real fancy doing it lol

Bass Pros Carbonlite. Great rods for the money 

18 hours ago, bowhunter63 said:

Bass Pros Carbonlite. Great rods for the money 

i quite enjoy my jm carbonlite "tecnique" rods. I have the glidebait and the "draggin" models, both perform well and the line-up goes on sale fairly often.

The price of fishing rods has increased for many brands, but the semi-good news is that if you're interested in some of these rods, there are sellers that have not yet raised their prices, at least in some cases. These price increases are kind of re-shuffling the deck with regard to what had been considered great "bang for the buck" rods. 

 

It does seem like the increases were mostly for higher end rods, like $250 and above, which is good news for budget constrained anglers.

 

The Daiwa Tatula is still IMHO in the "GBFTB" category at around the $150 price point. And you cab still find some of the Tatula Elite rods at the old price ($189) at some places if you were willing to stretch a bit. Now, they are $220 at most places. **cough-Dick's-cough**

 

You can also stay vigilant on the jungle site and be ready to pull the trigger when you see one you want. I recently snagged a Dobyns SUF690c there for $97 with free shipping. The next day it went up to $200.

 

I also found a Daiwa Zillion rod I liked for 30% off on a Labor Day sale, but it was 30% off of the price marked on the rod, which was $329 and brought the price down to $230.99 instead of the now normal $399.99 price it was selling for at most sellers.

 

My suggestions:

• It's best (less risky) if you can put hands on a rod before you buy if possible. Sometimes there's things about a rod that you can't truly know until you have it in your hands.
  • Take a reel that you want to use on the rod with you if possible too, or ask you mount one of theirs in the rod if possible.
• A rod you don't need and won't use isn't really a bargain at any price.
• Veteran's Day is coming up and tackle shops may be having sales to honor our veterans.
  • (incoming hot take): I like good deals as much as the next angler, but I will also willingly pay more for items at the tackle store because I think it's important to support them lest they fold because they can't compete with online sellers. Sometimes big items. I don't want them to close because it's great to have a local tackle store. (rant over)
• Rods you would use a LOT might be worth paying a little more for.
• Rods you won't use a LOT might be ones you don't invest as much in as you would for a rod you use a LOT.
• Have some rods in mind that you'd like to have, even some that sell for a little more than your budget.
• Be vigilant about searching and scouring for deals.
• Be ready to bust a move when you find a good deal on a rod you want.

Sigh. . . . Now that I look, it appears that the OP has not been back since posing his inquiry. Oh well, maybe someone else will find our feedback useful.

1 hour ago, Big Hands said:

A rod you don't need and won't use isn't really a bargain at any price.

I find that’s only the case if you feel the need to put a reel on every single rod you own.

 

I know, personally, I’ve bought rods over the years because they were a good price even though they didn’t go into the main rotation only to later come across a situation where I was glad I had it.

On 10/18/2025 at 9:48 PM, brophog said:

I know, personally, I’ve bought rods over the years because they were a good price even though they didn’t go into the main rotation only to later come across a situation where I was glad I had it.

 

That could happen.

On 10/19/2025 at 12:48 AM, brophog said:

I find that’s only the case if you feel the need to put a reel on every single rod you own.

 

I know, personally, I’ve bought rods over the years because they were a good price even though they didn’t go into the main rotation only to later come across a situation where I was glad I had it.

Sounds like the bait monkey has gotten into your head!! 😁😁

 

Been there!! The old,... "I'll find some use for it someday!!" 😜

3 hours ago, FrnkNsteen said:

Sounds like the bait monkey has gotten into your head!! 😁😁

I had to justify the need for the new rod rack.

19 minutes ago, brophog said:

I had to justify the need for the new rod rack.

And think of it this way! NOW you have all that new open space on the new rod rack!! 😂