OK, I posted a question not long ago comparing Falcon and St. Croix. I just can't make up my mind. I've only used a Falcon and I love the way you can feel those little nips.

I am looking to buy 2-3 rods and I don't want to sacrafice quality if I can. I'm thinking around $100-$150 with $160 being my max. If I can get two really top quality rods for $300 vs. three really good rods for $300, I'd prefer the top quality. I don't like buying a rod without knowing first hand experience.

However, if there is not much difference between a $100 rod and a $160 rod, I think I'd rather get three rods.

Brands I'm looking at?

- St. Croix (everyone here says buy the Avid series)

- Falcon (my buddy swears by them)

- Gblank (only know what people say here)

- GLoomis (name says it all)

- Dobyns(?) I don't know much about them other than what people say here.

What type of fishing rod am I looking for? Medium to Firm shaft with flexable tip for sensitivity.

Baitcaster:

Trigger rod, Medium action or maybe a Medium Heavy (if it's really sensitive)

I've got a nice BPS baitcaster that I will use for pitching & flipping finesse jigs, larger jigs, crankbaits on occasion, t-rig, and maybe a c-rig. I like the Medium action rod because it's not a broom stick. I like the flex of a Medium rod. I have two MH rods now and they are a bit stiff with little sensitivity.

Spinning:

Medium action period. I want this rod for my Abu spinning reel for drop-shot, spooks, spoons, senko type baits, shakey head, flukes, etc.

Spinning (alternate)

If I can afford three rods, the third will be a 6ft spinning rod for my Pfleuger ultralight reel. This reel so far on a 6'-6" rod is VERY nice. It has the finesse of a spinning reel and the compact size of an ultralight. I can throw baby spooks, pop-r, small buzzbaits, flukes, etc. I would want a medium light action for this rod.

So which is it, Falcon, St. Croix, G-Blank, GLoomis, or Dobyns? :-/

EDIT:

This statement sums up my question in few words! ;D

Is there a practical dfference between a top-end St. Croix and a more expensive top-end G Loomis? Are you such a good fisherman that you can really obtain a beneift from whatever the Loomis offers over the St. Croix? If you are, great. Or if you just want the Loomis name, great. If not, why spend the extra money?

I'm not sure as to which you ought to go with, but I'll toss in another option...Shimano Crucial rods.  I own three of them and I love them, great rods!

two top of the line g loomis for $300, must be cheap copies.

two top of the line g loomis for $300, must be cheap copies.

GLoomis sells rods for under $300.  I have seen one around $200 a peice.  I through in the name well.....because of the legendary name.  If I need to spend a bit more, than I' willing to look at that if there is sufficient justification.

I was in the same boat as you a few months back.

I purchased 2 shimano crucial rods for $139.00 each.

They scream quality and they can't be beat at this price point.

They come in different models to fit every type of bass fishing.

You can find em here: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20372&id=0030802119430a&navCount=1&podId=0030802&parentId=cat20372&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20372&hasJS=true

And a review here: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocrucial.html

I suggest two quality rods:

Baitcasting:  http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=670

Spinning:  http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=2692

Hit "add to cart" to see your actual cost after discount. No sales tax and no shipping charges.

I suggest two quality rods:

Baitcasting: http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=670

Spinning: http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=2692

Hit "add to cart" to see your actual cost after discount. No sales tax and no shipping charges.

Thanks RW....that is a sweet deal.

I'm still questioning sensitivity between the St. Croix and the Falcon. I've played with them in a local store and it seems the Falcon is a bit more sensitive. Am I wrong or right? You can't tell by playing with one in a store. I'd rather fish with both to see the real difference but that's not much of an option.

TWO questions:

1) Does a rod balancer really increase the sensitivity of a rod?  I saw a kit that advertised "up to 300% increase in sensitivity".  I'm skeptical of that.  What is the benefit of a rod balancer?

2) What are these "split grip" rods that I'm seeing?  What's the benefit?

I have fished with them all.  Falcon, AllStar, Castaway, GLoomis, Berkley, Shimano and St. Croix.  Personally I will never fish with anything other than St. Croix as long as they are making them.  Out of the the 11 rods I have in my rod locker I have 10 St. Croix Legend Tournament Series and 1 GLoomis.  In my opinion they are just built better, have a better warranty and are much more sensitive.  Even the Avid series or Premiere Series.

My 2 cents.

Jerrod