OK. I just paid off my house and truck early. Now I have some money to play with before I bury it in the yard. I am taking $500.00 to BPS. Want new baitcaster and new rod. I am sure I will get a Loomis IMX series or St. Croix legend elite series rod. So real question is I have never really looked at higher priced Shimano baicasters. Always used Citicas and have been happy. Which one is best value for money? Curado, Calais, Chronarch or I think Calcutta FE in 50 size looks intriquing. Give me some personal input. If I have to spend alittle more so be it. Thanks!

d**n... i wish i had that much to spend on fishing stuff... that would make my day

If I had a bit more then $500 I'd get a GLX Loomis rod with Chronarch. I've always wanted a Chronarch but I pay more for my rods and less on my reels.

Get a Loomis GLX though over the IMX, and spend a bit less on the reel.

If you can wait, Reedssports always has good deals online with Loomis rods. and sometimes you can luck on on ebay. I got my GLX 844C for $290 shipped to my door.

Curados are nice, I like my curado a lot , the 100 D fits my hand perfectly. And they're $165 at Delos.

I understand the satisfaction of buying the rod and reel in the store, and if I could, I probably would too. But you'll have to pay full price.

I meant to say GLX on Loomis rods. But. Looked at St Croix Legend's and they felt really nice. This may sound sad but on my new baitcaster I want something which looks really cool. I think Chronarch looks pretty slick. I bet fish dont care so I should'nt either.

I meant to say GLX on Loomis rods. But. Looked at St Croix Legend's and they felt really nice. This may sound sad but on my new baitcaster I want something which looks really cool. I think Chronarch looks pretty slick. I bet fish dont care so I should'nt either.

Oh no don't think that...

Didn't you know it is the BLING factor that catch's fish.... 8-)

Tight Lines!!!  

If you like the way your reel looks, it gives you confidence, confidence catches fish.

I care what my rods/reels look like too!

Not stupid at all.

How about a G. Loomis MBR843 or 844 IMX and a Daiwa Zillion.  That should put you just around $500.  

G.Loomis GLX MBR844C/ Shimano Chronach is a combination you can be proud of and will really enjoy, but unless you find "a deal" it's going to cost a little more than $500. I recommend that you go ahead and step it up and get that rig. You will be glad you did!

8-)

Regardless of the rod/reel, CONGRATS!!!!! on paying off the house and truck!! Man, what a great accomplishment!! Think of the freedom you can experience now in all areas of life.

Now, if I got to skip the mortgage payment this month I would have ReelMech build me a custom rod - 5C/4C70MHF (legend elite/legend tourney) and probably get a Core, 50MG or Premier to mount on it. (I'm not overlooking Loomis, but they only offer 1 other rod I want, and it isn't available in a blank.)

How about a G. Loomis MBR843 or 844 IMX and a Daiwa Zillion. That should put you just around $500.

I have the g-loomis imx mbr844 with a daiwa zillion and love this combo. I would buy another if I had $500 to BPS.

Quick qyestion for roadwarrior please. Which Chronach would you recommend for the Loomis rod recommend. 100B or 50MG? Do you really that getting the Core for 100.00 more would be worth it? I really want to go all out because I have sacrificed for several years to get to this point so I might as well indulge this one time. Well maybe two times! Thanks for all the help!!!

I have a CTE200GT (round) matched up with my MBR844C. This rod a stout piece of equipment and the Chronarch CH100B would be my suggestion, but...

I am in the process of having a rod built that I was going to have attached to a Chronarch, but after a review by the Bait Monkey, oops! I mean Raul, I have decided to go with the new Core 100MGFV.