hey guys, im upgrading to a nice spinning rig.

i wanted to buy a st. croix premier and a shimano symetre.

is this a good combo? are the rod and reel both well built and good quality (for the price range)

are there any better rods or reels that you could suggest in this price range?

thanks guys

Reel is excellent.

You can't go wrong with the St. Croix.

I have one and it is a very good rod.

I guess this means you are not going to take your mother to BPS and shop for a new spinning combo?

Can't vouch for the particular St.Croix you will be using, but can tell you that I have had success with the Symetre. Great drag, not the smoothest spinner you'll use, but hasn't failed to bring in smallies or LMB. I also use it in the Chesapeake Bay for Spot and Blues (yea, I'm pushing the limits of this reel with Bluefish). It needs a bit more oil and grease than my other reels. I own the 4000 matched with a 7' Ugly Stick for Freshwater and have put 14 Lbs fireline on it for the Bay.

I like the fenwick hmg better.

Sam, BPS is quite a drive away and i can only make it up there one or two times a year. and i went recently last month. so thats not much of an option.

and i dont want any BPS branded stuff. i looked on their website and it seemed all of their combos were on a BPS rod.

seems like the symetre is a winner for the price. how about the premier? anyone have a good review with those?