What is the best deal I can get on a good rod for under $200? I want to use it to fish mainly soft plastics.

Take a look at the St. Croix Avid AVC68MXF baitcaster or

AVS68MXF spinning rod.

8-)

I'll go out on a limb and say there's NO best rod under $200, but more personal preference. RW's recommendation of a MXF rod will be a great choice, as well as MHXF, I prefer spinning gear.  Your going to receive alot of choices, mine is a GBlanks Custom Rod, made the way you want it for under $200. http://www.imaginationbassin.com/gblanks.htm

I have the St. Croix Avid 7' medium heavy and it is an awesome rod, and it's less than $200.

7' or shorter Powell Max rods for $139

If you try one you may never go back!

I would say a St Croix avid of some sort.

johnny morris signature series rods by bass pro shops.i don't think there's a better rod made.

johnny morris signature series rods by bass pro shops.i don't think there's a better rod made.

X2 (made at that price range)

Before I made the expensive mistake of using one of my current rods and getting spoiled, I really loved the BPS johnny morris signature series rods (owned 4 of them) and especially at the great price (and the reel ain't bad either, just a little heavy).

I do not knw the best rod, or a rod over 120 , but I will say the best rods I have ever used; FENWICK HMG

The ones that I use now, and I am very happy with them are way below 100 CABELAS FISH EAGLE II's

I like both the Powell and Shimano Crucial rods if we're talking new MSRP prices.  There are often times some great deals in the flea market though and you can buy alot of rod for $200 from time to time!  Guys are fighting over a couple of Steez rods listed today for $200 each - which was an absolute STEAL!

There are often times some great deals in the flea market though and you can buy alot of rod for $200 from time to time! Guys are fighting over a couple of Steez rods listed today for $200 each - which was an absolute STEAL!

X10

Yep, I messed up and probably missed that steez deal but it was the BEST deal for a $200 rod.

IMX from Nodaksports701 on eBay, or the Avid. Or, the flea market here.....there are some as others said, fantastic deals,

If you look hard enough, you will find IMX for that price.  I don't think there is a rod made that competes with IMX for $200 or less.  Some get close but that's as good as almost catching that PB bass.  When you are fishing plastics...  often times the biggest bass pick it up the softest.  

My favorite rod under $200 is the "Okuma Concept C3" (a real standout)

My wife's favorite rod under $200 is the "Johnny Morris Signature".

Now matter which rod you choose, be sure to couple it with the correct reel for best overall balance.

Roger

If you look hard enough, you will find IMX for that price. I don't think there is a rod made that competes with IMX for $200 or less. Some get close but that's as good as almost catching that PB bass. When you are fishing plastics... often times the biggest bass pick it up the softest.

To me the Zillion and Cumara are both more sensitive than the IMX.  I guess that is why they say sensitivity is subjective.  

Take your pick.  Quite a few great rods at that price point and the market just keeps getting more crowded.

Shimano Crucial

Kistler Magnesium

e21 Carrot Stix LTX

Fenwick HMG

Falcon Cara

Oh man I love my e21 carrot stix.