Anybody use this rod and reel combo?  I will be getting into some tournament bass fishing this upcoming season and I am looking for an affordable baitcaster and was wondering if this rod and reel was sufficient?  If not, other affordable recommendations?  This rod and reel got great reviews on the Bass Pro website and this is the reason I was leaning towards it.  Any opinions would be appreciated.

I have several of the rods and consider them ok for moving baits. IMO, if you want to stick with the BPS brands, the Bionic Blade would be a better option. Sorry I can't help ya with the reel, I don't own one or even know anyone that has one.

If you check out ebay or on this site you can get great deals on some really nice reels and rods. I would personally do that before getting a Tourney Special.

I own 3 of these combos. I know a lot of people say you get what you pay for and I also live by this slogan. With that being said I have to say these combos have met all my expectations and a lot more. I have been using them for 1 1/2 years now and have no complaints. Well worth the money! Like you I bought these combos when I first got into tournament fishing. I wanted a combo that offered a good amount of rod options and did not break the bank which in turn allowed me to be able to purchase several rods, as is needed for tournament fishing. The reels have a good gear ratio, great balance, im7 graphite which is pretty sensative and overall just a good look to it. Overalll I dont think you will be dissapointed.

I would like to add however, as you progress in your bass fishing and baitcasting skills you will find yourself wanting to upgrade to maybe some lighter more sensative combos. After I realized how much I enjoyed tournament fishing I added a couple Daiwa Zillion Reels paired with Daiwa Tough and Lite Rod combos to my arsenal. I now use my BP Tourney Specials strictly for crankin and spinnerbaits and my Daiwas for Jiggin/Wormin and Finesse techniques.

I dont think you will be dissapointed if you happen to get the Tourney Specials!

I have a tourney spinning rod 7' med 8/17 with a capitva reel, I used mine for bonita in the ocean.  Handled the bonita ok, rod does have some spine, but it's too heavy for a bass rod imo, I get tired just looking at sit in the corner.  This rod just collects dust now, I should just throw it out, for 50 bucks you can do a lot better.

I own 3 of these combos. I know a lot of people say you get what you pay for and I also live by this slogan. With that being said I have to say these combos have met all my expectations and a lot more. I have been using them for 1 1/2 years now and have no complaints. Well worth the money! Like you I bought these combos when I first got into tournament fishing. I wanted a combo that offered a good amount of rod options and did not break the bank which in turn allowed me to be able to purchase several rods, as is needed for tournament fishing. The reels have a good gear ratio, great balance, im7 graphite which is pretty sensative and overall just a good look to it. Overalll I dont think you will be dissapointed.

I would like to add however, as you progress in your bass fishing and baitcasting skills you will find yourself wanting to upgrade to maybe some lighter more sensative combos. After I realized how much I enjoyed tournament fishing I added a couple Daiwa Zillion Reels paired with Daiwa Tough and Lite Rod combos to my arsenal. I now use my BP Tourney Specials strictly for crankin and spinnerbaits and my Daiwas for Jiggin/Wormin and Finesse techniques.

I dont think you will be dissapointed if you happen to get the Tourney Specials!

I totally agree with everything said above. Let me add one more possibilty, IF you can spend a bit more and aren't tied to BPS. For $20 more, Cabelas has a Daiwa Exceler Combo that I think would be a pretty good deal for you. Just an idea. Enjoy whatever you get!

If you wait till next week, the Tourney Special combos go on sale for $60.  I'm looking at their sale flyer right here.

If you wait till next week, the Tourney Special combos go on sale for $60. I'm looking at their sale flyer right here.

That would make it that much better of a combo! In my past experience though, you should be ready to purchase right away because they go fast!