I bought a Ardent C400 reel off a guy who used it for two tournaments and it is in great condition. I paid him $80 and they go for $150 new. I'm using it for crankbaits and it's the one with the 5.0:1 gear ratio. While I'm at it which rod would you recommend for it between a St Croix Mojo Glass Crankbait Rod, Shimano Compre Crankbait Rod, Castaway Go 2 Crankin Rod, or an Abu Garcia Vendetta Rod? They are all within my optimal price range of $100.

St.Croix Premier if you can squeeze a snippit more.

I can't comment on the C400, but I have the XS1000 and I think it is great. If it was me, I would go with the Premier or the Compre, I have both of those rods and they are both very similar. I can't comment on the others, although the Vendettas feel pretty tip heavy. Maybe look at the Lamiglas Excels and Falcon Bucoos in that price range, heard good things about both.

That looks great! Thanks I'll check them out next time I'm at BPS.

Compre

Should I wait for the new compre or is the old one better? I am a fan of cork grips and the new one seems to have eva grip.

Should I wait for the new compre or is the old one better? I am a fan of cork grips and the new one seems to have eva grip.

Get the new one. It has the old Crucial blank, which is MUCH much better IMO.

Even if you HATE eva like me, it's performance first.

Alright, I'll be sure to check out the Premier and Compre when I make a trip to BPS this month.

If they have the new Compre, get it. Blow's the Premier out of the water (I owned a Crucial). However if not just get a Premier. Also look at the Falcon Bucoo's.

I've owned a Premier. Bucoo, Crucial, Johnny Morris Signature Series II, and a Gander Mountain GSX Titanium. If you have any questions on any of these feel free to PM me.

My choice would also be the new compre. Another good option would be the veritas crank but I don't think it is out yet.