I've got a BPS Extreme combo that I've been struggling with for a number of years. Basically, i can't throw anything under half an ounce, and under 3/4 ounce, I'm babying it ridiculously.

So, I just bought a virtually new Team Diawa Viento ($199 reel) for $85 from Shimano4life. I have always wondered if the amount of $ you spend on a casting reel really matters, and it really DOES! I put it on the same BPS Extreme rod and it made a HUGE difference! I love this reel and backlash a fraction of the times I did with my old BPS Extreme combo. My recommendation for a beginner, get a GOOD reel used, and some cheap heavy action or med-heavy action rod. The heavier action produces less backlash because it whips the lure less. He can always replace the rod with a good BPS Carbonlite rod at $99.