Rod Advice

[Fishin is life]

Shimano all the way....The Curados are unbeatable and i'd say finding a rod in your price range in the Shimano lineup would be a good idea....The lifetime warranty on them is HARD to beat....I can speak first hand for their customer service....I broke a Cumara on a hookset and called them to get an addy to send the rod to...Sent it out, and in 5 days I had a brand new replacement rod....That's worth quite a bit IMO

[zimmy]

Go with Shimano. Customer service is GREAT.
Bent a handle on a Curado a couple weeks ago. Sent it in-they repaired and sent back within 2 days of receiving. No charge. I've been fighting with Lowrance for months over issues with a GPS unit.
Good company that really backs their products...just my 2cents.

[AndyG]

Hey guys need some advice. My rod and reel collection is kind of a hodge podge group that I have assembled over the last 10 years. I am now taking bass fishing more seriously and I have been enjoying fishing in tournaments the last couple of years. Now that I have a real job I am looking to basically start over on my rods and reels. I have been reading and talking to guys about the importance of having the same equipment on all of your bass rods (meaning same rod, same reel) so that there is no let off when you put one down and pick up another one.

So where I plan on starting is by upgrading my rods. I plan on starting with a 7', a 7 1/2' casting rods, and a 7' spinning rod. I was hoping to be in the 100-120 dollar range for each rod. What are your suggestions for that range? I have been looking at the Bass Pro Carbonlite rod and the Johny Morris carbon rod (I really don't see a difference between these two except for the name. Both are 85 million mod.) I have talked to some of the guys I fish with about Carrot Stix too and it seems like some love them and some aren't too enthused about them.

What rods would you suggest and why for bass fishing in that price range?

For reels I think I have decided on the Bass Pro extreme series. They seem to be decent at a good price 79 bucks each. But is there something else you would say is must to look at for a reel?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.
Jake

Here is my advice and I hope I dont repeat anyone, I havent read the replies. I would go with a name brand for both the rods and reels, one with a good warranty and that stands behind their stuff. I use shimano, for rods and reels. BPS changes their stuff once every couple years and while they may be cheap, you get a year and then its on you if it breaks or tears up. What Im saying is go with products that have been proven and will be around a while. I went the BPS route and I got some decent stuff pretty cheap. But the curados are still cranking the extremes are gone.

Also, an adjustable brake system is a must. Im not talking about the turn dial, I mean the brakes you push in and out inside the reel. They are much easier to fine tune to cast.

[JTM]

I have a couple of the BP extreme reels. They are some of the smoothest casting reels I own. I love them. Especially for the price. JMHO.