Are more expensive rods worth it?
Jul 7, 2021 13:17:06 #
Would a ~60$ rod with the same specs ( lenght, lure rating etc. ) cast the same distance as a ~150$ rod? Are there any other perks?
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by Feralnati
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by Feralnati
Jul 7, 2021 13:22:21 #
Ferainati: I really don't know how to answer your question, since I don't buy expensive rods. Once, i had a custom rod made to my specifications. On the very first trip, my wife drops an Igloo ice chest on it and breaks off about 6'' of the tip. I never got to fish with my custom rod in its original length. i put on another tip guide and used it anyway, not as intended. Considering that I came from fishing with a willow pole and cord and a worm on a hook, I can be easily satisfied with an Ugly Stick. Reels, now that's different, I have and still use Shimano reels. Just Syin...RJS
Jul 7, 2021 13:34:52 #
FS Digest wrote:
Would a ~60$ rod with the same specs ( lenght, lure rating etc. ) cast the same distance as a ~150$ rod? Are there any other perks?
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by Feralnati
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by Feralnati
Let's answer that question by just saying that a custom-built rod will cast father than a factory-built rod. A $150.00 rod will not be a "good" custom-built rod unless you are doing the building and you are doing it correctly. The materials alone will cost you $150.00. Are you thinking about building one for yourself?
Jul 7, 2021 14:33:07 #
FS Digest wrote:
Would a ~60$ rod with the same specs ( lenght, lure rating etc. ) cast the same distance as a ~150$ rod? Are there any other perks?
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by Feralnati
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by Feralnati
Not likely. A higher end rod will more than likely use better components (rod blank, handle, guides, etc). This will transfer into a better experience such as being able to feel every bite, feel the difference between a rock and a log, sand and gravel, etc. The specs may be similar, but the action may differ immensely. We have some very knowledgeable rod builders on the Stage and Flyguy is one of them. These guys know their stuff. I hope you find what you’re looking for.
Jul 8, 2021 13:54:36 #
trlittle
Loc: Chico CA
FS Digest wrote:
Would a ~60$ rod with the same specs ( lenght, lure rating etc. ) cast the same distance as a ~150$ rod? Are there any other perks?
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by Feralnati
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by Feralnati
Great Question
For touchy feely stuff, a more expensive rod would be better.
Trolling, probably not.
Fly Rods, definitely
Why worry, as you will probably buy more rods in the future anyway!!!!
Jul 8, 2021 14:28:55 #
Question is more, "How does it feel in your hands?" For how it casts: Do you cast a "Bullet"? If you can where you want it to go, then it is money well spent, if it costs $50 or $300.
More to the point,"How many eyelets does it have?" I have a 7 foot rod with 8 eyelets that casts almost as far as my 10 foot surf rod with 6 eyelets. More eyelets ='s less line slap and more distance. IMO Of Course.
More to the point,"How many eyelets does it have?" I have a 7 foot rod with 8 eyelets that casts almost as far as my 10 foot surf rod with 6 eyelets. More eyelets ='s less line slap and more distance. IMO Of Course.
Jul 8, 2021 14:32:28 #
Cast further ? Not sure, I’m really not into bomb casting that much
Now where higher end rods shine is balance and sensitivity.
Bottom contact fishing is really a whole other game when using a high end rod matched for the application . this is where the balance and sensitivity makes a difference
For moving baits, spinner baits, crankbaits, stuff where a bite is pretty obvious, sensitivity becomes less important.
If you are launching live bait rigs with heavy sinkers, and watching the rod tip bend for strike detection., a high end rod won’t be of much benefit
Now where higher end rods shine is balance and sensitivity.
Bottom contact fishing is really a whole other game when using a high end rod matched for the application . this is where the balance and sensitivity makes a difference
For moving baits, spinner baits, crankbaits, stuff where a bite is pretty obvious, sensitivity becomes less important.
If you are launching live bait rigs with heavy sinkers, and watching the rod tip bend for strike detection., a high end rod won’t be of much benefit
Jul 8, 2021 16:37:55 #
bottomcoon
Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma
I had a conversation with an engineer at the Falcon Rod plant in Broken Arrow, Ok last year about this very subject. Falcon made some super nice rods in the upper price range & their mid priced rods were hard to beat. The man told me there was more difference between a $50 rod & a $150 rod than there was between a $150 & a $300 rod. He went into pressures, rosins, hardners, carbon fibers & that's where he lost me. When I buy a new rod I put the reel I intend to use on that rod & try out how it feels to me. It's got to fit me & it must feel like part of my arm. The rod isn't going to feel better later on. The rod is what it is right now & it will never change, unless you're Robert Samples. I have some excellent older Falcon rods but I'll probably never own another new one. All new Falcon's are made in China. I've been told that Chinese carbon fiber is just not equal in quality to US carbon fiber. I don't know how true that is.
Jul 8, 2021 16:44:11 #
Jul 8, 2021 18:06:53 #
maddog10e
Loc: Woburn
FS Digest wrote:
Would a ~60$ rod with the same specs ( lenght, lure rating etc. ) cast the same distance as a ~150$ rod? Are there any other perks?
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by Feralnati
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by Feralnati
They would cast the same, but the sensitivity will be phenomenally different. So if you're casting a lure or trolling, no big difference. If you're fishing off the bottom, you want that improved sensitivity. I use $150 St.Croix spinning rods to bottom fish for trout, and they improved my success rate versus Ugly Sticks.
Jul 8, 2021 18:12:50 #
Chuck56
Loc: Texas
All good comments here. Casting distance isn’t just accomplished with the rod. It has a lot to do with reel settings too. So, yeah, theoretically cheap rods can cast as far. The perks to the more expensive rods is sensitivity , weight and bulk of the rod. Better rods are lighter and smaller diameter and have the same rating specs as the cheapos....Are they worth it ? Yeah, in my opinion. Get the best rod you can afford . ...My 2cents.
Jul 8, 2021 19:48:25 #
If you're casting all day, a graphite is much lighter than glass. Your body will thank you.
If you're looking for a cannon, the fine touch of a light bite is moot. The fish are in attack mode. If you are flipping for bass in heavy Lilly pads or heavy cover, you could use a pool stick and carpenters cord. When surf fishing, I use 3 rods. All are 12 foot. One is glass as I use it to cast out past the breakers and sit. The next closer is in a trough, the 3rd I use for close range casting.
The type of real also determines the distance as the type of line will also. Match the rod to the weight being thrown, add a good reel and line. A well made rod will give you long service as a good reel does also. My father liked his Ugly stick, but he didn't cast fish tournaments all day.
If you fish alot, you'll appreciate a better rod. If you only fish occasionally, you probably won't notice the difference.
If you're looking for a cannon, the fine touch of a light bite is moot. The fish are in attack mode. If you are flipping for bass in heavy Lilly pads or heavy cover, you could use a pool stick and carpenters cord. When surf fishing, I use 3 rods. All are 12 foot. One is glass as I use it to cast out past the breakers and sit. The next closer is in a trough, the 3rd I use for close range casting.
The type of real also determines the distance as the type of line will also. Match the rod to the weight being thrown, add a good reel and line. A well made rod will give you long service as a good reel does also. My father liked his Ugly stick, but he didn't cast fish tournaments all day.
If you fish alot, you'll appreciate a better rod. If you only fish occasionally, you probably won't notice the difference.
Jul 8, 2021 20:41:34 #
HooknJack wrote:
I go by the feel of the rod not the cost.
That’s what I do have two glass rods I bought fifteen years back 7 ft. I use with my bait casting reels love them think 🤔 I paid 30 bucks for them can’t really remember. That’s 30 bucks each😁
Jul 8, 2021 20:50:52 #
I take kids out fishing and they step on, break or just loose the rods over the side into the drink. I pick up elcheapo rods from yard sale for them knowing they will be abused. I still use a better rod for myself. The kids can't tell the difference.
Jul 8, 2021 21:38:49 #
Yes they are worth it but you don’t have to use them to catch more and enjoy catching fish. I know of some rods ( brands )that perform as well as some more expensive ones to the point that blindfolded you could not tell which was more expensive. Both having excellent quality components.
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