When talking spinning rods what are some of your favorites for under a 100 bones? I'm kinda partial to Bionic Blades. I own a few and have had no problems. I love thier 6'5" medium heavy.
I like the action of the Bionic Blades, but I have had the tape around the guides wear through. This has happened on several of them and I have broken a few of the Medium action spinning rods. Perhaps you should consider the Extreme Rods. They seem to fair a little better for an inexpensive rod. I also like the Fish Eagle II rods from Cabela's. For a cheap rod, they seem to hold up very well. But I don't like the guide sizes they offer, so for me application is limited for these rods.
Anyone have experience with All Star Rods? They have a good price point, so I was thinking of giving them a try this year.
When I started to read your intial post, I was thinking "Bionic Blade", then I noticed you mentioned it too. I really like the things, they are solid and sensitive, I especially like the 6'-6" medium, it's my favorite tube rod. I have broken a couple, but BPS replaces them every time ;D
Not to be partial to BPS, I also have a Guide Series rod from Gander that I can't live without. 6'-6" medium paired with a 100 size curado, the best flippin' and pitchin' rig I have found to date. Very nimble and light, easy to hit pinpoint spots.
Both of those rods are about $60 last time I checked. :o
I use about 11 All Stars and really like them all - especially the 7' graphite crankbait rods. I haven't tried any of the new models yet.
They still make the Team All Star and I really like my 7' Team All Star tube rod. The rest of mine are Titaniums and I don't know yet how they compare to the new Platinums. They have some lower end rods I'd like to check out because I expect they are probably still pretty nice knowing the commitment to quality I have seen.
Best rod for the money IMO is an Airrus. They are light, very sensitive, and as strong as they come. Plus they have an unconditional lifetime warranty. That 'limited lifetime warranty' is for the birds.
I have fished with the Centurion model ($54.95), the Co Matrix ($94.95 ) and the Specta AFT models ($149.95). So far my favorite is the Co Matrix. I havent had the opportunity to use the Ultra XL yet, but i have 3 on the way and look foward to playing with them this season.
If your ever in the Waterford area, check them out at KD OUTDOORS on Highland Rd ( M59) and look for them at Gander Mountian in the near future.
PoorBoy himself :-\'
I am a big fan of the ugly stick. You cant break them, you can use them for a marine radio antenna and still catch lots of big ol bass with them. There is no better rod for draggin tubes in the north channel. :D
For me it is the rods i build I can make a 200 rod for less than 100. Can't beat that.