Thread: quality vs cost

Sounds like good equipment to me....I have some Trion reels and really like them.

It's not what the equipment cost.Its what it cost to replace it. What will it cost you to replace what you have? "its not the equipment. it's how you use the equipment.Rod and Reel. Buy what you can afford and learn to use it.

I'm a mixture of what's already been said. have a couple of Shimano Curado's and they aren't top of the line but not cheap either. They just don't wear out, stay smooth as when they were new. I also have some Quantum Octane reels that are just as smooth and half the weight and half the price. Understanding that I came from Ambassadeur reels, both of these are far and away easier to use all day, but the Ambassadeur's are still going too, speaking for their quality. All these are Baitcasting reels, but I have first hand experience with them.
Spinning reels are a little different. I have never spent over$60 on any spinner for any purpose, with one exception. That was a big Penn spinner for Tarpon and sold it for most of what I paid for it. Point there is that most quality equipment holds it's value should you change your mind. I found a Diawa Capricorn 2000 series spinner used for $25 that was $85 when new. It does one thing that no other reel has ever done, including another identical to this one, and that is to turn over by nothing more than the weight of the handle. Absolutely THE smoothest reel I have ever held. Spooled with 4lb and riding a 6'6" Lightning Rod that is out of production it is my absolute favorite. The rod was a gift and I wondered if I would like it or it would ride the rack when I got it. Little did I know. I also have many spinners that cost lots less and refuse to give up. Shimano Slade reels that were $10 used when I bought them 12 years ago are still doing the job. Also have a couple of Presidents that are very nice, but I'm basically cheap and won't spend what the new ones bring.
I have a pair of the Micro Lite rods that you speak of and would buy another 2 or 3 just to have because I feel they are a good tool for a great price. Most of the long rods I have were bought on recommendations from many others. I am also with Fatman in that balance is very important. Taking the reel of choice with you and strapping it to the rod is a big deal for me. If I'm going to spend the day with this in my hand, it has to work well and not tire the forearm. I hear folks ask about rods for shooting docks. I tend to use whatever is in my hand when the shot arises. Broken a few this way too but they weren't high on my list of likes either.
Finding a good rod can take lots of homework or happen by accident. If you see a rod in another's arsenal, ask to give it a spin. You may like it from a distance but hate it in your hand. I have an expensive(to me) rod in mind to go with one of my Presidents and may one day bring it home, but til then I'm happy with what I have and learn something new that I can do with them all the time.

No matter the size of your wallet, you cannot buy success - in fishing or life.

I have three pfleugers and they are my favorites. I have a president fly reel, a president bait caster and a trion spin. I really want a St Croix spinning rod, lightweight. I mostly use an Abu Garcia vendetta combo and use a fenwick with the trion. Love both.

Any rod will catch fish, and you can enjoy yourself and your time on the water. But if its in the budget, nothing compares to a Loomis.

For light and ultra light rods ......used for casting.....I have owned just about any sold in the USA ranging from 19 dollars through 250 dollars. At the top end of that have been the Phenix trout rods.....the Loomis trout rods. I no longer own any of them.....they have all been given away to my sons and or to charitable organizations that needed equipment for kids to fish with. In no way do I recommend anyone to purchase Japanese Domestic Market rods and reels......as I have done. It is a bad habit to get into.....if you break one of those rods you are going to cry like a baby......as I'm sure I will when I break one of mine. The high end is expensive.....the medium end is expensive. But from
the medium up to the high end JDM rods will blow a Loomis out of the water. There is no comparison......if one ever uses a JDM rod there will be no turning back. They are that good. The reels that are made in Japan......are finely machined.....nothing like them here. As has already been said.....you don't need expensive gear to catch fish. But for those that do want high end gear Japan is the place to buy it from.

Regards


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Shimano and pflueger reels / Okuma rods . I usually give one away to a nephew to justify a new one . lol