Rod / reel suggestions

[Rangersedge]

Looked at a 7 ft St Croix avid panfish rod and a Shimano vanford 2000A reel at Scheels this week. Kind of tempted to splurge on a nice combo. Would that be a good one? Is there a better one for the money?

[skeetbum]

I have two Diawa Legalis reels riding two Diawa Trout X rods, one is 5’6” and the other a 6’. Rod and reel both about $80 when I bought them and it was money well spent. Both reels are shallow spool versions from Japan with 4.5 pound Varivas braid. Casting fools, both of them. Got a 21” catfish on one of my jigs the last trip out and it was fun on the large scale.

With the Vanfords price point, I would also suggest that you try to handle a Diawa Presso reel. I’ve owned a lot of reels and for just a few extra bucks you’d be in the price range of one of these. Best I’ve ever owned and will buy another, given the need and the chance.