When I first started tournament angling the difference between a good or poor rod was easily noticeable. Weight, strength, sensitivity, and price were all defining attributes. Today’s rod manufacturers aren’t playing around; the new generations of rods are on a more level playing field. I have most of the major brands of rods, in the past I chose G-Loomis as the high dollar rod I invested in. This was due to its sensitivity, weight and strength; price was not as easy to swallow. Now I’m not saying I don’t invest in expensive rods, today however a couple different attributes come to mind. Price point has become a major concern, along with warranty. That doesn’t mean quality takes a hit, Manufacturers such as Dobyns rods (who by the way make a tremendous rod) make a couple different rods with price points starting around $149.00-$339.00. Their Rod selection however starts at high quality (savvy series) and ends at extreme high quality (champion extreme). These rods are some of the best on the market and when I need a rod that is sensitive light and strong there were I turn first.
I was recently blown away by a new rod Abu Garcia VERITAS. The new trend in rods is color, this one is white. A better eye grabber than the color is the price ranges from 99.99-119.99 for any VERITAS rod. After using the VERITAS all day landing some decent size fish, three plus pounders it definitely was worth the price this 7 foot medium rod whipped my crankbait a mile and landed the fish every time. Enough give to keep the trebles engaged and enough backbone to lead those lunkers to the net. Warranty is decent three year limited, sensitivity: good, strength: good weight: good. Here’s the deal with a crankbait rod I don’t need all the benefits you get with a high dollar flippn’ stick. So finding a great priced rod with solid features made me happy.
Click here for ABU Garcia Veritas Rods
On your next rod purchasing trip don’t forget to check out alternative brands, they just might surprise you and your spouse might not complain as much.
Good luck out there, Big Ed
