I use really good reels, but (don't laugh) I don't use the really high end rods - most of mine are basic $20-30 rods. But I hear so many people talking about Falcon Cara's, All Stars, St. Croix or even G. Loomis ... I've never used one... but how much difference does it really make ? Several of mine are the Academy Tournament Choice rods .. I can cast them well and esp C-rigs I can really feel the bottom ... where would I notice the difference ? Would I be likely to be wondering "how did I live without these before" after upgrading ?

I found myself asking the same question a few years back. I used BPS rods then and felt I caught plenty of fish with them. After some research I decided to try a few Falcon rods. Right off the bat I noticed a huge difference. I felt the improved sensitivity on presentations where it was critical. I noticed I felt lighter bites better. I also began to notice other factors such as durability and I felt I had better control while fighting and landing fish. It was enough of a difference that I switched to all Falcon rods. I used them in all their various models for about 3 years. I had Original, Lowrider, and Cara and Expert models.


I began to ask myself if these were this good how would Loomis rods feel? While looking at the Loomis rods I came across St. Croix. They felt better than the Loomis to me. I bought two and used them a few weeks. What I am gonna say next is in no way knocking Falcon as they make GREAT rods but to me I had never felt anything as light and sensitive as the St. Croix Avids. I made the decision to upgrade to St. Croix because to me they just felt right and felt like the best rod for me. I bought a few more at that point. I also sold all my Falcons to finance the St. Croix rods.One thing led to another and I managed to get on a writer's program with them. This past year I was added to their pro staff and today all I use are the Avid series though I am gonna order St. Croix Legend Elites in December for flipping/pitching rods. To me they make a huge difference in my fishing. I can literally feel if my bait is crooked on the hook at all while flipping and pitching and feel that I connect on a few more bites because of them. Thats my opinion. I used them BEFORE I was sponsored by them based on their performance alone. I feel that due to their lighter weight I can fish longer without arm fatigue also.


I will also say that each individual must evaluate their level of fishing. Will a Loomis or a St. Croix make a novice better? Doubtful in my opinion. As you advance skill wise so should your equipment. You can catch fish and have a blast on entry level gear. Nothing wrong with that at all. I try and dissuade guys from trying to keep up with the Jones's. Simply buy equipment that feels right to you and your experience level. Do not ley myself or anyone else influence yoir decision based on what we like. In the end I feel if you stick with any of the major brands you will be happy. I would definitely use Falcon rods still had I not found the St. Croix brand.

Ask to experiment with other brands that your friends use. Try them on the water and see for yourself. I apologize for length of response. Thanks Mark

probass911,
Thanks for the detailed response! You reflect my experience with the switch to Falcon from "lesser" rods. I am planning to move up to Loomis soon.

Thanks. the best advice I could give is to make the purchase based on what is best for you. We all have prefernces but each individual is different. I would hate to reccommend a rod to someone and it not meet their expectations.

Come into Bps and but one and use the 20% off coupon before the end of the year. THe top of the line (GLX) $345 (IMX) $245 Check all of em out.

FACE DOWN IN CABO

its kinda like autos, boats, reels , the cheaper things catch fish just like the high end stuff. i've been fishing since 1970 in bass clubs and have owned the high dollar boats rods reels .... one thing i learned a longtime ago you cant catch fish going 70 mph. and that fish won't know if its being reeled in on a 200.00 rod or a 30.00 rod ,i use the rods i like not what is the new??? worlds greatest or what the pros have to have. i spent all that money FISHING AND LEARNING . going fishing while all the others can't because they spent all their money on equipment. BUT THEN I AM NOT EASILY IMPRESSED. KINDA DO IT MY WAY!!! BUT THIS IS JUST MY .02

My thinking used to be like yours. I always used the cheap rods. I guess I still do. I have a tournament choice rod that I slab and throw crankbaits with. I really like the rod. I will eventually try a falcon rod. But got a kiddo on the way so the new rod will have to wait.

I always thought the same about reels as well. And finally broke down and bought a combo curado and BPS rod. That curado is one smooooth reel.

I guess people can tell you the difference but until you feel it is tough to know.

Probass911 is right on the money, but i gotta tell you about 5 years ago I bought a cheap fiberglass rod 7' , from a pawn shop for crankbaits and topwaters. I almost never miss a fish with that rod. It doesn't take expensive rods for all types of fishing. I have 2 expensive rods that i use for worm fishing . then the rest are medium priced except for the fiberglass one. Don't get me wrong though, if I had the money I'd have all expensive rods except for my fiberglass rod.Ha!Ha!

wow .. thanx for the all the replies guys ... it really helps, and just reinforces what I thought. I wondered how much more sensitive they would be and I feel like I'm at a point where the sensitivity would be a big help for me to feel those light bites, etc ..

Mark thanx for the detailed description .. that does help ! I wish stores had a way you could test a couple of the rods just to see the feel and compare ..

You don't need to spend lots of money for rods. I have a couple of the bass pro shops extreme graphite rods and have had them for years.

Falcon is my top rod and Curado is my top reel. All you need in my opinion...

It all depends on what U are using it for. I know a more expensive rod will have more sensitivity than a cheap-o rod. If you are t-rigin then try a higher grade rod and see what u think. If you are throwin a crankbait then it doesnt matter as much. Sensitivity is everything when throwing worms etc.. $300 rods are out of my equation but a good $100-150 is still within reach for just a couple of my rigs. Dont let your buddies up in front without an insurance policy if using a gloomis. My friend tend to step on eyelets to much for that. Maybe someday they will learn.

Mark, I've never met you, but after reading a couple hundred of your posts, I'm beginning to wonder if you're much of a drinking man. It seems like every other post your tipping a bottle. :p :p

I have always woundered the same thing about these expensive rods. I too use the bp extreme rods and love them but have always thought about upgrading to the falcons and the loomis.. Just cant see myself spending that much on a rod. I still am tempted to purchase at least one and see if I can feel the diffrence betwine the cheaper and the more expensive.. If I feel that it does make a diffrence than they are worth buying but it would have to be little by little..

I love it when folks put better fish in the boat and buy most of their stuff from Walmart....

Lower end Shimano Citica's ($35.00 on ebay) and a decent rod such as a Falcon Classic ($45.00 on ebay) is all you need. Way less than $100.00 for a great set-up...

I could never justify spending over $100.00 for a freshwater combo...and yes, I have used the GLX and IMX with the chronarch....yadi yadi yadi...overpriced marketing...

Fill the ice-chests....

Salsa

I'm not talking about keeping up with the Jones's, status, wanting to look like a pro, buying something because some really cool and snazzy marketing sold me on it ...

I'm just talking about the actual quality of the "higher end" rods yielding better feeling/working rod in my hand. From a lot of those that have used them it makes me want to pony up and buy one to see for myself ..