I'm looking for recommendations for a rod and reel combo for a beginner. I know I could walk into academy and get a pretty cheap set up, but I'm trying to find something thats easy to teach with.

I'll take recommendations for both spinning and baitcasting combos.

Thanks in advance.

H20 express mettle with an all star classic. The rod selection at academy is junk so I wouldn't spend much on one there.

if they are just starting get a zebco 33 and a 6'6" rod, this will let them learn to cast and when they get accurate and have some time on the water move them up to a baitcaster. worst thing you could do is give them something that will be a constant pain (working out backlashes) and cause problems.
teach them how to spot cover, cast to it and retrieve along with lure selection and why certain lures are used first then do the baitcast.

What BanD said h2o mettle and allstar classic is a good rig and won't break you.I bought my grandson one and he loves it he was14 when he got it .i watched him catch a 6# bass on it ,his biggest

For a teenager I would go to BassPro and pick up one of their spinning combos when they run them on sale. They are quality combos and will last a long time with reasonable care.

I would start with H20 or pro qualifier at BPS but main thing is to put your rod down and focus on him and only use your rod to show examples.

Ugly Stik GX-2 youth spinning combo $40 or Pflueger Trion GX-7 spinning combo $50

For baitcasters,
agree with H2O mettle + Allstar rod

I was just about to ask this same question I want to get my 10 year old a bait caster to learn with he wants "a big boy reel"

Went through this a few years ago when we adopted my 11 year old (at the time) nephew - I got him a few of the H20 reels and rods on sale. I was worried about him backlashing, etc.. but I set it up for him, and had him practice in the yard quite a bit, he picked it up quicker and easier than I thought he would. I probably back lash more than he does....

I guess a good question to as is not what brand but what power and action would be a good choice

Thanks guys! Yeah my 13 year old brother keeps asking me to go fishing and wants his own fishing pole. I keep telling him that I got lots of learning to do. So if he'll be patient with me, I'll be patient with him, haha. Hopefully this is the beginning of a life-long fishing buddy!

7'med heavy spooled with 12-15lb big game covers everythig a beginner needs.

Go to Anglers Pro Tackle and get the kid a good used rig. Talk to Rick and he will guide you through it. I have done this for several kids and not disappointed. Rick thinks I have just lost a lot of rigs over board.

Good idea. They also have baitcast combos as well, but I would start with spinning or a spincast.

I think I saw a Lew's baitcast combo at Academy the other day for $99. I didn't stop and look at it, but it might be worth checking out.