Buyer's Guide: Best Rod and Reel Combos Under $500

With a $500 budget you can find incredible rod and reel combos! Many companies use this price point to help anglers transition into high-end tackle. The differences in sensitivity and value at the price point are amazing! Want to feel every rock, every twig, and every soft bite in cold water? You can do it with these combos!

If you've ever wondered what "high-end" feels like, you can find out with a $250 rod and $250 reel and save yourself hundreds of dollars over the ultra high-end offerings that we'll be covering in tomorrow's video. These "mid-range" rods come with high-end sensitivity at a great price. Rods like the Shimano Expride and Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS will change your entire fishing experience.

In addition to highly sensitive rods the reels available at this price are next level. Ultra smooth and durable are the best way to describe these offerings. Below you'll find a breakdown of each combo (in order of appearance), including a handful of model recommendations for each and a direct link to Tackle Warehouse where you can see the detailed descriptions for each.

Combo #1...

-G Loomis IMX Pro Casting Rod: http://bit.ly/2lVATTC

Favorite Models Include 7' Medium, 7' Medium Heavy, and 7'6" Heavy.

-Shimano Curado 200K HG Reel: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Combo #2...

-Megabass Orochi XX Casting Rod: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Favorite Models Include Braillist, Extreme Mission Type F, and Perfect Pitch.

-Shimano Curado 200K HG Reel: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Combo #3...

-Dobyns Champion XP Casting Rod: http://bit.ly/2abq8nl

Favorite Models Include 733, 744, and 764.

-Shimano SLX 150 DC HG Reel: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Combo #4...

-Shimano Expride Casting Rods: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Favorite Models Include 6'10" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'6" Heavy, and 7'11" Extra Heavy

-Shimano Curado 150DC HG Reel: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Combo #5...

-Megabass Orochi XX Spinning Rod: http://bit.ly/2XkVoej

Favorite Models Include Whipsnake, Shaky Head, and Enforcer

-Shimano Stradic 2500 CI4+ Spinning Reel: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Combo #6...

-Shimano Expride Spinning Rod: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Favorite Models Include 6'10" Medium Light and 7' Medium

-Shimano Stradic 2500 FL Spinning Reel: http://bit.ly/35Bufnb

Combo #7...

-Daiwa Elite AGS Spinnig Rod: http://bit.ly/2QHupT9

Favorite Models Include 7'1" Med Ehrler and 7'6" ML Feider

-Daiwa Tatula LT 2000 Spinning Reel: http://bit.ly/2zrq4id

Favorite Braided Lines...

Sunline SX1 Hi-Vis 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

Power Pro Moss Green 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Protect Your Investment...

Casting Rod Sleeve- http://bit.ly/2TJSF8X

Spinning Rod Sleeve- http://bit.ly/2AoTECD

Casting Reel Cover- http://bit.ly/34k7ow1

Spinning Reel Cover- http://bit.ly/2sfSiJT

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Buyer's Guide: Best Rod and Reel Combos Under $400!

Today's buyer's guide is all about finding the best bang for your buck! $400 is the industry standard for quality gear and virtually every company strives to have a great combo in this price point. Matt and Tim tried dozens of options and created this list of spinning and casting rods and reels that stand out from the crowd. If you're looking to purchase a quality combo but want advice from angler's that have the experience that only time on the water can provide, look no further.

The guys put their heads together and came up with an amazing offering from a wide variety of brands. How does a rod or reel make the cut? The guys tried literally dozens of rods and reels in search of the stand outs that were more sensitive, more reliable, and better priced than their competition. No matter your brand preferences, you're sure to find something on this list that will help take your bass fishing to the next level.

Below you'll find a detailed description of each rod and reel combo. We've included links that will take you directly to the products on Tackle Warehouse. We make this as user friendly as possible so you can find what you're looking for but also so your non-fishing loved ones understand the products as they shop for you this holiday season. We've organized the rods below in the same order they were presented in the video to help prevent confusion.

Combo #1...

-G Loomis E6X Casting: http://bit.ly/2G5Bc86

These are great budget-friendly offers from G-Loomis. You get the same models and actions that you find in their high-end offerings at a more affordable price. Our favorite model: 845C CBR.

-Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Combo #2...

-Megabass Levante Spinning: http://bit.ly/2Ibeo70

Great sensitivity and technique specific actions at a mid-range price. Favorite Models include the Whipsnake and Shakyhead.

-Shimano Ultegra 2500: http://bit.ly/2nfApml

Combo #3...

-Shimano Zodias Casting: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

The Zodias offers a perfect balance of sensivity, power, and affordability. Shimano's mid-range offering, these rods are worth far more than the asking price. Favorite models include 7'2" Medium heavy, 7'5" Heavy, 7'6" Medium Heavy Glass.

-Daiwa Tatula Elite: http://bit.ly/2ONCBS1

Combo #4...

-Shimano Zodias Spinning: http://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

The Zodias spinning offers some of the most universal actions available. The 7' Medium light (dropshot, ned rig tube), and 7' Medium (dropshot, shaky head, Neko, senko) will do virtually anything you want to do with a spinning rod.

-Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Combo #5...

-Daiwa Tatula Elite Casting: http://bit.ly/2yLDr9z

These are great all-around rods offering a variety of lengths and actions for virtually any circumstance. The standouts include the 7'1" Heavy, 7'3" Medium Heavy Ehrler, and the 7'6" Meyer.

-Daiwa Tatula SV TWS: http://bit.ly/2xALqpz

Combo #6...

-Daiwa Tatula Elite Spinning: http://bit.ly/2ONGjLl

The Tatula Elite's feature 4 angler-influenced actions that cover a wide spectrum of actions. The most universal are the 7'1" Medium Heavy Howell and the 7'3" Medium Howell. Paired with a Fuego this combo comes in way under budget, barely breaking the $300 mark.

-Daiwa Fuego LT 2500: http://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Combo #7...

-Cashion Casting: http://bit.ly/2He0r4X

Cashion makes unique actions in the USA with Carbon fiber grips and micro guides. Some of our favorite models include 7' Medium Heavy, 7' Heavy, and 7'3" Heavy.

-Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Combo #8...

-Cashion Elite Spinning: http://bit.ly/2xJGGPt

With their mild actions and slower tapers the Cashions offer unique rods that load deep into the blank to help control big bass on light tackle. Our favorite models include the 7' Medium and 7'2" Medium Heavy Shakyhead.

-Shimano Ultegra 2500: http://bit.ly/2nfApml

Combo #9...

-Megabass Levante Casting: http://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

The 2019 Levante's offer some amazing actions with unique tapers. If you've ever wanted to try a Megabass rod the Levante is an affordable option with that true Megabass feel. Our favorite models are the 7' Tour Versatile, 7'2" Perfect Pitch, and 7'5" Braillist.

-Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

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Buyer's Guide: Best Casting Rod and Reel Combos Under $200

Welcome to the 2019 Holiday Buyer's Guide Series! These are the most requested videos of the year and we're thrilled to bring them back for 2019! We're kicking it off with Rod and Reel Combos Under $200! Matt and Tim show some of the best values on the market in this quick review of rods and reels from a variety of companies.

Why start with $200 combos? $100 for a rod or reel seems to be the threshold where you start seeing huge leaps in technology. The reels become smoother and lighter while the rods become more sensitive and action specific. Since this is the threshold where most anglers advancing from beginner to intermediate tend to purchase, companies often strive to put products in the category that defy their price point. This is great news for the angler looking for the best equipment at the lowest price!

In today's video Matt and Tim explore 7 different combos. These rods and reels stand out from the pack with great sensitivity, actions, and features that rise above similarly priced products. Below you will find links to all of the products in the video. Matt and Tim also picked their two favorite combos each and are listing those above the rest of the combos. To make it even easier for you this holiday season the guys included their favorite actions for each rod and reel model so that you and your loved once can easily select the best "bang for the buck" models.

Tim's First choice... SLX/SLX Combo...

Rod- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

(6'10" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'2" Heavy)

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

(SLX150HG)

Tim's Second Choice... Fury/Daiwa CG Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

(7' Medium heavy, 7' Heavy, 8' heavy swimbait)

Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe

(CG80HS)

Matt's First Choice... Intenza/Caius Combo...

Rod- Shimano Intenza: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

(7'1" Medium Heavy, 7'4" Heavy)

Reel- Shimano Caius B: http://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw

(CIS150HGB)

Matt's Second Choice... Bass X/SLX Combo...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

(7'1" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy)

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

(SLX150HG)

The Other Great Combos Around $200...

Rod- Cashion CRT: http://bit.ly/2qxYIUj

(7' Heavy, 7'3" Medium Heavy)

Reel- Daiwa Fuego CT: http://bit.ly/35hugfH

(FGCT100HS)

Rod- Dobyns Colt: http://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

(7' Medium Heavy, 7' Medium Heavy Cranking, 7'3" Heavy)

Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe

(CG80HS)

Rod- Lews TP-1 Black Speed Stick: http://bit.ly/2Ovtbxc

(7' Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy)

Reel- Lews Speel Spool LFS: http://bit.ly/2xEElEw

(SS1SHA)

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Cheap Vs. Expensive Fishing Rods - Which Should You Buy?

Are expensive rods worth the money? Which rods are the best "Bang For The Buck?" Does spending more money really make a difference? What are the benefits? Which rod is right for you? Today we're comparing the advantages and disadvantages of high-end rods and budget-friendly rods. We're looking at the best of both worlds and giving recommendations on the most sensitive rods at every price point.

The primary benefit of an inexpensive or budget-friendly rod is cost. Its up to you to decide if the cost savings outweighs any potential performance issues. The downside of a cheaper rod are sensitivity, weight, and build quality. The primary benefit of an expensive or high-end rod is sensitivity, weight, balance, and overall experience. The downsides are cost and durability. Again, it is up to you as the angler to find the balance between sensitivity, durability, and budget.

Below we've provided links to all of the rods and reels in this video. We've gone a step further and linked the best "bang for the buck" rods that we've found at every price point and as an added bonus, will include "bang for the buck" reels as well. We hope this video helps you understand the benefits of each rod style as you choose the best option for you going forward.

Best "Bang For the Buck" Casting Rods...

-Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

-Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

-Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

-Megabass Orochi XX: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

-G Loomis GLX: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Best "Bang For the Buck" Spinning Rods...

-Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

-Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

-Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

-G Loomis GLX: http://bit.ly/2A6HH3O

Favorite Casting Reels...