Buyer’s Guide: Best $100 Rod and Reel Combos!

Today’s Buyer’s Guide is about finding the best “bang for the buck” amongst $100 combos. In recent years three brands have really stepped up, offering exception quality and value near the $100 price point. Whether you’re looking for your first quality bass rod, or an entire line up, you can’t go wrong with these three!

With dozens and dozens of brands offering rods and reels in this category, its hard to know which to try. We’ve spent an incredible amount of time trying new gear, getting to know the various models. We’re confident the St. Croix Bass X, Shimano SLX, and Daiwa Aird X, are the best you’ll find in this category. We’ve paired each with the best reels, while attempting to stay near the $100 mark. For those looking to branch out a bit further but don’t want to jump all the way to the $200 mark, we’ve included a bonus combo for you as well. 

You can’t go wrong with any of these lines but if you’re looking for something specific, we’ve included our favorite models from each group. Below you’ll find links to each item that go directly to Tackle Warehouse, where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the models. We’ve also included a schedule of a few of the upcoming Buyer’s Guides so you can plan ahead. Keep in mind, these videos are going on every day throughout the holiday season so check back constantly to see what’s next!

Upcoming Videos… 

-$200 Rod and Reel Combos

-$400 Rod and Reel Combos

Combo #1…

Rod- Denali Ryker Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/31bKfgp

Reel- Lews Classic Speed Spool: https://bit.ly/2IRMVcB

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium Heavy, 7’ Heavy

Combo #2…

Rod- Shimano Sellus Casting Rods: http://bit.ly/2XNYB3h

Reel- Abu Garcia Black Max: https://bit.ly/396HlO2

Favorite Rod Models- 6’10” medium, 7’2” Medium Heavy, 7’6” Heavy

Combo #3…

Rod- Daiwa Aird X Spinning Rods: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

Reel- Daiwa Revros LT: http://bit.ly/34nCGCj

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium, 7’ Medium Heavy

Bonus Combo…

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

Reel- 13 Fishing Origin A: https://bit.ly/3ny0I6S

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium Heavy Cranking, 7’3” Heavy

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Reel Review - Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (2020 Shimano Metanium)

The 2020 Metanium MGL 150 B is an awesome new reel from Shimano! We put it through the paces the past few months before weighing in with a review. With requests pouring in, its time to share our experiences. In a word, this reel is AWESOME! 

Aside from the Metanium name, the reel is hardly recognizable when compared to its former counterparts. The Metanium MGL has reached new heights with features like a Magnesium frame, CoreSolid body (1 piece frame), and an MGL III Spool. The reel itself feels very similar to the Bantam but is several ounces lighter. The finished product is light weight, incredibly strong, and ultra smooth. 

After fishing these reels hard for months we've seen no reduction in performance. They're as smooth as the day we opened the boxes, if not smoother. We've been using this reel for "finesse power" techniques. These are cross over techniques where you need the ability to throw light baits but you still need torque and power after you get the bite. It shines for finesse jigs, small to mid-size crankbaits, keitechs, topwater, dock fishing, etc. 

See the reel here... 

-Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

If you're interested in other Shimano reels at different price points, here are a few of the others we've reviewed in recent years. 

-Shimano Antares 70: https://youtu.be/6qMtpGqcG-w

-Shimano Bantam MGL: https://youtu.be/_o_xtIlBmXQ

-Shimano Curado 150 DC: https://youtu.be/7Q9_5SuLP-8

-Shimano SLX DC: https://youtu.be/s4DTn-Q_SU0

Crankbait Combo With The Metanium... 

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Line- Sunline Crank FC 12 lb: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

Buzzbait Combo With The Metanium…

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Rod- Jackall Poison Adrena 7’4” Heavy: https://bit.ly/3diigiT

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Different Reel Speeds/Techniques...

8.1:1 (XG)- Buzzbait, Toads, Burning Lipless, Speed Cranking, Squarebills, Whopper Plopper

7.1:1 (HG)- Topwater, Spinnerbait, Chatterbait, Hopping Jigs, Shaky head, Underspin, Most Moving Baits

6.2:1 (Standard)- Carolina Rig, Finesse Fishing, Dragging Jigs, Bottom Crawling Swimbaits, All Around Universal Speed

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Buyer's Guide: Ultra High-End Rods And Reels!

The best rods and reels money can buy! If you've ever wanted to see the craziest, most outrageous combos a bass angler can buy, look no further than today's in-depth look at high-end rods and reels for bass fishing! We're talking the best rods from G Loomis, Shimano, St Croix, Daiwa, Megabass, and more! From Spinning to Casting, reasonably affordable to just plain outrageous, this video is going to be fun!

Are you looking for a new combo? Have you always wanted a top-tier rod but didn't know what to buy? Are you looking to upgrade your entire arsenal? Maybe you just want to see what's out there. Matt and Tim have acquired a wide variety of high-end gear through the years and today they're showing you their favorites. They aren't just showing off combos without explanation though, each angler explains why they own them, what they use them for, and how that rod has improved their fishing.

High-end tackle has a wide range of advantages. Obviously sensitivity will be second to none with these combos but they can actually increase your enjoyment and ease of fishing with seamless use. Additionally, there can be health benefits for injured anglers that need to avoid repetitive movement with heavy equipment. Regardless of your reason for wanting a high-end combo, Matt and Tim will help you choose the best option for you.

Below is a breakdown of all the combos discussed in the video. They're shown in order of appearance and include live links to each model on Tackle Warehouse where you can see the exact specs on each rod and reel model.

Spinning Combos...

Combo#1...

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

Favorite Models- 822S DSR, 852S JWR, 853S JWR

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Combo #2...

Rod- Megabass Destroyer: http://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

Favorite Models- Addermine and Flyssa

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Combo #3...

Rod- St. Croix Legend Elite: http://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Favorite Models- 6'10"Medium, 7' Medium, 7'6" Medium

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Combo #4...

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy: http://bit.ly/2KS92gK

Favorite Models- 7'2" medium Light, 7'5" Medium Light, 7'5" Medium

Reel- Daiwa Certate LT 3000: http://bit.ly/35Kclij

Combo #5...

Rod- G Loomis Conquest: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

Favorite Models- 7' Medium, 7'6" Medium

Reel- Shimano Stella FJ 2500: http://bit.ly/2U8Pkzg

Combo #6...

Rod- G Loomis NRX: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Favorite Models- 822S DSR, 852S JWR, 872S JWR

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Casting Combos...

Combo #1

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

Favorite Models... 852C JWR, 843C MBR, 844C MBR

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Combo #2...

Rod- Megabass Destroyer: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Favorite Models- Oneten Special, Otomat, and Daemos

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC HG: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Combo #3...

Rod- Daiwa Steez SVF AGS: http://bit.ly/2OLog8r

Favorite Models- 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'6" Heavy

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Combo #4...

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy: http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Favorite Models- 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'5" Medium Heavy, 7'5" Heavy

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Combo #5...

Rod- G Loomis NRX: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

Favorite Models- 852C JWR, 853C JWR, 894C JWR

Reel- Shimano Antares A 70: http://bit.ly/2Vz0TRx

Swimbait Combos...

Combo #1...

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 966: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 A HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Combo #2...

Rod- Megabass Destroyer Onager: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 A: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Favorite Braided Lines...

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

Casting- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Swimbait- Power Pro Macuatro 80 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

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