I am playing around with the idea of building either a casting or spinning rod to go with my matching spey and centerpin combo, making it a trio. It will be used for throwing spoons/spinners for salmon/steelhead in the winter-spring and for (mostly) texas rigged plastics and maybe some spinner/jerk baits for bass/pike in the summer-fall. I've been looking at the MHX series because the price is right, but am open to anything else that's similar in price (<$70). I'd prefer a 2 peice, making it easier to put in the car, also around 7'0"-8'0". I'm thinking either a blank toward the stiffer end of medium, or lighter end of medium heavy for power rating; fast action.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/27/2016 06:05PM by Danny Peltier.

Check out batson/rainshadow blanks. MH

I think for the money MHX blanks are hard to beat. There are a lot of good high quality blanks out there, but IMO for most other brands you have to pay more to get the same quality blank. Do not let the low price fool you.

Norm

Ditto on MHX blanks. I'm particularly fond of the high modulus line up.

I think I'm between the MHX MB842 and 843 both in the 2 peice models. Has anyone had experience with these blanks? All depends how they actually "feel" vs the ratings on paper, I don't want it to be too light that it cant handle a 3/4oz spoon against current, or too stiff that I can't cast lighter weight plastics

I have built on both. If you are going to use 3/4 oz spoons go with the MB843, it is a MH blank and will handle 3/4 oz. Makes a good all around bass rod I also use it for inshore redfish. The MB842 will feel softer and less responsive with this weight, but is really nice using lighter lures.
Nor

If they are still available, the Rainshadow IP964F, 2 pc. popping rod blank would be an decent option.

From what I've built, my favorite line of blanks for value is the Bushido line, light, sensitive, straight, pretty low cost for their level of performance.

i decided on the MB843. Also, instead of making it to match my other builds (fancy cork pattern with red cedar) im making it my college colors; as we were just approved for a bass fishing club and will be doing tournaments and such. But, now i need a reel, any suggestions? (if this isnt allowed because its a rod building forum i understand). id need it to be a left hand retrieve baitcaster and on the budget side (preferably under 60) im thinking either a Daiwa laguna, abu garcia black max 3, or quantum pulse.

What school do you go to? But I really like any lews reels for bass fishing.

Michael Maclean Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What school do you go to? But I really like any
> lews reels for bass fishing.


SUNY University at Buffalo, I'm going to do some black, blue, and white eva grips in a similar pattern to the numbers on the football jerseys.

Have not used any of the reels you have listed, but the Daiwa Laguna has the best online reviews of these three. There also some budget Bass Pro casting reels that get good reviews, they have the $80 bionic plus on sale for $60.
Norm

I like the way the Lews American Hero speed spool looks, is the right colors. I'll probably either go with that or a Laguna

The lew's American hero also get high marks at several online sites. So I agree with Danny doesn't sound like you can go wrong with either.

Dan,
The ONE thing I will say about baitcasters is that try to get one will an aluminum frame. The flex in the graphite/plastic frame reels during a cast will dampen casting quality. At your price point it is tough to find an aluminum frame reel. But if you can, please take a minute and see if you can find one on a deal. I know Scheels uses a lot of Quantum reels for house brand, Quantum has been upping their quality quite a bit starting a few years back.

I'm a reel finatic, and one thing I won't do is buy a baitcaster that doesn't have at least an aluminum frame. Just my two cents!

Been intersted in budget casting reels for some kids of friends who are showing a strong interest in fishing and want to try casting gear. I am making them casting rods and their dads want buy good quality buget reels. Although I have not used any of the above mentioned reels, they all get pretty good reviews. The only one of the above that has an aluminum frame is the Bass Pro Shops bionic plus which is an $80 reel on sale for $60. This sounds like a good buy, and one of the dads has already bought one for his son.
Norm

Miles Miller Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Dan,
> The ONE thing I will say about baitcasters is that
> try to get one will an aluminum frame. The flex in
> the graphite/plastic frame reels during a cast
> will dampen casting quality. At your price point
> it is tough to find an aluminum frame reel. But if
> you can, please take a minute and see if you can
> find one on a deal. I know Scheels uses a lot of
> Quantum reels for house brand, Quantum has been
> upping their quality quite a bit starting a few
> years back.
>
> I'm a reel finatic, and one thing I won't do is
> buy a baitcaster that doesn't have at least an
> aluminum frame. Just my two cents!




I found some deals....how about the Okuma Krios for $50, or a used Abu garcia Revo S (all silver version, 2011 i think) for $60? those are both aluminum framed.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/02/2016 11:00PM by Danny Peltier.

There were an awfully lot of casting reels built on composite frames over the years, similar products are still available. Some of my composite framed reels are 30 years old and still going strong.

There's a meaningful jump in quality in casting reels that retail at $100>. The BPS Pro Qualifier is the way to go on a budget. There well worth the $125 list but are on sale all the time. Alternatively, I'd go with a lightly used Revo S, Citica, Tatula or mid level Lews.

Spencer, you are 100% correct.

30 year old reels were usually made in Sweden, Japan, and the US. Now days they are made in China (with exclusion to some made in Malaysia). The composite they use on lower price point reels are better than they were say 10 years ago; yet it is still an upgrade to have an aluminum frame. Less flex in the frame and no chance of getting warped.

Overall, baitcasters today are better at the $60 price range than they were in the recent past. I personally have an antipathy for a baitcaster that doesn't have at least an aluminum frame, so it is just a personal suggestion.

If he goes with the Laguna, it has a compact frame and is very reasonable for the price. Depending on the condition of the Revo S it could be a fair purchase. They are very, very sturdy reels and are know to cast very well. I'm not familiar with the Okuma that was mentioned, but they are a dang good company with quality products.

No matter which direction he takes I feel he will be happy.