BUYER'S GUIDE: $500 ROD AND REEL COMBOS!
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- These are the best "Bang For The Buck" rods in bass fishing! If you want your money to go the farthest, this is the price point where it happens! The sensitivity of these models is incredible, the weight reduction is amazing, and you can get it all at a very affordable price! These are truly high end rods, without the high end price tag.
At this price point it's all about sensitivity and durability. Each of these rods offers incredible value and should be considered an asset in your angling line up. The jump in quality from $300 combos to $500 combos, is the biggest increase at any price point in bass fishing. These are truly high end rods, without the high end price tag. There's a reason you see these rods on deck in all our videos!
Below you’ll find links to the rods and reels in the video. We’ve included our favorite models for each line of rods as well as our preferred sizes and speeds for the reels. Additionally, we've included a list of our favorite multi-purpose models from the different lines. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...
Buyer's Guide: Best Jigs And Jig Trailers- • BUYER'S GUIDE: BEST JI...
Buyer's Guide: Best Chatterbaits And Trailers- • BUYER'S GUIDE: BEST CH...
Buyer's Guide: $100 Rod And Reel Combos- • BUYER'S GUIDE: $100 RO...
Buyer's Guide: $200 Rod And Reel Combos- • BUYER'S GUIDE: $200 RO...
Buyer's Guide: $300 Rod And Reel Combos- • BUYER'S GUIDE: $300 RO...
SPINNING COMBO #1...
Rod- Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS: bit.ly/44O7Fqo
Models: 7'1" Medium, 7'6" Medium Light Medium
Reel- Daiwa Procyon MQ LT: bit.ly/46x4Ytp
Size: 2500-XH
SPINNING COMBO #2...
Rod- Shimano Expride B: bit.ly/2osaj3q
Models: 6'8" Medium, 6'10" MH SB, 7' Light
Reel- Shimano Vanford: bit.ly/3WAPNO1
Size: 3000
SPINNING COMBO #3...
Rod- Megabass Orochi XX: bit.ly/2XkVoej
Models: 6'8" Ronin, 6'11" Whipsnake, 7' Shakeyhead
Reel- Shimano Sustain FJ: bit.ly/3BQLlNP
Size: 2500
BAIT FINESSE COMBO #1...
Rod- Cashion Icon Bait Finesse: bit.ly/3mLIIes
Model: 6'10" Medium Light, 7'2" Medium Light
Reel- Daiwa Tatula BF 70: bit.ly/4b7UbYM
BAIT FINESSE COMBO #2...
Rod- Shimano Expride B: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Model: 6'8" Light
Reel- Shimano Curado BFS: bit.ly/2QGRVF2
BAITCASTING COMBO #1...
Rod- St. Croix Legend Tournament: bit.ly/3Iow9KV
Models: 7'2" MHM, 7'4" Heavy, 6'8" Medium XFast
Reel- Daiwa Tatula SV TW: bit.ly/401hGOK
Speed: 7.1:1
BAITCASTING COMBO #2...
Rod- Megabass Orochi XX: bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Models: Braillist, EMTF, Perfect Pitch
Reel- Shimano Curado 150 MGL: bit.ly/2TQHwrP
Speed: 7.4:1
BAITCASTING COMBO #3...
Rod- Shimano Expride B: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Models: 7'2" Med Light, 6'10" Medium, 7'7" Heavy
Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: bit.ly/2apmDJt
Speed: 7.4:1
BAITCAST COMBO #4...
Rod- Fenwick Elite: bit.ly/3MyC6tb
Model: 7'3" Medium Heavy, 7'1" Medium Extra Fast
Reel- 13 Fishing Concept C2: bit.ly/2NlzZhg
Speed: 7.5:1
BAITCAST COMBO #5...
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro: bit.ly/2FQj6CZ
Models: 855C CBR, 845 CBR
Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: bit.ly/2apmDJt
Speed: 7.4:1
OUR FAVORITE MULTI PURPOSE MODELS FROM ALL BRANDS...
•Shimano Expride B 7'2" Medium Light: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Primary Use: Blade Bait/Tail Spin
Secondary Use: BFS Flipping, Finesse Jigs, Senko, Walking Topwater
•Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Primary Use: Jig Fishing
Secondary Use: Small Glide Bait, Magdraft, Big Texas Rigs
•Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Primary Use: Jerkbait
Secondary Use: Topwater, Micro Jig, Shaky Head, 5" Senko, Free Rig
•St. Croix Legend Tournament 7'4" Heavy Fast: bit.ly/3Iow9KV
Primary Use: Paddle Tail Swimbaits
Secondary Use: Frog, Swim Jig, Spinnerbait
•G Loomis IMX Pro 844C MBR (7' Heavy): bit.ly/2lVATTC
Primary Use: Football Jigs
Secondary Use: Spinnerbait, Chatterbait, Buzzbait, Texas Rig
•Shimano Expride B 7'7" Heavy: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Primary Use: Alabama Rig
Secondary Use: Flipping Jig, Big Worms, Carolina Rig, 6" Soft Swimbaits
•Megabass Orochi XX Ronin: bit.ly/2XkVoej
Primary Use: Jerkbait
Secondary Use: Mid Strolling, Shaky Head, Tube
•Shimano Expride B 6'10" Med Solid Tip: bit.ly/2osaj3q
Primary Use: Strolling
Secondary Use: Ned, Hair Jig, Dropshot, Popper, Dice
•Fenwick Elite 7'1" Medium Heavy: bit.ly/3MyC6tb
Primary Use: Soft Jerkbait
Secondary Use: Free Rig, Light Texas Rig, Spinnerbait, Chatterbait, Gravity Baits
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#buyersguide #fishing #bassfishing
I love watching videos about fishing gear way above my pay grade.
I picked up a Brailist during the flash sale. I must admit. I should have pulled the trigger years ago😂. First day out with the Brailist I landed a 5 pounder from a huge laydown. She was in the middle of a group of branches and I honestly think I would have lost her with my old rod. The Brailist loaded perfectly and I was able to keep pressure on her and she swam her way out. Well worth the investment even at full price
You had me at Expride! You guys are the best. These rods have changed my fishing and my wallet forever. Thank you so so much
Long time follower, first time commenting. I absolutely LOVE that you guys have added which models of the line you use for a primary technique. That makes it super helpful for those looking to buy one on tackle warehouse. Thanks for all the great videos guys, it’s really appreciated.
you guys are awesome. im slowly converting my arsenal from 250-300 combos to 500ish, and wow, it's a difference.
Your guys advice is dead on. My three favorite combos I own are:
Megabass P5 Daemos w. Daiwa Steez CT SV TW 70
NRX+ 7”3 MHF “Carolina Rig” w. Shimano Metanium 150b
Expride 6”10 M w. Shimano Aldebaran mg50
Not all high end rods are the same, I literally hate my Legend Xtreme. I think it’s the handle mainly though.
lol, finally someone else has the same opinion I do.
I like my 6’8” XF Legend Xtreme more than my expride 6’10” M for Jerkbaits. Not really a fair comparison with price points but Im sure many would rather take the expride. I kind of like the handle up until I put on sunscreen then its a nightmare
The Fenwick Elite has been my favorite rod I’ve purchased over the last few years. Absolutely love it. Especially the grip. It’s so comfortable.
Here we Go!!!
Hey Matt and Tim I’m sure you guys get questions a million times a day but I was wondering if you guys could tell me a good baitcasting combo for throwing like soft plastics and I sometimes throw spinner baits and other spinners and I throw some finesse but I live in Michigan and the bass really like soft plastics and like the small mouth like ned rigs here so I have a budget of up to 400-450 and I watch your buyers guide but I still need help and I’m willing to learn more because I was thinking about the expride or zodias and a curado but I don’t know what’s the main difference between and medium and MH or ML, I’m a big shimano guy because I haven’t tried other brands. Can you help?
Another great video. I bought a Megabass Orochi casting rod for $199. Great deal Thanks.
I've settled on the Zodias line and Curado reels for most of my combos. I got the 7'9" Extra Heavy swimbait rod during this sale, because I figured out I prefer to fish soft swimbaits. I'm not throwing anything bigger than the Magdraft 8in, so it's perfect for what I like to do.
Perfect video for me. I was torn between the decision between tatula elite ags and the expride to pair with my Stradic. Went with expride to pair with my Stradic
Matt and Tim got more pep in their step with these higher-end videos. 🤣 I'm with ya fellas!
Ha! We love this stuff!
Really getting into the big baits and build my own rods so looking forward to seeing your thoughts on the reels and what features of a big rod that you guys like. Thanks fellas see ya tomorrow
Love these vids, I’ve learned a ton from you guys! I never hear you mention MB Sleeper craw, it’s my go to for river fishing. Curious if you’ve used it and what rod/line you suggest? Maybe you’re next video after this series 😜
We've had it in a couple videos, but it's been a while. I've had my best success on braid to 12-15 lb leader.
I have a new $500-ish combo that I haven't had the ability to fish because I bought it right when I broke my hand. I can't wait to see how it stacks up to the Cashion BFS you suggested...
Megabass Triza Sparna (F2-66) and Ark Gravity BFS. Reel feels really good and the Triza is a Megabass...
Just got myself my first baitcaster. I was between the expride 72mh and the adrena 73mh. But with the discount for the going out model plus black Friday deal, I had to go with the adrena for a $50 difference from the expride. Pairing it with a curado mgl 151.
Hey guys: Always love the butyers guides. We all know that weight and security are the two biggest factors in price of rods. That said how light and sensitive do you need or is it personal preference? Thanks
Awesome stuff! Looking for the most sensitive high end rod for small jigs! Y’all might include in tomorrow’s vid! Thanks
I wonder if that new lews reel would make this list, 5.6 oz is super light and supposed to be amazing, but I rarely see lews products shown
Would like to see you guys review some Trika rods. I have a couple and they are super sensitive, cast long and the price point is great.
I've owned one and it was a great rod until I broke it. Customer service was absolutely great too.
Can’t wait for the Expride 7’4” Heavy Moderate Fast to be available
What is that rod like a swim jig rod ?
@ Matt said it finally fills in the Expride hole for a great jig rod
My dad gave me a $500 spinning combo last winter... and i gotta say as a dude who prefers power fishing i usually spend around the 300-400 price point... finesse fishing with a $500 combo is a dream (st croix avid, daiwa ballistic mq lt) the sensetivity is a dream and i could never use another spinning set up less than $400 its that big a difference you dont need it but man is it nice, ned rig fishing with that sensetivity is wild, its almost too sensetive sometimes ive missed fish just by feeling them basically poke it 🤣
I seriously encourage everyone if they ever get the opportunity to try some of the higher end stuff out to give it a spin
Another great video guys, thanks. One thing though, Tacklewarehouse has excluded Shimano , Diawa, Megabass and alot of the high end brands from the sale.planned on getting a Bates Hundo 100 and a 24 Poison adrena, I'll search elsewhere for sales.
You will absolutely love that combo. They should be on sale there, but it doesn’t show until you place the order. That always makes me uncomfortable, but if for some reason it doesn’t give you a discount you can call and cancel the order.
Everything is on sale. You have to get to the every end of checkout to see the discounts. Trust me. I load up on Vision 110s every year during Black Friday and with this sale got a Levante for 170
@@rhodesianhunter9360 Yes, i have the older Poison Adrena 6'11+ paired with metaium dc and love it.
Have already done the order, TW has it in the fine print that those brands are excluded. Most of the tackle houses have Shimano , Megabass,etc. Excluded. TW used to be site wide on holidays not anymore
The fine print says one thing, but the sale is on all rod brands, it's just not advertised. Complete your purchase, check the receipt, and you'll find savings on all of them 😎
As others have said, they are still on sale you just don’t see it until you click to check out. Though it’s not 20% on the brands that aren’t advertised, it’s 15% if my mental math is correct. You’ll save almost $60 on the Poison Adrena
❤the video always great picks I can dream of. I thought they were going to discontinue the XX line. That is why it was $100 off a few weeks ago now only $50 off and back ordered.
I have 11 Exprides and somehow i need and want more. They are just so good. Tackle Warehouse is the place to shop. Please use the link for TB and support their hard work on the videos.Thanks Matt and Tim! 🎣
I think this is the realm most serious enthusiasts are looking for.
Would you guys ever consider delving into updated travel/portable options as well? (I.e. , multi pc or telescopic)
maybe even a time and place for Matt to give us the no frills must have bait options to carry when you don’t know what you’re going to encounter fishing😂
Hey I know it may be late in the game but could you do a favorite Rod for each technique. Entire video dedicated to technique specific only. Thanks in advance!
Thanks!
Funny how I used to think that I would never spend this much on a combo, then….. I got into big swimbait fishing, for some reason it was easier to justify spending more on swimbait gear than the traditional stuff, now I’m just hooked.
Ive got like 5 Legends Tournaments, love them. I splurged on a Legends Extreme Medium Fast Spinning and its on a whole different level though. Obviously a St Croix man. You can hammer the Legends Extreme guides between a cinderblock and they dont bend.
Hell yeah thanks for the tips 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
Love your videos. I wish i could find the megabass orochi xx ronin for my spinning fishing with jerk for perch here in Sweden. But it seems impossible to find.
What’s your thoughts on lews signature series rods?
Im looking to get into speed cranking, and with the rod sale going on, I was wondering your guys' opinion on which would be a better buy. At heart, I'm a huge St. croix guy and have been looking at some of the Legend Tournament crankbait rods, but contemplating picking up the loomis 906cbr, seeing as I have seen both of your guys praise through the last few crankbait videos. Any help in advance is very appreciated, and keep up the amazing content.
Great videos do you have a recommendation for a glass rods? Is Expride worth it?
You two should try the previous gen Poison Adrena 172M rod for a slightly longer more universal jerkbait rod. I use it mostly with the Megabass Vision 110 and 110+1 and so far I love it.
Good morning guys! I’m curious about the Fenwick 7’1 MH. Seems like an excellent rod, but I’m loving my Zillion73MH.
So you guys mention the 6’10 medium expride as your absolute favorite Jerkbait rod. And I couldn’t agree more I have 3. What I’m curious about is when you say you use for micro jigs, what jigs do you specifically use on this rod as I’d like to try myself
Both the Nishine and Keitech Tungsten are perfect examples of jigs we throw on this setup.
Another good one.
In your strolling buyers guide video, you mention the 6'10 MH Expride solid tip. In this video you mention the 6'10 M Expride. Are you using both based on size of baits? If you could only have one, what would you choose? Thanks fellas.
Yes, we're using both. The medium really shines on baits up to a 1/4 oz head, the Medium Heavy is better for baits from 1/4 to 3/8 oz+. I really noticed the difference with the 4" Stroll Shad, it's much easier to get the action out of it on the medium.
@@tacticalbassin I appreciate ya! I'm guessing if I want one that can also double as a ned rod, the M is the way to go? But if I want a dedicated ned rod (I already have a handful but always looking to upgrade) would you go 6'10 ML Expride over the M? Or would you go with the M because of the stinger tip? Hope you fellas and your families have a great Thanksgiving.
Braillist is 🔥 for swingheads!
From what I understand the MB Orochi XX line is no more, which is why MB ran that massive sale on them earlier this month, the only Orochi is going to be the X10. Since there will be no more Ronin's coming, what's gonna be the best alternative for a spinning jerkbait rod?
Does the dark sleeper rod carry through all of megabass' lines or is it only available in the P5? Looking for a range of options for a dedicated dark sleep rod. Casting or spinning. What should I look for regarding length, action, etc.
Since Orochi xx discontinued what is the next best jig rod beside Brailist???
What price point are you looking at ? 300 ? There are a lot just have to see what your willing to spend
@ $300-$400
No question, it's the Shimano Expride 7'4" Heavy Fast. The blank has a very similar flex pattern.
Tackle Warhouse needs to make a code for you guys, it’s annoying to follow the links and sign in for diffrent rods but I want to support yall!
We really appreciate you taking the time to support us!
I know it wasn’t mentioned but the gcx rods from g loomis are my favorite but there about 260
Tim and Matt, what reel do you put on thr 72mlb expride when throwing blade baits etc. Would a 70 size mgl be good or would you go with something else. I bought one after this review and plan to put my alderbaren bfs but want to carry another reel to switch out with it. Also what line do you spool with for this rod to throw blade baits etc? Thanks so much for all u do!
70 MGL is perfect! We typically spool with 30 lb braid for blades.
I love the buyer's guides and all but when are you guys going to branch out and cover other companies like 6th sense for rods and Bates for reels?
I've heard them talk about Bates once since the brand's name got "Big" a couple years ago.
I am curious about their view on 6th Sense products. I know they like the Flat 75 squarebill, but I would definitely like more views and reviews on the 6th Sense stuff from Matt and Tim 😁👍
what's the lower lb braid you'd put on a standard sized casting reel? 30lb?
How is the Expride bfs with treble hook baits? I throw a lot of treble hooks and jig baits so I need something with good versatility
It's probably the most versatile BFS rod on the market. It can absolutely do both with ease. 👍🏼
How did you guys go through all of those Expride rods and leave out y'alls 2 absolute favorite banger rods? Maybe Tim did say the 6'10" M Jerkbait but i didn't hear the 7'3" XH frog rod!? 🤔
It ebs and flows with our personal fishing and we didn't frog quite as much this year 😊
@tacticalbassin being a truck driver and a new father, I think I fished twice this year
Do you guys like the expride 7’2” MH for a do it all rod?
Maybe day :) Btw can Megabass stuff not be up for sale?
It discounts at check out when you enter in card info
@ yea I called TW an they weren’t even sure. They have to test it out over the phone, but yes, Megabass rods are also 20% off
How come yall didnt include the Curado M at all? It has an MGL spool
Expride spinning rods does the "s" mean solid tip 610MHSB? Wanting to make sure before i order
Yes, you've got the right model 👍🏼
Am I missing something here with the TW sale? None of the Shimano Expride B rods are on sale. In fact not, many of the rods in your review are in the TW sale.
Yes, youre missing a lot of the sale. There are a ton of items that can't be advertised as on sale. If you buy an Expride, check your receipt after purchase, you get the discount. It's been this way on all their sales for years!
Heard a rumor the orochi xx is getting a revamp and they put them on sale for $199 at alot ot shops
They're definitely being closed out, we don't know anything about a revamp. We still included them because they're available most places still and they're awesome!
@tacticalbassin oh was hoping that wasn't the case. Great rods I hope they fill the price point with something
We don't have any insider info, we're just seeing what's happening at shops, and it looks like a close out to us as well.
Just wanted to let you guys know Expride is not included in Tacklewarehouse discount, but the poison adrena is
I bought an Expride yesterday and it was on sale
The discount is applied once you get to the payment method step. It doesn't show in your cart. I had to reach out to customer service to verify that.
@@TrashBassin thanks for letting me know I appreciate it
Confirmed @@TrashBassin
How does the 7' 2" ml Cashion compare to the 7' 2" ml Corado, Zodias and Expride?
Very different actions. The Cashion has the slowest action out of the bunch, and the Expride has the fastest. It just comes down to preference.
I have the Zodias and was considering adding the Expride. Would adding the Cashion make more sense since it would allow me to widen the range of what I can throw between the two?
Opinion in Expride 6'10" MH or 7'2" MH ( not glass models) for blade baits / lipless? Fishing in shallow areas South FL
What carbon/graphite rod would you recommend?
Thanks
I'm going to throw you a curveball, but the 7'2" ML is amazing for blade baits! Don't let the rating fool you. It's a gem!
@ 🤔
@@tacticalbassin say extra fast?, maybe it fishes a tad more moderate/regular but still has enough backbone in the butt section??
@vaughnadams9030 I don't agree with what the blank says at all. It's soft enough for small trebles, but you can hit hard enough for finesse Jigs. It's a winner!
@@tacticalbassin thanks for your time, i may snatch one on sale and throw a 3/8 jackhammer on it and see!
Ya not seeing the loomis’s or the megabass rods coming up on the sale
They're never listed on these sales, but it works. You have to complete the purchase and the discount shows on your receipt.
Expride not on sale at tw 😢. At least not showing up for me. But the adrena is 😊.
Shimano is never listed on the sale but if you complete your purchase, you'll see the savings. It's been that way for many years.
Thank you @@user-lj9sl9fp2u
the 70 mgl reminds me of the old Shimano core reels but on steroids!!!
Why did they take out the 7'2" ML shimano zodius out?
It might be in the last video.
The Orochii XX/Sustain FJ combo is a bit over the $500 ($250(sale)+$320- Discount=??)
most carbon rods are solid tips, cant make a mandrel small enough to have a real hole in the tip. sale gimmicks rule in advertising and increasing a price. personally cant tell the difference in sensitivity from a 300$ aud miller rod or a 799$ aud nrx, i can tell how much more the accuracy and ease off use the miller rods have
Doesn't look like the Megabass Orochi XX Braillist is available on the site anymore. At least I couldn't find it.
It's not, unfortunately it sold through early in the sale.
@@tacticalbassin supposedly this gen is being discontinued. You'll be lucky to find a Ronin anywhere, I bought an extra Braillist when I heard about this.
@@jimb7304yeah it’s being replaced by the orochi X10
@@tacticalbassinI’ve been looking for a rod to fill the same role you describe with the Braillist. Do you have any other recommendations in its absence?
Now we’re talking
These feel a little too “normal” crazy the next video will likely be 1000 dollar combos.
😉 You were right! Give it a watch, even if it's just for fun. 👍🏼
Most of these rods are excluded from the sale on tackle warehouse.
Thy have to be in the cart before the discount is applied.
They're included, it's just not advertised. Complete your purchase and the discount will show on your receipt.
Come on guy's $500.00 combo's! The average fisherman will not even go there !
You would be surprised! We get these video requests and questions all of the time.
These videos started at $100 combos and have been building. You really won't like today's "High End" video either, but thousands of anglers do. We strive to meet every angler, right where they are, this one just isn't for you, and that's okay. Enjoy the rest of the guides!
Shimano Expride Medium Light Spinning Rods are not Medium Light. They are Medium. Very disappointed with this fact, I have an NRX+ 852S JWR and it's the same rod. Great rods, but Shimano lacks true powers in their line ups across the board.
Seriously
😎❤️🎣👍
I bet I can catch a fish just as easy with my Walmart $20 Shakespeare POS combo in my canoe
You can catch fish with a $20 combo though I guarantee you would catch a lot more with a high end combo.
Talking to a previous world record holder lol you aint close to these guys
Have fun with that cheap garbage
Yeah but the thing is, that $20 combo weighs more, isn’t as sensitive, and isn’t even close to being as ergonomic. And that’s coming from someone that has and uses temu/walmart gear along side $400 gear just because I can 😂
@@FishingWithChris_Tv meant to respond to other guy im all for expensive gear
🫡