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Looking to put a couple more good "guest use" rods in my lockers. In latest Bass Pro catalog they have some combos using Shimano Stradic reels with their own brand "Extreme XPS" rods. Normally the rods sell for around $100, but the package (with the Shimano reel) are discounted about $65.00. Looks like a "heckuva deal" -- anyone used those rods before?
Hans
--
"There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman,
trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb,
and getting licked in the process." -Paul O'Neil
steve(IL)
01-08-2001, 10:51 AM
Hey Hans,
I've got some Extreme, Signature Series,Wally Marshall and other rods from Bass Pro. They would all receive my endorsement. Depending on how you envision them being used, the Extreme's are good, but there are others which are either more sensitive or less expensive for the same application. I have yet to get my hands on the re-engineered 2001 versions which are supposed to be new & improved. I think the Extreme's represent a good value.
How do you see them being used.... what's the lightest & heaviest duty you see them doing? It would effect which model & perhaps even which series you'd want to choose.
They'll be used mainly for rigging walleyes. Since I'm getting Stradic reels in any case, the incremental price of these rods is about $35.00 each. At that price, would you recommend them?
Hans
--
"There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman,
trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb,
and getting licked in the process." -Paul O'Neil
WAeyes
01-08-2001, 06:11 PM
Hans, I have the exact setup you are referring to. As I stated in another post on jigging rods, this combo deal is fantastic for the price. It may not be a G-Loomis or St. Croix but it is well worth what you pay for it.
steve(IL)
01-08-2001, 07:19 PM
For that kind of money, I would absolutely recommend them. My only reservation would be that the mediums and even medium lights are a little stiffer in the tip section than I like - at least for finesse rigging where you want to be able to drop back and feed them line before they feel you(certain Diawa rods are awesome for this feature). The UL is too soft throughout it's length. I'm not sure if they make a light or not. Of course there is a lot of subjectivity involved here on my part. For rigging, I prefer a soft yet sensitive tip transitioning quickly into something with backbone in a 6'6" or 7'. The Bionic Blade in ML is a better example. The Wally Marshall Crappie rods are another example - just a little softer throughout the length. They require more of a sweeping hookset for a good hook up.
The Extreme M's or ML's could also be used to cast shad raps and jigs.
Can you specify which size Stradic you'll get with the combo? I notice that they mate heavier reels with lighter rods on the combo's on the racks in the store. Be advised. Be sure you can get the 1000 or 2000 - whatever the appropriate size would be.
p.s. I went to Bass Pro tonight and was hard pressed to notice much difference between this year's and last year's Extreme rods.