Hey guys-I am currently updating all my spinning gear and while I love the Extreme rods from BPS and am very happy with them, Quantum quit making the E-5 series, and I'd like you to tell me what your favorite/least favorite brands are and what you'd recommend from experience and your opinions...please feel free to write forever on this topic for catalog shopping and online shopping doesn't allow one to test/feel a reel out so I'm trusting you gentlemen to set me straight! Thanks a million-FISH ON

I recently ordered a Bass Pro Shop extreme spinning combo, and have only had it out a couple of times, BUT I LOVE IT. It is such a light, sensitive rod, but has the power to land fish. I also think the reel is great for the money. You can't buy a mainstay name brand with similar features for under $60-$70. Right now in the spring fever catalog they had the reel on sale for $30 bucks. Its smooth and has an excellent anit-reverse. I think the next rod/reel I buy will be the same...I haven't fished with their baitcasting model, but I wouldn't expect to hear many negatives. Another thing with ordering from Bass Pro is they stand behind their product and should something go wrong, they will usually fix it free of charge.

I'M NEW TO THIS SITE BUT NOT NEW TO FISHING (NEARLY 50 YEARS)! I'LL GIVE YOU WHAT, THROUGH A "MILLION" TRIALS, I HAVE SETTLED ON: CABELA's TOURNEY TRAILS IM7 7' 6" MEDIUM-LIGHT RODS TEAMED WITH SHIMANO's SPIREX RB (REAR DRAG) SPINNING REELS. BOTH ARE $60 EACH. THE RODS HAVE A VERY FAST TIP AND A BACK BONE OF A MULE! THEY ARE EXTREMEY LIGHT AND SENSITIVE. USING FIRELINE OR STREN's VANISH I CAN FEEL THE BLADE STOP SPINNING ON HARNESSES!

SHIMANO's SPIREX REELS ARE BALANCED PERFECTLY. THEY HAVE THE ABSOLUTE BEST DRAGS ON THE MARKET. I HAVE NEVER HAD ONE FAIL ME AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT ON MY BOAT SOAKED WITH DEW IN THE MORNING OR DROPPED IN THE WATER/SAND AS I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH OTHER REELS! ADDITIONALLY, SHIMANO HAS A UNIQUE "FIGHTIN' DRAG" LEVER AT THE REAR OF THE REEL THAT WILL INSTANTLY INCREASE OR DECREASE YOUR DRAG BY ABOUT 25% IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE. THEY'RE FANTASTIC! I DON'T HAVE "FENWICK" POCKETS AND FOR A COMBINED COST OF $120 EVEN FENWICKS CAN'T TOUCH THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE COMBINATIONS - IN MY HUMBLE OPINION.

You can't beat a Zebco 202 or 404, wait a second, that was when I was 6 years old. I really like my Quantum E5-4 spinning reel. I bought it after comparing multiple spinning reels. Make sure to compare features (ie ball bearing)and don't necessarly go with the best known brand (you pay for the brand)