Gear Guide: Spinning Rods Under $700

Choose dependable spinning rods that let you cast farther than you ever imagined.

by

By Perry Mack

Tatula Elite Signature Series

This new line of rods from Daiwa almost defies description. All the rods have two things in common. They are designed to catch bass, and they are designed by Daiwa pros. Each rod in the series is designed by a particular pro ( Randy Howell, Brent Ehrler, Seth Feider and Cody Meyer ) to catch bass using a particular technique. X45 bias construction – where layers of graphite are laid at 45 degree angles – keep the blank from twisting, and make it stronger while still retaining sensitivity. Most rods were built from Nanoplus Super Volume Fiber blanks while the crankbait rods used GLATECH™ fiberglass / graphite construction a slower reacting blank. Pros chose either Daiwa AGS carbon framed glides, or Fuji Alconite guides and Daiwa custom reel seats or Fuji reel seats. If you’re looking for the ultimate rod to catch bass with a certain technique, gentlemen choose your weapons.

These one piece rods run the gamut from 7’0” to 7’6”, 4-14 lb line weight, 1/16-3/4 oz, fast to extra-fast action, and medium-light to medium-heavy power.

MSRP: $280-$300 USD - daiwa.com

St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore Spinning Rods

This tough enough for saltwater fishing took the iCast award for Best Saltwater Rod at iCast 2017. Building it for both strength and durability, St.Croix engineers started with a high-modulus/high-strain SCIV graphite with FRS, added a Fuji TVS blank-touch reel seat lined up with Kigan Master Hand Zero Tangle guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings and titanium frames to beat back the effects of saltwater. Perfect for the serious weekend angler or the committed tournament angler moving up through the ranks.

Seven fast action models for your arsenal from 7’0” – 8’0” , designed for 6-40 lb test, 1/8 – 1 ¼ oz lures, with medium to medium-heavy power.

MSRP: $28 -$340 USD - stcroixrods.com

G. Loomis Conquest Spin Jig

When Shimano bought G. Loomis it allowed two of the heavyweights in the industry to share technology. One of these children is the Conquest Spin Jig. Twist of the graphite blank was eliminated using Shimano’s Spiral-X technology – improving casting distance and accuracy. They also increased the rod strength to help set your hook and fight the fish all the way to the boat. The blanks are built in Shimano’s Japanese factory then shipped to G. Loomis in the USA to be finished. The rods also feature Fuji Torzite guides and custom reel seats. Sensitivity is further enhanced through the use of blank-through-handle construction (just what it sounds like), the split-grip handles are made of cork.

Four fast action models from 6’6” to 7’6”, designed for 6-15 lb test, 1/8 – 5/8 oz lures, with medium to medium-heavy power.

MSRP: $650 - $675 USD - gloomis.com

G. Loomis GLX Spinning

The self-proclaimed cornerstone of the product line for 20 years, the GLX has been redesigned for 2018 to be even lighter than before while retaining its legendary power. The GLX received a new proprietary reel seat, split grip handle, Fuji K-frame and SiC guides. Some tapers are also new, increasing the sensitivity even further than before.

Seventeen models from 6’0” to 7’5”, designed for 4-25 lb test, 1/16 – 1 oz lures, with fast to extra-fast action and light to heavy power.

MSRP: $405-$450 USD - Gloomis.com

St. Croix Legend X Spinning Rods

The new freshwater series combines the super high-modulus SCVI graphite with FRS in the lower section for maximum strength, with high-modulus/high-strain SCV graphite with FRS and carbon-matte scrim for durability, strength, and sensitivity. All engineered with St. Croix’s exemplary science including Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) tooling technology, Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) blank design, and Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART).

The blank then gets Fuji Torzite titanium frame guides, a Fuji PTS blank-touch reel seat with built-in hood, and a Kigan titanium hook-keeper, all of which you can slip in the included protective rod sack.

Five models from 6’8” to 7’0”, designed for 6-14 lb test, 1/8 – ¾ oz lures, with fast to extra-fast action and medium-light to medium-heavy power.

MSRP: $400-$410 USD - stcroixrods.com

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