Looking for a light rod - Suggestions?

[Tony9]

Hey Guys,

Now that the government has given me my stimulus package (income tax refund), I've decided to do the right thing and get me a light baitcast setup and then saving the rest. I've been doing a lot of research lately and pretty much decided on my reel. After much deliberating, I think I will be going with a Daiwa Zillion SV TW with the 7.3 gear ratio. I think it is a very versatile reel if I decide to use it for other duties in the future. Other honorable mentions were the Daiwa Alphas SV, Alphas Air, and Shimano Aldebaran.

Now to the rods... Length wise, I want it to be 6'6" - 7'0" ft Fast action, but will also consider X-Fast. I am planning to use this is primarily for 1/4 - 3/8oz hard baits and weightless soft plastics. Although it won't be ideal, I also want the rod to have the versatility to throw some 1/8oz lures too every once in a while. Unfortunately, it is hard to actually see a lot of these rods I am considering. I will have to make this decision based on reviews of others. Here's my list of rods I am considering. I appreciate any feedback anybody might have and will also consider other rods/reels not listed. Budget on the rod is $250.

Shimano Zodias ZDC1610ML 3/16-1/2oz - Only rod I was able to see in person. Looks really cool and seems like it has enough backbone to fill my needs. Also very light.

Phenix Recon2 PHX-C683ML 1/8-1/2oz

Dobyns Champion 682C/702C 3/16-5/8oz
Dobyns Champion 683C/703C 1/4-3/4oz
Dobyns Saavy 663C/703C 1/4-3/4oz

Major Craft Don Iovino 3/16-1/2oz

Daiwa Zillion ZIL661MXB 1/8-5/8oz

GLoomis E6X 803C JWR 3/16-5/8oz

I might be leaving some out. But that's all I can think of off the top of my head. Thanks!

[paulito]

I have the recon 2 ml. It will load 1/8 well. I cast a 1/8oz setup over 30yd easily. It will handle all the smaller cranks,jerkbaits, and topwater baits well. I like the fast action of the tip. The sensitivity is a little above average for its price range.

[Tony9]

I have the recon 2 ml. It will load 1/8 well. I cast a 1/8oz setup over 30yd easily. It will handle all the smaller cranks,jerkbaits, and topwater baits well. I like the fast action of the tip. The sensitivity is a little above average for its price range.

Thanks paulito. The Phenix is really high on my list. It's good to hear that it can cast 1/8oz easily.

[Baik]

I agree with Paulito 100%. That 683 is a great Lil rod for what you want to do. I was very surprised at what I could throw with that rod.

Matt

[BigAl23]

I know it list for $295 but the Loomis IMX 802 is a nice rod. I just picked up the 803. you can find them discounted a bit.
Another choice would be a St Croix Avid 69mlxf $200. Med light x fast.

[cndbasshunter]

The zodias 6'10 would work well...very light and sensitive stick

[FrankW]

Hi Tony9,

Take a look at Kistler Helium 3 Medium-Light 7'. It is rated for 1/16oz to 3/8oz. I don't have this particular rod but do have one of the Kistler's rated for 1/16oz to 3/8oz KLX rods that is my favorite rod for shallow water fishing.

Frank

http://www.kistlerrods.com/store/fishin ... wOyrI-cFEY

[stevenhatchy]

Definitely consider a Kistler KLX. I love mine.

[Tony9]

Thanks for the reply guys. I'm hoping to be able to check out the Phenix Recon2 and the Dobyns rods soon. I will definitely consider the Kistler KLX and the St.Croix Avid but would like to handle them first.

[MaxZmus]

I just picked up a poison adrena 1 610ml for 199.99 shipped. Paired with a tatula ct 7.3. Feels nice. Planning on throwing light trigs and cranks.

[BucketHunter]

I havent done much more than pitch jig and float combos for crappie on it with an Aldeberan, but i think that the Omen 610mlA might be the perfect tweener BFS rod.
It has enough backbone to be a finesse rod for big smallies but such a sweet tip.

[jpmoney]

Get the zodias 610ML rod.