Best $100 Baitcaster Combo? | Abu Garcia Vengeance Review

[@marctheriault]

Probably one of the best reviews out there at the moment. Perfectly timed for anyone looking to jump into the sport, or boost their arsenal for the new season. Great budget deal with a reliable company, that clearly gives you your money’s worth. The Vengeance was the first rod I picked up when I started and it’s everything you reported. (May even grab another. 😏) Thanks for another fine review!!

[@richardblake4777]

It's your personality that comes across and makes your channel grow Debo. If word gets out, your subscribers will explode. Thanks for what you do.

[@Davo2233]

It’s how he says feeshermen

[@dcorsile]

After watching this review I am so stoked that I just randomly picked one of these Abu Garcia Vengeance combos up today at Walmart for $40! The pads have the upgraded rubber on them like your reel does. I can’t wait to get out on the pond and set it up!

[@eldinkup9017]

Yeah it’s $75 now

[@gundamwing1983]

I just bought 4 for 30 bucks each at Walmart I do this often around this time in my area they are always on sale I have high end gear and this casts pretty good for what it is most people don’t fish the same as those who post KZbin videos I’m definitely going to be the guy who’s dad and grandpa has to much stuff when they pass away 🙃🙃🙃

[@216edwin]

I got it today for 30 at Walmart

[@brandonthomas3757]

I got 3 today for $30 each lol

[@pharris1015]

Have they held up?

[@frankzamora8645]

I just got one for 30 as well

[@Rich.Fishing]

Hek yeah I just got 1 for 30$ myself to try it out

[@xxcaseyxxc]

I haven't used that combo but it sounds like a great beginners rig for someone who wants to get into the baitcaster scene. As always great video brother. One of these days I'll make the fishing friend shout-out one day man.

[@justincrawford1325]

I have 2 vengeance spinning rods. Absolutely love them.

[@ganddjohnson2645]

Picked this combo up from Bass Pro today for $49.00. Thank you for the review!

[@willtrax71]

Yes I really like that pronounced trigger it looks very comfortable… Is this a better Reel than a Lews Classic Speed Spool?

[@pacman_17]

Debo thank you for taking time to test and review the Vengeance combo. You used to show us the balance point of the rod with a reel on it. I hope you can get back to doing that. Most rod makers don't provide the weight specification but Abu does for this rod (4.9oz). I hope you can get back to weighing rods on the scale again in your reviews. Thanks

[@leemo5864]

Just ordered the reel for 35.00 on sale at walmart. Had extra rod needing a reel so after watching your review I decided for money it would give me a spare combo. Enjoy you channel.

[@davewashburn8930]

Hey Debo, got mine when you did. I’m pretty happy with it. Super great sale!!! Thanks again👊

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

Debo, i have not seen this combo in South Africa at all. Looks like a proper value for money combo and coming from Abu Garcia it cannot be junk. I also really like the "trigger" on a casting rod a lot. Thanks for another great video.

[@jessemaldonado9052]

I had a Abu Veritas rod white in color. I love it while it lasted then broke the tip off in my truck door. Very light felt good in had too. That didn’t have the hook under the rod like this vengeance model. Thanks for the videos Debo they are always very informative and I usually can watch them all the way through without feeling the need to skip ahead.

[@LHGolfer84]

You may check all the little screws on that reel. If one is loose it could have something out of alignment. Especially if tension takes the noise away. I got a 13 Sport Z a lil while back, and it was making some noise. The pitch would change depending on how I was holding it. Found a screw about to fall out on the inside part of the reel where the spool goes.

[@kevingrandke6075]

I picked up one of these 6'9" Medium Heavy and I love it. I tossed on a Black Max3 reel on to it and its amazing. Never had an issue with it casting hard, soft or hard baites.

[@travisla1217]

I picked up this combo on the sale, thanks to Debo’s heads up! I didn’t mind the shape of the trigger, just wished it was a wee bit further back. Unfortunately, had a snafu and the garage door bit the tip off yesterday🤦🏻 Hey, I caught ~10 fish on it at least. I am having a tougher time dialing in the reel - I’m not full on backlashing, but the line goes loose mid cast and then is fine at the end of the cast when I bomb it. Have been trying to play with spool tension and brakes. 15 lb Seagar red label throwing 3/8-5/8 spinner/chatterbaits

[@live2fishofficial]

Picked up two of them on that sale and gotta say that the rod could be better, but I like the reel a lot. Spot on review tho Debo, that casting distance really surprised me. Tight lines man!👊🏻💥🎣

[@jamescarrico5909]

I took advantage of the 2 for $100 deal. Very happy with the performance of them.

[@eaglespetty]

I have Vengeance rods in both spinning and casting paired with Lews reels and I like them both.

[@rodneyfruits5980]

Great video you did on this combo. I have the 7-footer medium-heavy and love it. Not just a bass rod, you can fish trout or crappie with this combo.

[@joshwagner8468]

I think the rod and reel are pretty awesome. Thanks for the video explaining it to us. Keep up the awesome work buddy

[@brandonmedeiros1955]

This is my first baitcaster. I got it today on clearance from Walmart for $40. Im excited to practice with it.

[@josephsantana777]

i just picked one up for $40 as well. its my first baitcaster as well. cant wait to use. did you get to use yours by any chance.

[@farrzmd3038]

Great video. I love these budget / budget combo reviews. I was gonna ask about the vengeance spinning rod but a comment answered that question for me. For that $60-$80 reel price you really can’t beat abu. The max x through the max pro are perfect from the bank and I’ve found the max x on sale for $39.98. Throw 12 pound line on them and it’s a great shallow crank / squarebill reel. It’s perfect the tiny og .... I really appreciate these videos. After time on the water abu will always be my budget reel, lews speed spool lfs for that $80-$100 price point, and the shimano slx xt for that $130 price point which is my one splurge reel. All of which after watching your videos I couldn’t be happier with.

[@NedRigNerd]

I have the first version on this combo. Got it two years ago, for $79 at Dick's Sporting Goods. The reel that came with the combo was the ultra max reel. And after two years the reel is still smooth and no noise. It's my favorite combo i have. I have a $200 Lew's Mach Inshore combo, and the $79 Abu Garcia combo is my go to if I'm only using one setup fishing.

[@matthewotis3594]

If you buy Lew's stay away from the mach series shit. Pardon my french but that's what it is. Aimed at kids with the bright colors and cool name. Can get an slx for $100 and a diawa aird x for under 50 and have triple the set up for $50 more. I love Lew's but for their price the mach series specs and materials suck. Might piss some off but my opinion from handling lots of their stuff along with lots of other companies stuff.

[@NedRigNerd]

@@matthewotis3594 yeah not all mach is like that. And they aren't aimed at kids

[@matthewotis3594]

I know they're almost all graphite and the brakes weren't much in the beginning. I'd rather have a speed spool LFS as any of the machs. Love my custom speed spool also but seem to mostly carry my coastal on my ark invoker. Hopefully they've upgraded the mach but originally they were marketing to kids. Why not. Wasn't trying to bust on your mach series just stating an opinion that many people share.

[@dolloff33]

I have the reel and it is amazing for the price. I got on sale for $35 and they actually sent me 2. It cast a mile and is fairly smooth. Drag works well.

[@Mann272]

What line do you use for it?

[@ONETU]

just picked this one up today for 40$ at my local walmart. great review Deebo.

[@bnasty2306]

Thanks for the review. Love these videos. Always good to get your opinion to know what is good or bad.

[@joeychokeahoe1]

I just picked up this combo at my local Walmart for $40. So far it has been great!

[@muddmutt]

This was one of my first custom rods. I paired it with a Abu Garcia Revo 4X HS. I love the combo... Good rod and reel for the price

[@michaelellis7952]

You used to use Kastking reels, have you tried any of the newer models to see if they have improved?

[@chadammons4304]

Mine have improved greatly the more I use them and took care of them haven’t tried there rods yet but love there reel’s

[@omarhill7345]

i still have there old models from the old assassin to the brand new mega jaws elites, I'd say they have improved greatly. even there spinning reels have improved as well.

[@leannesmith3660]

I have Megajaws. I really like it. Still on the fence about the elite

[@chadammons4304]

I own the royal legend 2 and the Elite and the zypher bfs reels use them all but my favorite so far is the royal legend elite cast and reels smooth as butter the royal legend 2 still feels a lil grindy when you reel in and the zypher is good but can only hold 6 pound test so when I fish for crappie or white bass thts my go to reel but for any other fishing I do I have my elite with me

[@adamspaulding8507]

Debo I like the rod but the insert in the tip guide fell out a couple trips ago. Do you have a go to for tip replacements? Thanks for this video

[@Mountainmanfishing]

Keep up the great content Debo...Great videos and details..

[@cheyenneallen4901]

Hes one of the best on KZbin hes honest with everyone

[@davidbrooks6084]

I am out of town right now and decided to go fishing. I’m a Kastking guy but I didn’t bring any of my gear with me so I decided to go to Academy and saw this combo for $50. First cast backlashed pretty bad but it was user error. After that I was pretty stoked at how decent this combo is. I tied up a Texas rig and it was pretty smooth. I will say I don’t care for non clicking tension knobs but besides that no complaints.

[@FounderOf4]

Great review Debo

[@brianlee9074]

Thanks for the review Debo. That's a good budget combo for sure. Beginner's special. ✌🏻🎣

[@wykidwiscofishing5861]

I’ve got 2 of those rods not the combos. But that rod has landed me some big fish and is great for drive point. 10lb pike and 4 lb largemouth

[@ChefAndy972]

Found this combo on fb for 35. I ended up getting 2, shipped to the house for under 75 with tax and everything. Right out of the box it looks good, I don't have the grinding issue. Can't wait to test it out. It's really rare to find the budget combo baitcasters in left handed models. I see lots of deals for RH combos, but not usually LH. I grew up fishing spinning reels and ALWAYS reeled with the left hand, cast and work the rod with my right. As far as I know, most RH anglers fish spinning rods this way. Why are baitcasters backwards????

[@djradrs199]

Dropped off some Amazon Returns at UPS next door to walmart SO I decided to take a look at whet they have to offer (haven't been to walmart in like 2 yrs) seen the ABU VENGENCE I'm A LV RAIDERS fan so THe SILVER & BLACK stood out,,,,, i have a 25+ yr old 6'med Abu Garcia still kick'n never had to repair anything on it that I really like but the reel finally has a small chip in the frame just above the spool..,,, SO I seen the VENGENCE 7' med Hvy felt good .. noticed the trigger too .. almost bought it $52.00 ... thought i'd go check some reviews before pulling the CURVED TRIGGER so to speak .. LoL so I typed in the search bar here at work and YOU POPPED UP YEAH ,,, i'm headed back after work to pick it up today after watching this video,,,,,,, for spinner bait / chatter baits ,,,,,,,, came back to edit my post LOL i paused video wrote out the post half way in before I watched the whole video ......... I'LL BE BACK to leave comments after use 🤠

[@scottvermonter920]

Great Review Debo thanks man!

[@Everything_Andy]

In my area I just picked up this specific rod for $53 but rounded up to $54 after taxes. But turning this into my light frog fishing around open lily pad area where it's very thin and over downed trees. Also for essentially my jig fishing with 3/8 oz to 5/8 jigs. Won't be doing any punching or heavy flipping or big glad baits and such but that's fine because doing jigs of max ³/⁴ oz will be max for me. But my style fishing is usually light tackle fishing and I Excell in this department so thank you for persuading me to buying this rod. Plus it is really good. But I am now fiddling with the lews hank parker speed stick 7ft medium heavy casting rod. Matched up with the lews speed spool lfs. And so I feel like it is Light for a setup. But time will tell if rod holds up.

[@oregonuplands8687]

I have the vengance spinning rod and its been great. Believe it or not I actually found it at Walmart on clearance for 15 bucks just the rod with no reel it is a 6'6" and I busted the ceramic out of the top eye when a double uni knot passed through it. Replaced the eye and it has been awesome ever since.

[@brucepreston3927]

I have a Vengence casting rod and a Vengence spinning rod and they both worked great but just one thing to beware of, plastic part that holds the reel to the rod is put on with super cheap glue...Do tighten your reel down too hard because the glue came loose on both of my rods! I fixed them both with some epoxy but just be careful if you are ham fisted like me!

[@xxPigpen]

I have the Vengeance 6'6" medium rod paired with an Abu pro max 7.1:1 would recommend. Good set up Great value

[@Dj.fishing084]

Good combo my guy... But it's spelled would🤷

[@xxPigpen]

@@Dj.fishing084 LOL sure is. I didn't catch that

[@bdaquatics7584]

I found the SLX rod and reel combo for a little over 100$ it's my favorite combo and I've got a DC curado

[@brucepreston3927]

Where did you find that deal? I've been wanting to pick it up also!

[@briansumma528]

That reel is a dead ringer for the Daiwa CA80 sans graphite frame and number of magnets.

[@kylemyers7925]

Love the content Debo

[@ex-al5171]

Just picked one up today ( Jan 1st 2025) and it was on clearance at my Walmart for 20$!!! Holy shit what a deal!

[@davidkearns3096]

I worked at Walmart, I bought two vengeance rod's w/ with two black max's I'm on my third season of moderate use, with no servicing and love them!! I have more expensive combo's I enjoy less. I also have a black max 6'6" med casting and 6'6" medium light I truly enjoy! In paintball we say the gun doesn't make the shooter. In fishing the combo doesn't make the fishermen.

[@sluggou812beotch]

I've never used a baitcast reel and I think I'll try one of these. They're $39 right now on ebay for the combo so I can make a few bird nests without much pain.

[@franklinlobos1355]

Just bought it caught a 16 inch small mouth and nice size catfish on the first trip out still trying to figure everything out. Thanks for the breakdown

[@Rodbuilder109]

Have you ever been to Spirit Lake, IA that is where you can get factory seconds cheap. Fisherman's Factory Outlet is across the street from the factory Berkeley is made there.

[@NStone90]

I'd like to see the long term review of the combo before I decide i missed out on a good deal. The rod however is great. I got the 7'6" heavy for smaller swim baits and I'm not disappointed with how it handles them and how it feels in the hand. The best part is the butt, the way they cut/ tapered fits the non dominant hand so well. Abu did the hook keeper right. The u shape and it's location is perfect for me.

[@dbolt2w]

I totally agree. Picked up the 7”6 version myself and a lews classic pro for under 150$ at walmart and its my new favorite rod for flipping and pitching. Love the finger holder on the bottom it just feels too good for a cheap rod!

[@NStone90]

@@dbolt2w i think abu's cheap gear is under rated for how good they are for the price.

[@brucepreston3927]

I really like that style of hook keeper also! My older Vendetta rods and my Diawa rod have the same style...They are great for any single hook bait

[@BOOTEDUPFL]

Just bought this on sale for 40 bucks today, can’t wait to try it out

[@ROZDAB]

I grabbed a vengeance spinning rod a while ago and like it. Nice and light. Especially for the price I paid for it. Can’t walk away from Walmart sales with daiwa and Abu Garcia rods/reels. I get them for my kids so I don’t have a heart attack watching them use my higher end equipment. But I find myself grabbing some of these cheap rods and having fun with em all the time. Anytime I am driving through some random town or state I stop at local Walmarts and other various sporting good store trying to find sales/deals on fishing combos.

[@gvanys]

I'm looking for a new reel to improve casting distance. I want to keep my current rod but change the reel since I'm not happy with the one I have. Which reel would you recommend for this purpose?

[@josephkoby8183]

Debo what’s your thoughts on the Rapala fish scale? The one you can hook to Bluetooth. Also have you got your hands on a deeper fish finder?

[@firehawk3125]

Your reviews are always great! I got two on sale at Walmart for $40 each. Haven’t gotten to use them but

[@firehawk3125]

Your review made them an easy decision to pick up!

[@JustBlazin2001]

Just bought a LH version on Walmart online for $30. Thank you for this review!

[@carson1060]

Great video, just got a used 66 MH, I'm excited to used it with my quantum Vapor after your review 😊🎣

[@jinkk9452]

does the combo come with fishing line?

[@julior.5351]

Hello Debo, I recently picked up a mach 2 combo but it had a faulty drag from manufacture(returned it). I want to upgrade to something besides graphite. Is it worth it? Do the reels last longer? What do you recommend for mid budget reels?

[@zachmcbride8525]

Currently using the rod paired with a Revo X. Very comfortable and hasn't let me down yet.

[@cadendoherty9724]

Just picked this up at my Walmart for $35! Will be my first baitcaster

[@deltabass9697]

i got one of those rods when i bought my boat and i bought all his fishing gear vests everything and i use it for jerk baits .

[@Army_Outdoors_88N]

Awesome video dude!! I got two of these at the Classic. 2 of $100 and a free Abu Garcia sun shirt 👕 with a HOODIE, but dont tell Paul-Burly Fishing 🤣🤣🤣

[@bicalijd_pierfishing9652]

I just bought this Abu Garcia vengeance bait caster rod I paired it up with my Abu Garcia max x reel bait caster reel and it looks sick 👍🏼 I can't wait to fish with it this weekend at my local fishing pier I got it for $50

[@michaelstake7440]

I have the vengeance spinning rod with a okuma spinning reel on it. I’m throwing a drop shot with it. Works well for me.

[@jeremybreed7523]

Like the budget reviews! Looks like a good combo. I'd use it!

[@coty7228]

I got a 7’6 heavy over winter, paired it with a max 4 pro reel.

[@MatthewDawesFishing]

If you get a chance it would be awesome to see a review of the H2O frog rod. It's a 7 ft heavy, and very budget friendly.

[@bjenks2]

Great review. I think I'm about to order one. I noticed you still switch hands when you cast, why not just buy a left handed retrieve? All my KastKing reels are and I'll never go back to right hand retrieve as a right-handed man.

[@shaunmoeller3288]

I have the camo version I got it for $37.50 at walmart original $75 and I actually like it I'm using mine for a jig setup and topwater I'm running 30lb braid

[@S2pidMedia]

I'm late to this party lol. I have the rod, but not the reel. I snapped one of my more expensive rods being careless, and I needed a replacement rod in a hurry. They were out of st Croix rods at my local stores, so I bought a dobyns rod. I used it for a few days and I returned it because it just felt cheap for a 130 dollar rod. So I bought a vengeance rod as a stop gap until I could find another st Croix in stock, and I ended up liking the rod so much that I never replaced it. It's currently paired with a shimano curado dc, and before that, I had it paired with an Abu García revo rocket. I moved the rocket to an Abu García vendetta so the colors would match. I used to be a die hard St. Croix guy for casting rods, but I'm really loving these Abu rods that cost a lot less and perform just as well.

[@ddewjr]

How does it rate compared to the Lew's Xfinity electric orange carrot stick you got from Walmart last year? If I need to buy a rig for my son, it would be helpful to know. Thanks for everything!

[@Fishingmissions827]

I have the 7’ med heavy did really well until the tip broke but very good rod not sensitive but great for chatterbaits or swim jigs

[@williamtinker2322]

Been wanting to try one out I have the Blue Max and its probably the best reel I own then I would have to go with Seasir brand as 2nd best 🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣

[@JBrizzle629]

You should try one of the new orange and black Lew’s Xfinity combos. They’re like $97 at Walmart. Would like to see how that stacks up against this Vengeance combo.

[@FishingwithAllyG]

These combo's are on sale on Wal-mart online for 41 bucks and 2 free crank baits and a spooled up reel with 14 lbs mono. Got mine yesterday and got the FLU so haven't got a chance to use it.

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

Good value at the sale price. Great review!

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Looks pretty good for the price point. Especially like the reel seat and nut. Don’t like resting my finger on exposed threads! Thanks

[@dougsaroma]

I looked at the Max X combo but didn't like the feel of the rod. Just the opposite with the Vengeance, like you I like the rod, but haven't handled the reel. I was confused as to the difference between the Max X and the Vengeance reel, but apparently some internal quality stuff? I only have the Max Pro, which I just got, and Looking for a second rig.

[@mfandrew3261]

I got the rod in 7’ medium heavy, paired with a kastking crixus, what line and bait do you recommend for bass fishing?

[@msquared9605]

I don’t know much about Abu rods. But Abu makes the absolute best budget reels. The black max is goated

[@brucepreston3927]

As long as you dont yank on them too hard the Black Max is an awesome reel for the money...I bought 4 of them on sale for $25 each a couple years ago and they work better than most of the $50-$75 you find...They get a little bit geary feeling after you accidently slam the hook into a log a few times though! lol

[@caroferg8857]

Solid review. What we all enjoy from you. Thank you Debo!

[@DaveMcCulloughMusic]

How do you have the brakes setup? Just curious what setting you have the magnetic brakes set to. Thanks

[@oldschoolbassman4590]

I can't speak to the reel, but I really like the vengeance rods. They are very comfortable. Not the most sensitive rods, but like you said. They're 49 bucks. They are durable and pretty lightweight. I have a few paired with revo x reels, and I love em. The 7 ft heavy rod is great for froggin. Or flipping heavy cover. Medium heavy rods are rated up to an 1oz lure. All around good deal.

[@Tallnerdyguy]

For an extra $30, the veritas are much much better rods

[@gregred78]

I like the rod I've never used the reel. I actually used that same rod most every trip out it's my main worm rod.

[@dustingross1535]

I actually bought the 6'6" MH spinning rod and I've paired that with a KastKing Centron 2000 reel. Got it specifically for jerkbaits and I love it for that. It's light, made of good materials and the action is perfect, I hauled in a 5.88 pounder on it no problem. Would definitely recommend the rod, can't say anything about that reel but my Abu Black Max and RevoX have both been amazing reels.

[@emack3492]

I have the revo-x on the 7ft medium vengeance I use it for small swimbaits, spinner baits and I also love the trigger. I've caught some nice fish on it with no issues. I compare this to lews custom black and also a custom Kistler $300 argon with the shimano dc scorpion setup. This is a gr8 rod for the price! My only gripe is they don't put the action on the rod.

[@the-stickman]

I have that rod with the black max reel and love it.

[@xibfwmz]

I've had the rod brand new before first cast on it broken tip, had it replaced and same thing right away, never again have I used any Abu rod since but I haven't used Abu reels

[@134rwa]

I think those budget combos are perfect for someone new to fishing, and as they master them, then a move to higher priced items with more features for control will be less confusing, and more appreciated, after all, you don't give a brand new car driver a 500 HP car, that won't end well, haha.

[@welikefortnite4242]

i got a 100 dollar baitcaster would it be a good pair with this reel? im a experienced baitcaster and i dont feel like spending anymore after breaking 2 rods in a year

[@TackleBoxMike]

Great review, love hearing it cast good 👍

[@jobsearch5871]

how do the guides hold up to braid? I see a lot of reviews saying the braids break out easily.

[@N8Dawgg314]

Hey Debo, have you (or anyone in the comments) any experience with the Vexan Strike back BC combo? It's my first ever baitcaster so I mean I really like it but I'd like someone's opinion who has more experience with it

[@ismaelg863]

I bought this reel idk how the spool tension knob fell off but did it have anything inside of it can’t find a schematic online of the parts to order if it did have anything inside

[@NedRigNerd]

I been having my eye on the Abu Garcia STX combo. But is the switch on it for flipping legit or a gimmick.

[@mattmccalla7850]

Spool tension knob never worked correctly & kept falling off and wouldn’t stay on … returned it for the Jordan lee abu combo

[@cjscarborough83]

Idk what it is about Abu budget options, I just don’t like them. I think there are better options out there? Thanks for the breakdown Debo!