Best BUDGET baitcasting combos for bass fishing

Here are some of my picks for the best overall value for baitcasting combos. While I own many different brands and models at various price points, for their price these combos are tough to beat.
At the $150 price point you’ll see:
Bass Pro Pro Qualifier 2 combo in medium
Shimano SLX combo in medium heavy
At the $100 price point you’ll see:
Abu Garcia MLF combo in medium
Abu Garcia Jordan Lee combo in medium heavy
And at the sub-$100 price point:
Piscifun Torrent in both medium and medium heavy
Hope you enjoy this video as much as I did making it. What makes your list? Leave a comment!
#shimanoslx
#abugarcia
#basspro

[@bushfishncook2128]

What on earth do you do for a living? Actor??? 😂 You are so great at talking on camera mate, I hope I can atleast get half the confidence on camera that you have 👍🏼 Great tips here for baitcasters I have never used one so get ready for some funny footage after Christmas when I try my new Abu Garcia combo I have gone a light combo as I will be using it purely for soft plastics and small lures 👍🏼 If I get good with it who knows may get a bigger combo in the future as well 👍🏼 But I have definitely been solely a spinning guy before this... So definitely enjoying your baitcaster tips 🙂 As always tight lines mate

[@live2fishofficial]

Those are some of the nicest comments I’ve ever received! That is much appreciated my friend! No, I’m just a retired guy who is passionate about his hobby. Can’t dismiss that I’ve got a face for radio tho!😂😂 You do great - can’t wait to see the footage! Tight lines!👊🏻💥🎣

[@bushfishncook2128]

@@live2fishofficial cheers mate I think it will just take me some time but I'm definitely getting more confident that is for sure 👍🏼 Well you're welcome mate just saying it as I see it 🙂 Yep something new out tonight here in Australia so you may not catch it until tomorrow but no drama You could easily be a radio host as well but not due to looks hahaha you have a great clear speaking voice No joke I could definitely see you hosting a fishing show on the TV mate 👍🏼 Lines were non stop yesterday Let's hope it continues that way 🙂

[@live2fishofficial]

@@bushfishncook2128 that’s awesome! Are you guys still in spring, or is it turning summer? It’s late fall and moving to winter in about a week here.

[@bushfishncook2128]

@@live2fishofficial summer apparently lol Been basically nothing but rain for 2 months been heading out whenever I can but been hard Winter is tough fishing that is for sure no matter where you are from Luckily this rain hasn't effected the fishing here to much In all honesty this has been a great season so far people getting bass here regularly in the 50s something that wasn't common a few years back most fish were around 30 No seen an Aussie bass at 63 the biggest I have ever seen Hopefully I can get some decent ones soon I will be trying some new tricks very soon 👍🏼

[@live2fishofficial]

@@bushfishncook2128 sweet man, nice! I can’t wait for the spring here, it’s killing me because I hate the cold lol!

[@LarrysFishing]

Love the reviews, another terrific video and great information for those looking for a new combo.

[@live2fishofficial]

Thanks for watching Larry!

[@YourNextCast]

Great review. That bass pro qualifier is a nice combo and the good thing is that they always have it on sale around the holidays.

[@live2fishofficial]

Definitely love them but really miss the Cabelas brand stuff. Thanks for watching!

[@DoubleTFishing]

Great review!! Thanks for sharing

[@live2fishofficial]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!

[@albertapikewalleye6833]

Good video, thanks for all the info on the rods there. Will help my future rod purchases✌

[@live2fishofficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@albertapikewalleye6833]

@@live2fishofficial look forward to the next video

[@live2fishofficial]

@@albertapikewalleye6833 it’s up, posted it today! Thanks for the support!

[@AnglingSpiders]

Some great advice. Still not sure about baitcasters, but going to give them another shot next year.

[@live2fishofficial]

You definitely should - thanks for watching!

[@Midwesthookset]

Great review👍 you're great at them! Talking into the camera is definitely where I struggle lol. I've got an SLX reel too. The only thing I regret is not getting the XT model since it comes with the externally adjustable brake. I may have to try one of the Pro Qualifier 2 reels. Everyone really seems to like them.

[@live2fishofficial]

Thanks for watching - I appreciate the kind words and support! I probably wouldn’t have paid what they were asking for the Pro Qualifier, but when I worked at Cabelas the 45% off of their stuff was a no brainer.

[@JoeNajorFishing]

Thanks for the information. I’m looking for a new jig/worm rod. This video helps out a lot.

[@live2fishofficial]

You bet! That SLX was still only $129 as of yesterday at American Legacy, highly recommended!

[@trapin68]

That Jordan Lee reel is actually Abu Gracia's Silvermax reel that they changed up the paint scheme on. I will concur...I NEVER get a backlash on it. I have it mounted to a Cabela's Fish Eagle and it has been a workhorse for me. The Silvermax and it's little cousin (Black Max) are not know so much for their casting distance as they are for their durability. I actually saw a Silvermax combo at Bass Pro last year and I ALLLLMOST bought it. When I went back several days later it was gone. Kick myself every day for that one.

[@live2fishofficial]

I had no idea about that, thanks for the info! It’s been a workhorse for sure. I think they just had the Silvermax on sale at the Meijer on 26 in Lenox. You can still order the old Jordan Lee combo and have it shipped to store at Cabelas. Thanks for checking out the vids man, appreciate it!

[@kumbofishingusa]

Great information

[@live2fishofficial]

Thanks my friend!

[@PeelingLine]

Good tips on buying. With how forgivable online stores are with returns I think being able to get your hands on a rod in a store isn't as big of a deal for brick and mortars. I think their advantage is just getting something in a rush. Good suggestions for rods too. $100 for a good combo isn't bad at all. I wouldn't have thought that mlf rod would be great. 👍

[@live2fishofficial]

Thank you for tuning in!

[@F.A.R.T]

great video and the info. I think if it was up to me, I'll go with the Shimano SLX combo. Just like the Shimano brand.

[@live2fishofficial]

Thanks! You aren’t wrong in that choice - solid brand!

[@Outdoor_Jack]

Awesome vid I have the lew’s Mach 2, the lew’s xfinity reel with the lew’s laser sg1 speed stick, and the bass pro shops tourney special, my favorite is the lew’s Mach 2 it’s around 200 bucks and I have no problems with it it’s amazing the model I have it In is 7’0’’ medium heavy fast action

[@live2fishofficial]

Thanks Jack, that Mach 2 is a solid combo - I’d love to have that one. I also like the Mach Crush, another Lew’s combo I’ve been mulling around for years. I love those larger handle grips. Thanks for watching!

[@Outdoor_Jack]

@@live2fishofficial yes me too I love it it’s so comfortable

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

Forgot to say thank you for a very good video. Just subscribed, so i am looking forward to more videos from you. I live in South Africa, so our tackle here is expensive, therefor Aliexpress is my go to supplier of reels.

[@live2fishofficial]

Thank you very much and welcome to the channel!👏 What are the main fish that you target in South Africa? It must be absolutely beautiful there.

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

@@live2fishofficial We have largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass as well as tiger fish that we target. There are catfish, carp, etc. as well but my son and i fish mainly bass.

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

@@live2fishofficial Sorry, trout as well.

[@live2fishofficial]

@@vernervanschalkwyk2280 very cool!

[@ParabellumFishing]

The SLX, even for $200, is a 🔥 combo! I’ve never tried that pscifun brand. Been weary of brands like that for some reason. Great info that should definitely help someone out! 👊🏻

[@live2fishofficial]

Agreed, they are really good! To be honest, if the Piscfun Phantom X came in a combo, it would have been in this review. As far as reel go, it definitely compares well to the SLX at half the price. I currently have it paired with a Halo rod and it’s a fairly versatile set up.

[@ParabellumFishing]

@@live2fishofficial I may have to give them a shot. I avoided kast king for a while too, but picked up a spinning reel from them a few months ago, and I’m really impressed. Thanks for the heads up!

[@live2fishofficial]

@@ParabellumFishing just know that they come bone dry. Cast them without a good oiling first and they are gonna scream to,let you know!😂

[@ParabellumFishing]

@@live2fishofficial You sir, just saved me from a lot of cursing! 😂

[@live2fishofficial]

@@ParabellumFishing 😂

[@Yegor1709]

Nice video 😊

[@live2fishofficial]

Thank you!

[@kylemolletfishing9123]

One combo I would suggest is the Bass Pro Shops exclusive Lew's Custom XP combo. It's a sensitive IM-8 rod, and a smooth10 ball bearing reel, which you can usually get for between $140-$160. I don't think there is a rod and reel that compares to it for the price. As always though, a great video.

[@live2fishofficial]

I will definitely have to check that one out. Thanks for the info and watching!

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

I own a Piscifun Phantom and a carbon xcs casting reel. I paired both with medium heavy rods (shimano and the phantom on a sensation). LOVE both combos a lot. I have a few shimano and banax casting reels but they don't come close to those Piscifun reels.

[@live2fishofficial]

I’m with you on that! Just got the Carbon XCS and can’t believe how light and how well it casts! Piscifun makes some absolutely fantastic products. Be sure to use my exclusive code, L2F15 - it’ll save you an additional 15% off any purchase on their website! Tight lines!👊💥🎣

[@CrankingYanking]

I am a budget kinda guy - I am partial to the Abu Garcia Black Max, I have 4 of them, 2 of which are at least 2 years old, probably 3 - never had an issue with any of the reels, I have landed fish as big at a 7lb Largemouth and a 9lb Flathead on these combo's. 2 of them are the 7' medium/heavy from Academy and the other 2 are 6.6' medium/heavy from Walmart, for the price I don't think they can be beat - 7' version was 69 bucks, the 6.6 was 59 - love em

[@live2fishofficial]

I have had the Max in my sights more than once, that’s good to know! Those are really good catches too, a great testament to the durability of those combos for sure. I have an Abu Garcia Revo X paired with a Bass Pro Carbonlite 2.0 and it’s great! Big fan of Abu Garcia. I’ll have to do a follow up on affordable pairings, although I’m not so sure I’d refer to them as “budget” items lol! (They were to me only because I got them 45% off when I picked them up)

[@CrankingYanking]

@@live2fishofficial I have been wanting to pick up an SLX combo but they keep going up in price. The reviews on those reels are great

[@live2fishofficial]

@@CrankingYanking man, American Legacy Fishing company just had the combos for $129! I did a short on it but didn’t get but maybe 14 views. It was a steal!

[@CrankingYanking]

@@live2fishofficial Yes Sir, I saw it, but I have 7 grand kids and its Christmas time - need I say more.....I will pick one up before spring for sure

[@live2fishofficial]

@@CrankingYanking bless you and your family - Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@sheepdog72]

Thanks for the info! I just started baitcasting and put a combo together. Not super thrilled with the rod but🤷‍♂️. I picked the abu Garcia Black Max Low pro and a 6'6 zebco mh Rhino tough rod. 30 # braid to 20# mono. Having a ton of fun.

[@live2fishofficial]

That’s a great setup💯! I don’t have the Black Max, but from everyone I know that does they LOVE them. I’m pretty sure that Jordan Lee reel is close to the same. Glad you’re enjoying it - tight lines!👊💥🎣

[@sheepdog72]

@@live2fishofficial thank you. I'm looking to upgrade to a better pole. The tip on the zebco is but to soft. Debating switching to carbon but I'm not sure. Definitely eyeing the Jordan Lee and also the lews xfinity. Any thoughts?

[@sheepdog72]

P.S. subbed to your channel. I've got a small one, watching your video is a good look at different things I might try. Thank you!

[@live2fishofficial]

@@sheepdog72 thank you for the support, subbed as well👍

[@live2fishofficial]

@@sheepdog72 I guess it depends what you’re going to be doing with it. I tend to buy the combos paired in MH 7-7’3” rod configs

[@kumbofishingusa]

Last pst med heavy. I will try this next year

[@live2fishofficial]

It’s a must for heavy cover IMO

[@jajojebalicrabhunter5887]

WE usualy use nature baits n hand made bait thanks for recomendation

[@live2fishofficial]

Nice! You’re welcome and thanks for watching!

[@NedRigNerd]

Only one combo under $100. And No Abu or Lew's or even Diawa c80 combo. Definitely way way better than Piscifun.

[@live2fishofficial]

If you’ve seen my Abu Garcia Jordan Lee episode, you’ll see what a disappointment the new budget model is compared to the original. I’ll have an update to this old video soon - stay tuned!

[@Yegor1709]

Nice video 😊

[@live2fishofficial]

Thank you!