BUYER'S GUIDE: $500 ROD AND REEL COMBOS! ( Best Bang For The Buck )

[@JimbobZ17]

Daiwa Tatula SV TW is the best bait caster I have used. I bought 4 of them and they are great. you can use light lures and no back lashes even on windy days.

[@davidpinkett3803]

I've been watching your KZbin videos religiously for over 6 years. I take your recommendations seriously. Thanks for your efforts and the time and money you spend researching all levels of quality fishing gear.

[@tacticalbassin]

We're happy to do it! Thank you for the support!

[@davidpinkett3803]

@@tacticalbassin is there a reason you don't suggest dobyns rods anymore?

[@BassXman]

1st comment, yes, finally got one, from one tackle junkie to another, i hope you get that rod or reel or bait ir gear you wanted for the whole year 😊

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you!!

[@jgtex7324]

Y’all should have just had everyone going crazy and dropped 2 videos for the buyers guide in one day! Great job as always. Much appreciated.

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! Maybe next time 🤷‍♂️

[@kesterharding1819]

I'm so thankful that you all took the time to explain secondary uses for the rods. I've bought so many high rods since following you all last yr. Most useful descriptions, ty guys.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you for the feedback! We felt that was important and appreciate you letting us know it was of value to you!

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thank you, Matt and Tim. That Brailist and the Expride 7-7 call my name, but some of my Florida bank fishing locales are a bit too rugged, and I'm wayyy too clumsy, for my peace of mind. Love the C2; just an incredibly light reel for the money...very comfortable for me to fish...and having that 25 pounds of drag is a nice bonus. Thank you both for these wonderful Buyers Guides, good luck to those heading out to have a go at the bass today, and I hope everyone has a fantastic Monday!

[@cfranklin1984]

St Croix stuff seems to get a lot of love everywhere in every price point

[@tacticalbassin]

It's solid equipment for sure.

[@alexfamie5255]

Go with the avid x or Legand tourneys if you can swing the price. I have 3 LT and 2 AX wouldn't trade em for ANYTHING

[@KyleSeledic]

Thank you so much for the secondary uses of the specific rods! It helps a ton when stretching the budget to know I'm getting a rod that will perform well for multiple presentations

[@vincentgelles3805]

I finally read the entire description and I’m going to make sure to use your links when making purchases from TW. I appreciate all the work and time you guys put in to make us all better fishermen and I’m all for anything I can do to help support you guys!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate you!

[@vincentgelles3805]

I just used the link from the Chatterbait video and bought the G Loomis chatterbait rod. I did save about $85 the discount was there once I re-directed to PayPal.

[@bibbythemechanic2980]

I bought that exact gloomis MBR and curado combo this fall I’m so anxious for spring!

[@tacticalbassin]

That's awesome!!!

[@dustinharris8828]

I grabbed a orochii XX launcher on Black Friday and when they say it’s one of the baddest deep cranking rods on the market, they weren’t lying! 🔥😂 and just got my new zodias ML BFS rod today and it’s extremely nice! It was only $130 on TW’s sale, so a killer deal right now on them. I hear all talk about them all the time so I hope I like the rod as much as y’all do!!! 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@tonydell1117]

Have you guys tried Edge Rods at all? I do know Gary sold the Gloomis company, started a new company, now called Edge Rods. Thank you for all the great information. Best fishing youtube channel hands down!

[@Whitehalo117]

I told my wife I wanted an Orochi Brailist. She said no more rods. I said ok. She doesn't know I'm gonna buy it anyway 👍

[@910Volcomsnow]

I just order and hope the tube doesn’t come when she’s home 😂

[@lightningmusky5286]

Sounds like you got some negativity in the house. Kick that negativity to the curb lol!

[@Phil-t6s]

Have it sent to your work. That’s what I do hahah

[@horizon1054]

Same thing with fishing, yeah I went the other day. But she doesn’t know I’m going tomorrow 😎

[@dant8213]

​@@Phil-t6ssame here 😅

[@mastermouaable]

I loved the Vanford 2000 reel combo with the Shimano Zodias 7”6 light.

[@codem0de]

Expride is the absolute business. Matt and Tim convinced me years ago. Daiwa-dudes, y'all have try one out.

[@lexm0]

Same here man! I LOVE Steez rods and MB Destroyers but for money, the Expride is absolutely ridiculously good!

[@jamesamaro]

If you had to pick 7 ft mhf would it be expride or legend tournament? Im at a crossroad thank you for all the fishing questions tb answers that arise on the boat to fishing people around the world.

[@nelsonchiro]

Thank you for introducing me to the Expride line!! So good and the perfect price. I am slowly replacing all my rods (spinning and casting) with Exprides.

[@davidhidalgo5662]

Im so glad Shimano doesnt listen to you guys. LOL You have been beating the Expride drum for so many years and how they are under priced. The new B is incredible. I have both models A and B because of you and want to be able to buy more without the price going through the roof. LOL Here is my drum beat. Amazon Amazon Amazon. Thank you for all you do.

[@fundamentawellness9562]

Managed to grab the curado casting 7’2 ML that you guys mentioned I think last year for BFS. It was on clearance for $99 🤯 they are gone now

[@rosswatkins2277]

Legend tournament paired with a citica is one of my favorites

[@nikowright9543]

High end! High end!! lol. Can’t wait!!

[@lightningmusky5286]

Heck yes! Go big!

[@Codyterkowski]

Thanks for all the tips and tricks

[@tacticalbassin]

We're happy to do it!

[@bassinbilliards6279]

Vandford/Zodias & Curado mgl/Zodias are clean for 400$ combos. Especially how many rods are in that line.

[@matthewspell416]

Hey guys, love the series I watch it every year. I’m considering buying the looks edge rods. Have you guys ever tried them?

[@ericpettyfishing]

I'm one of those guys who can't justify a 500 dollar rig. Still a good video and good info. I was drooling over a few of those setups!

[@randyoney8793]

They are great but Tim and Matt will agree not necessary cheap stuff these days is amazing

[@leepao6302]

I’m pretty sure there are stuff you like I couldn’t justify the price that you pay for as well, but I understand it’s not for everyone 😂

[@seantobin8547]

Have u guys tried the Kisler rods? Curious for your input.

[@maxgunn8915]

Oh snap! The Tatula AGS made it into a TB video, my wife will finally approve 🔥🔥🔥

[@BN-cp6fw]

I finally have a good job, so I'm excited about tomorrow :)

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome!! We're excited too!!

[@brandonsmith606]

Great video thank you guys this is where I live

[@deebz22]

R u guys going to cover terminal tackle. Like when and where to use snaps and swivels, what size hooks for different size weedless baits.?

[@charliemartin4392]

You 2 should give the favorite soleus xcs a shot (not a fan of the color schemes, besides the gun metal one). They are light as hell, corrosion proof, and can send it farther than my tatula 103svtw. Not to mention, they have a lifetime warranty. Was able to pick one up for my son from favorite for 108⁰⁰ before the jumped back up to 143. Better than the 180 retail stores ask for it.

[@keatonlightfoot]

Great Videos, I have learned a lot from you two as a young angler and have adopted many skills and tips into my fishing. I have just invested in a BFS reel (SLX BFS from japan). I would like to pair it up with a rod, looking into the ML or L Expride. I would like to mainly use it for small topwaters and potentially smaller plastics. I have that karashi along with the baby popx. Something that could handle 1/16 - 1/4 oz would be ideal. Any words of wisdom?

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Finally got an IMX 783 MBR. NOT the Pro, just an IMX from about 15 years ago. Blew me away with its sensitivity and versatility. Paired with Curado 70 MGL. Amazing. My next rod is gonna be an IMX Pro 844 MBR for a do-anything rod.

[@alexfamie5255]

Personally I feel like GLoomis is a LITTLE over priced, but you.can achieve the SAME sensitivity with st croix and doesn't cost 800 dollars . Even the bottom shelf Loomis is like 3 something to start.

[@DavidBronstein1961]

@@alexfamie5255 no doubt the gcx is insanely overpriced. (That’s the bottom model). It’s within $100 of an Expride so I’d try to scrape together the extra cash for the Expride. UNLESS you want that unique MBR taper and can’t afford an IMX Pro, let alone the upper-tier models. If I can get an IMX Pro on sale or slightly used I think that’s the way I’ll go.

[@mesa620]

Dobyns champion xp and shimano Curado dc, great $ 500+ combo.

[@ablelee4215]

What is the spec (length?, medium heavy ? Fast action? Or extra fast action?) for the megabass orochii xx(for jig fishing 1/4 to 3/4)??

[@davidhidalgo5662]

Are you going to give us a technique specific list this year like you have done in the past with your favorite rods paired with baits? I am looking for specific Expride for 2.8 Kietechs 1/8 head and Tactical underspin 1/8 with 2.8 kietech maybe 3.5 Largo shad? Thank you again for all you do. Bless you and your families around the Holidays and keep all of you safe.

[@joecalcagni9615]

Awesome stuff! The Vanford/Expride combo is what I have been using for about a year now. I have a Vanford 3000, but these appear to be the 2500 models in your video based on the paddle handle instead of the T-handle.

[@johnniemalone5141]

Thank you for the informative videos. I have purchased two Exprides based on information you provided. They are by far the best rods in my arsenal. Also purchased a Curado 150 MGL. What is your recommendation for a cranking rod? St Croix?

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

In case they don't pop in and answer, here is a link to their crankbait Buyer's Guide...which has links to some "seminar style" crankbait videos in the description. Those should also have gear recommendations in the descriptions. Good luck out there! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3avgmSqi6hgeqs

[@scottmoyer4518]

Have you guys tested any of the Bates baitcasters?

[@shaunroberts9361]

Great video. Thank you Tactical Bassin...

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you Shaun!

[@kyleo6096]

i'm a big fan of the vanford, but i think the stradic is a better reel for a cheaper price! unless the lighter weight/red coloring matters that much to someone, i'd go for a stradic. my equipment gets beat up and i think the lighter frame on the vanford is less tolerable to the beating.

[@tacticalbassin]

Did you happen to catch our spinning reel review at the beginning of the buyer's guide series? It was video #2 and very specifically answers why you get that feeling.

[@kyleo6096]

@@tacticalbassin ill check it out now! very curious

[@dreddy5187]

GLoomis GCX only comes in an 843C MBR. Would you go with that, a mega bass levante Braillist, or an expride for football jigs mainly casting into 45 degree chunk rock?

[@Straight_Kash]

So you guys like the MBR rods for Jigs over the JWR rods made for jigs? That is interesting, what makes it better than the JWR? the action? Is the sensitivity better than JWR?

[@tacticalbassin]

For finesse jigs, yes. Its a combination of the softer tip section and a deeper load through the mid (harder to throw the hook)

[@zachmoore4833]

What leader and braid would you put on a megabass perfect pitch with a curado 150 mgl? Fishing lots of weeds in clear water.

[@langeler88]

Good stuff as always fellas... I'm in the market for a good dock skipping combo and stuck on the fence. Any suggestions?

[@WhereWeWild]

Good stuff guys. 🤙🏽 Hey I’m curious, how do you boys feel about the Expride 7’2” ML Spinning? Any experience or thoughts on it? 🤔

[@gslang3489]

I caught 6 largies off that Curado BFS + Cashion MLF and a 2.8 kaitech underspin last trip. Half my haul that trip. Caught a few on yalls DD speed crank and the Legends glass crank MM and off the Legends carbon MMF chatters. Do yall just not like the Daiwa Tatula spinning reel Or the Curado DC? I love the new the old Tatula 2500s.

[@douglasspickler4925]

Do either of you have any experience with the Daiwa Tatula 70 SV TWS for BFS fishing? The description of the reel is for light line and light baits.

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, we do. While it excels at light line fishing, this reel was not built for true BFS applications. That said, Daiwa makes excellent Bait Finesse reels in other markets and hopefully they'll bring something to the US market soon.

[@douglasspickler4925]

@@tacticalbassin Thanks for clarifying 👍

[@briansmith9755]

Which is a better reel, the Daiwa Procyon AL LT or the Procoyon MQ LT? Did you choose the MQ to keep the cost within the threshold of $500? Great videos guys, love them all.

[@isaiahbock8174]

What model expride spinning model would you recommend for weightless wacky rig?

[@RippinLips28]

What are your thoughts on the Shimano Zodias vs the Expride B?

[@brettg4386]

I gotta know if you guys have ever tried the phenix BFS classic!?

[@efrainsandoval6480]

Can you recommend a weedless swimbait rod for 2 oz lures?

[@ericreid6234]

I cant tell. I haven't remembered to look at your clothes. But do you actually film each video a day before release on the buyers guides every year. Or do you do them all in one or two days and knock em all out? Any how, Merry XMAS Matt n Tim. Love you guys. Been a subscriber for probably 8-9 years now. Stuff never gets old!!!

[@stevemacleod8757]

I recently bought a 6’10 poison Adrena. Its rated lure wait is 1/4-1oz. I was told it wasn’t a glass rod but I can’t help to believe it is. Could you help me out and let me know. Thank you for all the incredible videos and sharing all your guys knowledge. I’ve learned a ton. Thanks again Steve

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

Goes it have a “G” in the model name? That stands for glass…..my 6’10” med adrena is rated 1/4 to 3/4 and it’s not glass.

[@stevemacleod8757]

@@rhodesianhunter9360 yes it does. But the place I ordered it from had the one you own marked as glass. And this one not glass. But the G is what has me freaking out. lol. Thank you so much for your input. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I will be calling the company and see if they can do for me. Have an amazing Christmas. Steve

[@twiggsherman3641]

Save yourself some money. I sold my Levante Shakyhead for an Orochi Shakyhead. Expecting a huge jump up. It wasn't there. The Orochi is a bit stiffer and has faster recovery, but its not worth the jump in price. The sensitivity is about the same on both. If I had it to do over again I'd just keep the Levante or if I wanted an upgrade I'd get an Expride. Megabass look nice, but you're buying them for the specific actions. Expride or Zodias is going to win the sensitivity battle.

[@dreddy5187]

I noticed you guys don't talk about dobyns after the fury. You used the love the champions what happened to them?

[@randalmilam2392]

Merry Christmas!

[@tacticalbassin]

Merry Christmas!!

[@taylorumland3674]

HAVE YOU GUYS TRIED THE BATES REELS? I really like the idea of supporting a U.S. company and getting a (possibly) high quality reel

[@kesterharding1819]

Lets gooo TB Family!!!

[@omalysiragusa9747]

I like what you mentioned about the MGL spools I’ve been thinking about getting the curado M with the newest version of it would I benefit from that or would getting the 150mgl be better is it just size or is there a performance thing going on there?

[@Twangtown7]

I wish manufacturers would list the weight of their rods like they do reels.

[@4PTTMH]

I have a shimano curado dc 200hg what rod would you recomend pairing it with?

[@rookiehooksetslt3352]

Do the Gloomis and Megabass rods have discounts? I don’t see the sale price in my cart.

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes they are 👍🏼 MAP pricing requirements don't allow them to say so bit if you complete your purchases, ALL brands are on sale.

[@donkukawski8609]

Matt..what model IMX pro do you use for lipless..I throw them a ton using a 7'4 MOJO glass crankin rod paired to a Shimano Anteres DC..great combo, but i think the weight is a little much after alot of fishing. So want to try out the Curado 70 MGL.

[@tacticalbassin]

The 855C CBR is THE DEAL for a lipless 👍🏼

[@donkukawski8609]

@@tacticalbassin appreciate it. Time to treat myself. Love the buyer's guides.

[@leepao6302]

I know you guys (Tim and Matt) love to crappies fishing too, how come too you guys never cover those gears; what do you like to use personally?

[@saulrodriguez1250]

We need a video that has rods that do everything in like the 500-600 dollar range

[@mschwenk86]

Thanks for the video! I have a question for you guys, shimano’s website shows the curado 150 mgl as being lighter weight than the curado 70 mgl. Is that a mistake in the specs? You guys have finally convinced me to try the expride and I’m looking for a reel to pair it with.

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, that is a mistake. Compare the weights on the Tackle Warehouse site 👍🏼 You're going to love Expride!!

[@davidhidalgo5662]

The Curado MGL 70 has 2 more bearings than the 150 MGL. I own the MGL 70 and with a full spool of #50 max quatro it weighs 7.15 ounces on my scale. So I think the listed weight of 6.9 would be exact. Hope this helps Also yes the reel is Great.

[@eduardobotello4059]

You guys have a crazy amount of rods and reels😂

[@zacheriahlewis9666]

Do the Loomis, shimano and megabass rods get any discount? I don’t see any discount in the shopping cart when I add the ones I wanted this year

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes 👍🏼 They're all on sale. MAP pricing restrictions won't let retailers advertise the sale. Make your purchases and check your receipt after purchase, you'll receive the discount on all of them.

[@txg1275]

Can you guys confirm if rods that do not show up with sale prices on TW will get the discount at check out? Asking specifically about exprides!

[@tacticalbassin]

Confirmed 👍🏼 They ARE on sale despite what they're required to post.

[@markbowers9579]

Are usually get the chimichanga combo with rice and beans

[@butapower]

On the TW website it says the exprides are not part of their discount? Or do i need to pay first before i see the discount?

[@tacticalbassin]

You need tonpay to see the discount 👍🏼 MAP pricing requirements won't allow them to show it.

[@butapower]

@@tacticalbassin thank you, great series!

[@burgermeister3443]

Is there any difference in action between the Levante Braillist and the Orochi Braillist?

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, the Levante is slightly more parabolic

[@thesonorandesertangler]

Levante has a softer action and isn't as sensitive as the XX

[@burgermeister3443]

​@@tacticalbassin Thanks!

[@AlOdd123]

How does my shimano core50mg7, and 7’ e21 carrot stix wild black stack up as a mid 2000’s $500 combo? 😂

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺Bring on tomorrow already🤑.

[@omaraparicio884]

Could anyone recommend me the optimal oil or grease for high-end Shimano reels? I'm aiming to ensure longevity and peak performance for my reels over the years

[@mikecollins2476]

If I spent $500 on a fishing combo i would probably be divorced 😂. You guys are the best thanks for all the good tips this year👊

[@lightningmusky5286]

Sounds like someone is stopping your dreams. Remember when she says no the answer is yes! It’s Opposite Day!

[@timdarnell7819]

​@@lightningmusky5286it's not stopping dreams to fish inside your means

[@GarageDoorGuru1]

Is "Buttery Smooth" the new "Burn, Burn, Burn, Pause"?

[@michaelholt8590]

$500 for a rod and reel combo? That's insane.

[@Grant_Reynolds]

I didn't get the first comment but i think i got the first like. Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all get that combo you've been waiting for! 🎄 🎁 🎣

[@tacticalbassin]

Merry Christmas!!!

[@fishing630addictionjcmg4]

First end good morning guys lest go

[@tacticalbassin]

Good morning!

[@Twinkletoesfishing]

Did Gary dobyns do something wrong to y’all? No champion xp on the video.

[@tacticalbassin]

Haha no, that's not how we make decisions. We have a TON of history with Champion XP and have caught countless fish on them. That said, this is an extremely competitive price point with a lot of new innovation. A handful of rods we really enjoy just didn't make the cut this year.

[@spacedorito9812]

The most I'll ever spend on a reel and rod combo is $200 each , $100 reel and $100 rod making it $200, I'm not ready to spend that kind of money.

[@dropzBiG]

I didnt see sales for all rods ? Just limited

[@tacticalbassin]

They're all on sale. This is a common misunderstanding because they're required to adhere to MAP pricing requirements on what can be ADVERTISED. Make your purchases and you'll find that all the rods are in fact, on sale. 👍🏼

[@dropzBiG]

@@tacticalbassin ok so you dont know what percentage of sale (say the shimano zodias) is until you actually make the purchase?

[@jamesbarron1202]

I always Fast Forward past the spinning equipment 😂

[@tacticalbassin]

😂😂😂

[@lightningmusky5286]

No sissy sticks for you! Lol!

[@jamesbarron1202]

@@lightningmusky5286 Texas🤠 Maybe if I was in smallmouth country. I’d still rather go BFS when I do go light.

[@jonathanrivera6815]

Yeah my wife just gave me the death stare when she heard the five hundred dollar combos 😅

[@arthurdirindinjr1792]

At least 70% of my friends fish Three even do do on a semi-pro basis None Not one of them myself included own a $500 rod and reel combo I personally can not possibly justify spending more on a rod and reel combo than half that Fishing like hunting is getting ridiculously over priced Especially when 90% of Fishing reels are made in China or other countries for a fraction of what they are sold for

[@tacticalbassin]

Thats precisely why we start this series with $100 combos and work our way up. We try to help anglers wherever they are 👍🏼

[@sheikhjahidofficial123]

Your video is very beautiful and❤

[@nancygarner6765]

My gosh. I love to fish but man. If I could afford to drop $500 on equipment....

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Hop Hop Hop

[@Brian-xi3kz]

Last years guides seemed longer and more in depth

[@tacticalbassin]

You may have missed a few videos along the way because this is by far the most in depth the series has ever gone. 👍🏼

[@Brian-xi3kz]

@@tacticalbassin nothing has topped the hour long spring guide💪🏻

[@tacticalbassin]

@@Brian-xi3kz Oh... see you tomorrow 😉 We appreciate the support!!

[@davidmorris7101]

Cashion rods are very good. Made in USA by good Christian people that do a lot for fundraising for Baptist children's home.