Buyer's Guide: Best $500 Rod and Reel Combos!

[@bruceksdwilson]

I could not risk waiting for the Black Friday sale.. Tackle Warehouse only had one 7 foot 6 heavy Expride left in stock.. And I got it.

[@jimmymckamie7561]

🤬Darn you! Just kidding, I’ve been eyeing that for a few days. Enjoy.

[@solaydbak]

they had five 7'2" MH last night. Gone by this morning before the sale.

[@NateJenkins3]

They don’t appear to have been on sale anyway.

[@solaydbak]

@@NateJenkins3 you have to buy the rod or reel. Then after check the receipt. The discount is there

[@bubbabassin5210]

“We know you guys are spending time with loved ones” Me looking over at the boat ramp.👀

[@helotaxi]

Still an accurate statement.

[@victorgonzalez4791]

😂😂

[@adamford3146]

I was at the ramp too

[@henryrosener8897]

😂😂

[@Shawnpimpin601]

🤣🤣🤣

[@jakerinaldi4766]

Good to see St Croix getting the love they deserve, amazing rods!

[@scharles522]

I really liked the "technique Specific" rods section. It opened my eyes to rods that I would have never considered. Please do that more often in every price point if possible!!

[@taddbednar9957]

This is hands down the best shopping guide you guys have done. Particularly the "Game" at the end. I watch these videos over and over to figure out what rods would be best for which techniques. And you literally just went through it.

[@Bassindad10]

So awesome I really liked the last part throwing the baits and the reaction to what rod you guys would use . Thanks for the content

[@NickGoesTrucking]

Me too, I had to delete a comment because I asked expride or champion xp for punching before that part lol. They know us too well

[@NickGoesTrucking]

Tacticalbassin is family! Happy Thanksgiving y'all, thanks for another honest buyers guide.

[@nawinchester]

LOVED the ending of this video. The Q&A on individual preferences by technique was a really good portion of this video clip. Thanks guys for all you do. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!

[@bbflbigbellyfishingleague]

I work at a tackle store in California and we just recently became a retailer for St. Croix. I work with some tournament fisherman that have been fishing them for years and they've fished the Legend Tournament for years. I needed up getting my hands on a 7'1 medium Bass X for a finesse bait casting setup, their $110 rod series. I have to say between every $100/$120 rod I've tried the St. Croix is my favorite. Super sensitive and extremely light in the hand. I put a SLX MGL on it and I fell in love with the combo. I never thought I would be truly impressed by a SLX and I love that reel. I've tried 3 or 4 different brands in that price range and it is the deal. St. Croix is definitely an underrated brand in California and hope we get people to branch out over here! Great video as always guys keep up the great work, I've been watching for about 3 years now and haven't seen a video I didn't like!

[@adamlightner3171]

Having that list for techniques is freaking amazing that helps so much! Thank you guys! Can’t wait for the higher end stuff! I may not sleep tonight 😬

[@solaydbak]

I find it unbelievable that these guys don't have 1 mill subs. Best fishing channel out there. They put more techniques and fishing equipment options in their videos than anyone I've ever seen. These guys are true fisherman, not KZbin reality stars. I wish more people would appreciate what they bring to the fishing platform.

[@jasonsilevinac3158]

I got home from a miserable 12+ hour work day (yes...on Thanksgiving) and watched this video 3 times in a row. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving

[@michaelmontalto]

Simply put, the best bassin' team for educational purposes on the internet today. I look forward to these videos every single year and they never disappoint. I've tuned my youngest boy into your work (15 years of age) and made several purchases (which I've been thrilled with) based on your feedback. Keep doing what you're doing! Outstanding work gents! PS: Please do the "game" that you did in this video for the Ultra High End Combos. I'd LOVE to hear those answers and you must include Rod and Reel.

[@larrystolzman9337]

Thanks guys! I live in WI and have fished St Croix rods for about 45 years. They are special and with reasonable care last a lifetime or two. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. We all have a lot to be thankful. Your videos are one of my blessings! God Bless!

[@Acal51]

I’ve toured that place. It’s quite surprising how many workers it takes to complete all the steps to making a rod. It’s all handmade.

[@mikefurness1598]

I love my St Croix Rods. I have both spin and cast in avid-x, mojo bass for fresh water and inshores for salt water stripers. I used to have all TFO rods but as they wore out I switched all to St Croix. Best move in fishing I have made in my 60 + years of fishing.

[@tymanterola7997]

Loved the game you did at the end , I hope you guys keep doing that for all price point videos !

[@neelyroofing6726]

Thanks a lot guys! I would not have know about waiting for the order confirmation. Thanks to y’all, I got 3 metaniums I have been waiting to order amd saved over $300. Y’all’s videos help me all the time!

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes! We're happy to help!

[@tymorrison2053]

Loved the game in the end, been watching every buyers guide for years and happy thanksgiving!

[@samvaillancourtmusic]

These buyers guides are so helpful. Thanks to your buyers guides, I caught a bass two ounces away from the Chattahoochee record on my new lews speed spool lfs and my daiwa aird x. T-Bassin, you guys are the GOAT

[@jakedelacruz1173]

That game was fun to watch with the reactions you 2 had with each other's choices. I think you guys could do a video like that once in a while and change it up like ask for second and third choice rods or even special time and place choices. Maybe make some friendly bets on what the other person might choose. Either way, love watching you guys! I never miss a video, have a good holiday!

[@chadrichey1969]

Happy Thanksgiving Gentlemen! I'm thankful for you guys teaching me how to fill my boat with big bass!

[@MrAngler21]

Awesome video Tim and Matt!! Really enjoyed the game at the end. Tim saying maybe this video being long is a blessing was hilarious and true. Happy Thanksgiving guys!

[@davidhidalgo5662]

Your little game at the end that made this video special. Always love all the buyers guides but the technique specific just made this the best ever. Thank you guys for all you do and Happy Holidays to you and your families.

[@shred5]

Well I just bought my first high end rod, a Daiwa Steez Bottom Contact rod which is technically the second specialty rod that I purchased but given how much that works on my first one, I would consider it my first. Pretty stoked to see what this is all about. Also one thing I do find if you stick to one company's worth of rods, is for the most part they often compliment each other very well. Dobyns, Daiwa and St Croix are three brands I can really say that about. With Dobyns in particular though you pretty much have to branch out to other brands for specialty rods - this is where Megabass comes in. And last but not least, happy thanksgiving to you guys and thanks for doing what you do.

[@kennethspenser6281]

The Models by Technique addition was just AWESOME !! Thank you! And Happy Thanksgiving !

[@bigfah2506]

Honestly, I rarely buy during these times because it’s a mad house and I hate fighting for baits, rods, reels, and equipment. But I love this videos!!

[@Acal51]

I’ve done a tour of St Croix factory. They love to talk about their workers just as much as their product. To me that speaks volumes about what the company does.

[@cscottfish]

The walk thru at the end was cool. Wish u would have done that for the less expensive options. Me and all my buddies are in that $2-$300 range.

[@xdh10x]

Happy Birthday to me. Waking up to another Black Friday Tactical Bassin video and Turkey Day. Awesome !!!! Thanks guys. Keep up the good work.

[@Williamqtlowrey]

The fish love me too got to spend time with them today

[@5.7.0bassin2]

You guys are nuts for sure to remember all these different model numbers and everything is crazy

[@jasonw500]

You guys nailed it!!! Once I got my invoice from TW I saved 20% on my order. Expride MLF with stradic Ci4 2500 and MF with 3000 stradic. All this for $800. Can’t be happier. My first higher end rods and got a great deal. Thanks tactical bassin and TW!!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thats awesome!! You're going to love those combos!!

[@SuperBroker9759]

You guys are amazing for doing this for your subs for Black Friday sales. Best channel on You Tube !!

[@CompassAngler]

Happy Turkey day, glad to be around to watch this 💯

[@kylelundy7870]

Guys- I loved the game at the end, that was cool

[@waltermcwilliams1182]

Thankful for many things today and one of them is the outstanding content you guy provide throughout the year. Wonderful to see St Croix Legend Tournament series rods finally get a shout out. I own 10 and will likely buy more. They're fabulous rids and yhe company provides superb customer service. I was planning on covering the boat with them, but you guys really opened my eyes to the superb value other manufacturers offer. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

[@kayakangle]

I love how long winded Matt will get because of his obvious passion while Tim sits there trying to be patient awaiting his turn. 😅

[@morganyoder4277]

Tim has the one liners though to be fair.

[@bassinbilliards6279]

Matt's reminds me of me lol. Someone asks yes or no and its a full on paragraph and analyzing things.

[@morganyoder4277]

@@bassinbilliards6279 I’m the exact same way. Elaboration or no answer at all.

[@carsonkirshner6849]

This might be one of the best comments I've seen. 😂😂.

[@youtubzkoz]

@@morganyoder4277 TO BE FAIRRRR!!!!

[@dirtyfan76]

I have a 7’0 medium glass Expride for smaller cranks like 10foot divers and a 7’2 mh glass for chatterbaits and absolutely love them. Very lightweight and awesome action. I dont think I have lost a fish on the 7’0 at all, I probably jinxed myself saying that but so far it’s exceeded my expectations

[@twiggsherman3641]

The St. Croix warranty is what sets its rods apart. All my rods are the old technique specific Compre's with the EVA foam handles. Branched out to a mojo bass this year, after a few trips I dinged it up pretty bad. I tested St Croix's warranty. Would've cost me 65 USD shipped to Canada to replace it - no questions asked, or 165 USD to upgrade to a LTB, shipped to Canada. Decided to upgrade to a 7'1 M/F for my weightless senko's, and haven't looked back. Rod is that next step up, comfortable, sensitive as hell, and just reeks of quality. Shimano makes great rods, but the lack of warranty means everything I buy from now on is going to be St. Croix or Loomis.

[@mattslife3696]

They should give u guys ur own tackle warehouse page with every product u recommend 👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnjustasimpleman1998]

Been watching the buyers guides for years and every year my wallet and my wife scream,. But I have not been steered wrong yet. Keep up the great work. Happy Thanksgiving everyone, stay safe

[@hunterbull7804]

Kistler has a huge sail going on. You can get a $550 Zbone which is supposed to be as good as an NRX for 40% which would be like $350 after tax!

[@hc_gabe4078]

I never thought I’d see the day when a Savage Gear rod was in a TB video 😂

[@bigfah2506]

They (Savage Gear) has come a long way

[@hc_gabe4078]

@@bigfah2506 yeah cool to see

[@josephwegner5457]

I love my St Croix Avid ML. I throw a lot of small jigs and have landed multiple large fishing including a 34” pike and a 38” musky. It could fall in the $300 or $400 combo depending on the reel. These lists are amazing.

[@matthewchurch9629]

I have a Curado DC, just got it, and I can see why yall are so high on it. What a reel, works well with all line types, very versatile. And it has that smooth quality to it that we all want.

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes! We're so stoked you're getting to experience the fun!

[@chadrichey1969]

The Expride 7'2 ML+ hasn't been given it's proper love maybe because it's so hard to find but let me tell you it's a finesse dream! I found one early in the summer and paired it with a SLX DC and had so much effortless fun throwing Ned Rigs, weightless Rubber and small jigs. I've got the Expride 7'2 MH, 7'2 Heavy and the ML+ and I can't wait to keep adding more models, Exprides are like driving a Cadillac, just so smooth and consistent. I added same models in the Zodias series and as "duplicates" to the Expride it's a great way to double up and tie less and save some money because they're sweet too

[@jasonsokoff]

Now that you guys are in Tennessee, it would interesting to hear your thoughts on the ALX line of rods. They’re popular in the southeast and are growing in popularity. They seem to have a diverse line of rods for many techniques. Look forward to more videos!

[@Tylerler]

That was a brilliant idea. Would love to see you guys do more of these going forward!! Thanks for the info and Happy Thanksgiving!!

[@jensfishing943]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Can’t wait till tomorrow for the high end combos. You guys are hilarious together. Happy Thanksgiving 🍁

[@mikegardiner3934]

Loved the questions game at the end too!! Hope both you guys have a terrific Thanksgiving with your families!

[@Redman_30]

It was cool to see all your rods from the technique specific stuff! Great videos so much information from each end of the spectrum y’all keep it up great stuff! And happy thanksgiving!

[@solaydbak]

I was worried at first. But after buying a Chronarch MGL, it showed the discount on my receipt. I'm glad you guys went over that yesterday or I would have missed out on a great reel.

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome!! We're happy to help!

[@solaydbak]

@@tacticalbassin Expride or new Zodias 7'2" MH?

[@brucebroadwater8198]

Matt and Tim, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. I am very thankful for all the information you have shared over the years. I have built my gear based mostly on your recommendations. I have learned I have a lot to learn, thanks for teaching.

[@mikeh9744]

Great content guys! Just recently started watching the channel. Really enjoy the info and energy.

[@lanceluftman2738]

Absolutely fantastic job! Especially your top rods for techniques! Thanks

[@frankh2213]

I think I watch too much tactical. When you guys were playing the game at the end, I guessed more than half of your picks correctly 🤷‍♂️ happy thanksgiving!

[@gurban1190]

Great content guys, have you ever tried the kistler line up, all there rods are made here in the U.S. there really good rods, they use northfork composites blanks, which is a company that Gary Loomis started after he sold G Loomis. Happy thanks giving you and all of your love ones.

[@adaofromdiscord]

For the guys that may not be able to afford these my bests advice to you is to use lower end rods for baits you don’t need sensitive. Then step up and get some of these high end dobyns rods.

[@luke6897]

Happy Thanksgiving to you all and your families as well, thank you guys for all you do. 🤝🏻🧡

[@brendanandrews9590]

I’ve got a expride 6’10” m with a curado 70mgl and have been using it to throw tiny 2-3” jerkbaits for stream trout and it casts those things a mile. That mgl could almost be classified as a BFS reel, incredible piece of gear

[@CanadianBasserman]

The Chronachs and TranX making the appearance! hahaha Got my Expride 610M for jerkbaiting like Matt said and I have been smashing fish! Need to see the next segment before I make my wishlists! haha

[@bruceksdwilson]

I really liked the section at the end your picks for each technique in that price range. I hope you do the same for the high-end video tomorrow thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.

[@mikearguello7752]

Another good video guys . much appreciated. And really liked the the list of technique specific favorite rods . Anyway way you could do a technique specific favorite rod list for the $200 combos?

[@tammys2552]

Matt & Tim ... thanks so much for all the great content!! Planning on buying some of these suggestions! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

[@kimgrebosz7347]

Matt & Tim - one last rod review for you both - Top 5 Lake Chicamauga rods and reels you use....

[@troycote2724]

Great job guys!! I'm Swimbaits 90% now (Alot to do with you two) and those 3 Dobyns are what I throw. Love Curado 200ks for 3 once and under Swimbaits and can't wait to see a review of the new Curado 300k. Happy Thanksgiving Guys!! Great review!

[@adaofromdiscord]

Almost time for that 500+ high end combos 🤩

[@reid_fletcher]

St. Croix has become increasingly popular in the south as of recent years. More so in northern ga, Lake Lanier area, than other areas. There’s slowly becoming more dealers around.

[@michaelteaby1160]

Loved this one! It was fun!!!!! You guys are nuts 🥜 👍🏻🤙🏻

[@victorxavier9977]

Matt & Tim you guys are awesome...happy holidays, thx!

[@Joelflowers513]

Rod trivia was a good game. You should do it more often across the price points.

[@jasondemers8522]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family’s! I just started watching you guys and I’m thoroughly impressed and can’t wait to learn from you! I’ve been looking at the 6th sense rods and didn’t know if you knew anything about them?

[@jimmcculloch5825]

You all are always great. I always enjoy watching. It does look like you do not think much of Lew's products. You have mentioned only one this year. Comment?

[@yoan4163]

Ok i love what you guys did about the baits and rod For long time i have been trying to figure out what bait for what rod now my question is the power , actions and how long you need for what baits Love this channel Cheers

[@smoovefishing]

I agree with 99.5% of it, the only one I didn’t agree with was a glass rod for chatterbaits, I have tried it but I don’t like a glass rod for the chatterbait

[@Caughtitoutdoors]

I have found the IMXPro 864 to be a great squarebill rod.

[@spiper5781]

Thank you Matt and Tim, love the videos, happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.

[@mikedaley2882]

Cool video girls. Happy thanksgiving. Keep up the hard work. It is appreciated by alot of us.

[@alexkoutdoor]

These guys are just on another level with their gear. Here I am with basically all 7 ft medium heavy or heavy, and couple 7ft and 6'6" spinning rods. Some run of the mill, some st croix or loomis. But dang these guys don't mess around. I would give myself anxiety if I was trying to figure the exact perfect rod for all the technique specific applications. For now, I'm just gonna keep putting that trolling motor down all run watcha brung style and catch em. Awesome content though keep it up.

[@tacticalbassin]

Nothing wrong with dancing with the one that brung ya! Thanks for being a part of the Tactical family Alex!

[@alexkoutdoor]

@@tacticalbassin Happy Thanksgiving guys!

[@johngfishing8814]

Happy Thanksgiving! Great review, love my eXpride, G Loomis line, St. Croix. Appreciate you, and hope you have a great day with your families!

[@codycrites412]

Why no Daiwa or Lews reels? The rod comparisons are great, but we need some more reel variations.

[@TCoop29016]

Awesome video, nice touch at the end.

[@dant8213]

I just picked up the brailist in the Levant series to try out. Cant wait to test it

[@jersey4755]

Great video! Really liked the specific technique/bait recommendation. Hopefully you will do the same with tomorrow’s high end gear. Really helpful to see your exact choices. I’ve been looking for a football jig rod. Would that Megabass rod work just as well for a wobble-head?

[@Justin.Hawkins]

Happy thanksgiving guys, thanks for all you do for the community

[@westacklesbassin1406]

I can’t recall you guys ever mentioning Phenix rods. Do you guys ever fish them? I have a few and love them and so do some of my fishing buddies. It would be great to here you’re takes on them. Happy thanksgiving!

[@bigcbassin6731]

You guys should check out the Duckett Silverado 7’0 Medium Moderate Action - Great light square bill rod

[@DBEAUX17]

Which rod and reel combos would y’all recommend for the following I know you recommended rods but I’d also like to know the reels and gear ratios you would recommend and also the line sizes....I apologize ahead of time for my ignorance on this lol thanks in advance! Square bills, deep diving crankbaits, big swimbaits (Mag draft 8”), chatterbaits, other swimbaits (s-waver 168)...I used to bass fish all the time but as of a year ago I’ve really dived in to it and I’m learning the “sciences” behind it to become a tournament angler so I really enjoy your videos!! Again thanks in advance for the advice!!

[@nategreen3229]

Hey guys! Thanks so much for all the great vids and advice, just one question, for Black Friday and for a 200$ combo price point, im getting an slx no question but what rod would you get if you could only get one?

[@adaofromdiscord]

What do you want to fish with that rod ? I own a lot of these rods . I understand that I’m not Matt or Tim but a lot of the rods they have . I also have and could help recommend a good rod for whatever technique you’re looking to do with that rod .

[@JustinBera]

I would love to see a video on the difference between the $100, $200, $400, $500, and $500+ combos and why the more expensive ones are worth the money, or why they're not. I saw a huge difference in sensitivity when I moved from my low end (walmart) Shimano and Lew's rods to my St. Croix Premier rods, and the upgrade to Pflueger Supreme XT line of reels has been great, but is there the same jump in performance if I go to from $150-$200 rods and reels to $400-$500 gear? If you've already done a video on this, please link, I can't seem to find one. Thx

[@JustinBera]

Disregard, found a couple on your channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHTNoGWZqr-Fjas and kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXiygKmfmLlnd5o Thanks, keep sending the great videos. By the way, you've cost me a fortune on Tackle Warehouse now, lol :-)

[@cam_mich]

I ordered the shimano expride and the curado dc I’m so excited for it to come in

[@danielhedrick9917]

Loved the specific rod for each technique. Can you pick us the 3-5 rods that can do all , and tell us which rod/reel for each technique? Similar to your video from a few months back, but list which techniques on which rods and specific rods, not just actions/weights. Better for me if it's at a lower price range, the 200 range for combo, but anything would be helpful... looking for multipurpose rods as I am a kayak or bank fisherman so I can't have 15 rods for 15 techniques...

[@willmed3209]

Can you do a video online management, had to remove line memory, line conditioner, spoiling techniques, line storage. Etc

[@ryansullivan3081]

Great vid. I’d love to hear about some of Phenix Rod’s offerings.

[@deanlyons703]

Happy Thanksgiving guys. Hope you and your family’s have a wonderful day. And thanks for the creating a monster! I have fallen in love with the Megabass line of rods, in particular the Orochi line. Was looking for a Braillist, but ended up getting a Tour Versatile. The more versatile the rod the better for me due to kayak fishing. Just an FYI, a football jig on the versatile is amazing. I feel things on the bottom that I’ve never experienced before. Since then I’ve picked up a Flatside Special and although I don’t need any more rods, I’m thinking of getting a Whipsnake or Shaky Head or may stick with casting and get a Diablo Spec R. BUT, I’d love to hear what you have to say about the Levante line. I’d like to save some $ if possible if the Levante fishes above its price point. Sorry so long winded. Thanks again for all you do! 🤝🎣🦃

[@matthewpriestley7202]

What you guys like for that 1/2oz to 3/4oz crankbait that covers the 8’ to 14’ depth range ? Thanks in advance and wishing you and yours a jolly good thanksgiving

[@absolutedion7318]

Happy Thanksgiving guys. Keep up the great work

[@jamierhine661]

Have you ever tried 6th Sense Unicorns? I have both paired with Curado DC. 7:1 and 8:1 I believe. 500-550 price point for rod and reel on both. Just curious of your opinion on them. I’ve only seen KZbin channels use them but I like the look and feel of them over cork handle rods. I’d very much like a comparison to them and the setups you’ve mentioned. I apologize because I’m on my wife’s account because I don’t have one. Hope you had a good thanksgiving and thank you for the channel.

[@koreyhall9481]

Is it bad that I guessed almost every rod each of y’all were gonna pick? 😂

[@jasonw500]

I was doing the same thing. These guys have warped my mind 😂. Great content.

[@ireject1203]

Hey guys really cool to see yall moved to my home state I've been wanting to ask what do yall think if the zman crosseyez jigs