Cheapest credible graphite rod?

[seantheaussie]

I fish sporadically and have had an inclination to get myself a graphite rod and braid line for years. I have known about the around $100 rods such as the Pflueger Trion for all those years but have yet to pull the trigger and buy one. Are there any credible graphite rods significantly below this price that might tempt me?
I chuck small soft plastics from the shore of Lake Macquarie so a light and long rod seems to be indicated. I have the 2000 size reel for it.
Thanks
Sean

[matt jorg]

The starlo classix or bushy lure legend are good for around $69,
But I reckon it's worth going $100 to $140 so you get fuji guides and good grips that will last.
Plenty in that price bracket that are very very good rods
Cheers matt

[nereus]

Shimano Catana

[grill]

Trion for the money is hard to beat good rods!!!

[Kyle101]

Ecooda Optic at $69

IMO though you're better off spending $129 to get a zing!

[vxcalais]

Originally Posted by Kyle101

Ecooda Optic at $69

IMO though you're better off spending $129 to get a zing!

Agreed, Ecooda Optic is a nice rod, but could have a better tip section to avoid line wrap. Rod itself it well built. I use the long cast Shimano Lure Legend. Well built rod but not the lightest. Does balance well with a Daiwa 200 however. Other Shimanos in that range are pretty decent.

However, best bang for your buck at $99 are http://www.anglermate.com.au/pro/TAI...3/1031/66.html

Tairyo Nano Matrix Hyper. They have Micro KR type guides but not advertised as Fuji. Seeing them side by side they must be Fuji just not saying it as its meant to be entry level. Excellent rod or sure.

[Kelvin]

I use cheap rods when I head out on my yak.
At the moment I have a pair of Esteem graphite rods I picked up from the big snake. They are Fuji guides and Fuji skeleton seat and weigh less than 100g. I got mine for 50% off, $50 down to $25.
I match mine to an Exist 2506 and Certate Custom Finesse and they balance fine

[chopperdog]

Majorcraft basspara are good value as an import. About $100 with post as an import. $189 in aus. Better out there at aus prices. My brother has a baitcast model and its good for the overseas price

http://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/p...jor-craft.html

[seantheaussie]

I appreciate the intentions of those who advocate $100+ rods but history suggests in my case that really means no rod.
So far the votes are
esteem 1
Ecooda Optic 2
lure legend 2
shimano catana 1
starlo classix 1

[seamonkey]

Go back to where you started - Pflueger Trion. Go buy and enjoy.

[Sloth]

Keep an eye out online. I recently picked up a 250 Abu rod for 80. I also have a trion - can get them for a 100 at times. A good rod for the price - won't be diss appointed. Check your PMs

[jamiej]

Shimano catana is was came to mind when I read your post.

[bluelipbenny]

Originally Posted by chopperdog

Majorcraft basspara are good value as an import. About $100 with post as an import. $189 in aus. Better out there at aus prices. My brother has a baitcast model and its good for the overseas price

http://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/p...jor-craft.html

i second that major craft will blow any aussie rod in the $100 range out of the water

[MiSCrEANT]

I agree MC make great rods at really good prices.

Solpara is the cheapest in the MC range. Find them cheap on Rakuten. At the moment there is 50% off shipping there

[seantheaussie]

So far the votes are
esteem 1
Ecooda Optic 2
lure legend 2
shimano catana 2
starlo classix 1
Will regret not paying $100 or more 9.

I suspect I have been talked out of spending less than $100 and history suggests I won't spend $100 so the smart money is on no graphite rod for me.
Sean