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

$500 Combos are the best "Bang For The Buck" in the entire industry! Some of these rods should be priced hundreds of dollars higher but thankfully, they remain very affordable. If you're looking to take your angling to the next level, any of these rod and reel combos will help you do it. From the Shimano Expride's incredible sensitivity, to the Megabass Orochi's incredible actions, there is something at this price point for every angler!

Every time you move up in price, you gain sensitivity and longevity. The jump in quality from $400 combos to $500, is the biggest increase at any price point in bass fishing. Some of these rods skip right over the middle and function as truly high-end rods. You won't find a more sensitive rod than an Expride without spending $400 or more! You won't find more refined components than on an Orochi at nearly any price. And you won't find more dialed, technique specific actions, than on the IMX-Pros. 

Below you'll find links to the 6 lines of rods we recommend, along with all of our top choices by technique. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Previous Buyer's Guides... 

-$400 Combos: https://bit.ly/3lSfwwz

-$200 Combos: https://bit.ly/2USSCJv

-$100 Combos: https://bit.ly/37aupED

Upcoming Buyer's Guides... 

-High End Combos

-Swimbait Guide

TOP 6 COMBOS...  

-Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

-Shimano Chronarch MGL: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

Favorite Models-  6'10" Medium, 7'2' MH, 7'3" XH, 7'6" Heavy

-Megabass Orochi XX: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

-Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Favorite Models- Braillist, Extreme Mission Type F

-G Loomis IMX Pro: http://bit.ly/2lVATTC

-Shimano Curado 200K: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Favorite Models- 845 CBR, 906 CBR, 966 Swim, 812 SBR

-St. Croix Legend Tournament: http://bit.ly/2Ap51x5

-Shimano Tranx 200A: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

Favorite Models- Big Cranker, 7'4" Medium Heavy

-Savage Gear Black Ops: https://bit.ly/35Qfcc7

-Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Favorite Models- 7'1" Medium heavy, 7'3" Medium Heavy

-Dobyns Champion XP: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V

-Shimano Tranx 200A: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

Favorite Models- 805 CB, 807 Mag, 806 Heavy

TOP MODELS BY TECHNIQUE... 

Jerkbait- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Lipless- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Chatterbait- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy Glass: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Dropshot- Megabass Orochi XX WhipSnake: http://bit.ly/2XkVoej

Ned Rig- Shimano Expride Spinning 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

ShakyHead- Shimano Expride 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Heavy Flipping- Shimano Expride 7'11" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Light Flip- Shimano Expride 7'6" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Tail Spin- G Loomis IMX Pro 843 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Blade Bait- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Keitech (4.8)- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Keitech (2.8)- G Loomis IMX Pro 862C SWBR: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

Jig (Pitch and Flip)- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Jig (Football)- Megabass Orochi XX Extreme Mission Type F: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Big Swimbait- G Loomis IMX Pro 966 SWBR: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

Big Swimbait- Dobyns Champion XP 806/807: http://bit.ly/2aivwYX

Deep Crank (Tight Action)- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Deep Crank (Wide Action)- St. Croix Legend Tourn 7'6" MH Moderate: http://bit.ly/2Ap51x5

Deep Crank (10XD)- Dobyns Champion XP 805 Crank: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V

Squarebill- Megabass Orochi XX Flat Side Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Spinnerbait- G Loomis IMX Pro 812 SBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

Frog- Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Topwater- G Loomis IMX Pro 843C MBR (7' Medium): http://bit.ly/2lVATTC

TOP REELS TO PAIR WITH... 

All Around- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Cranking- Shimano Tranx 200 HG: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

DC Performance- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Light Baits- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Buyer's Guide: Best $400 Rod and Reel Combos!

This Buyer's Guide takes it to the next level! The $400 price range for rod and reel combos opens up a whole world of higher end equipment. You're talking about sensitive blanks, dialed in actions, and technique specific rods. With reels you're looking at lighter weights, stronger components, and smooth gearing. Come along as we explore the best rod and reel combos around the $400 mark. 

The $400 threshold brings a lot of new companies into the mix. Cashion, 13 Fishing, and a few others join the ranks of the traditional leaders in this category. These combos are a huge leap up in sensitivity and durability over the previous videos. If you're able to reach this price range you're looking at gear that will stay with you year after year, taking all the abuse you can dish out, and delivering excellent performance all along the way. 

Below you'll find links to all of the combos in the video. In each series there are stand out models that are a step above the rest, we've included those recommendations as well. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Previous Buyer’s Guides…

$100 Combos: https://bit.ly/37aupED

$200 Combos: https://bit.ly/2USSCJv

Upcoming Buyer’s Guides…

-$500 Combos

-High End Combos

Spinning Combo #1...

Rod- Shimano Zodias: https://bit.ly/3ab5b9V

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Spinning Combo #2... 

Rod- Cashion Elite: http://bit.ly/2xJGGPt

Reel- Shimano Ultegra 3000: http://bit.ly/2nfApml

Favorite Models: 7' Medium Light, 7'2" MH ShakyHead

Casting Rod #1... 

Rod- 13 Fishing Muse: http://bit.ly/2xVM80V

Reel- 13 Fishing Concept A2 7:1 Ratio: https://bit.ly/36XlOVs

Favorite Models: 7'4" Heavy, 7'5" Medium Heavy

Casting Rod #2... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Favorite Models: 7'2" Med Lt, 7'5" Med hvy, 7'5" Heavy

Casting Rod #3... 

Rod- Shimano Curado Full Handle: http://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium, 7'2" Heavy

Casting Rod #4... 

Rod- G Loomis E6X: http://bit.ly/2lzoEMm

Rod- G Loomis E6X Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2G5Bc86

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Buyer’s Guide: Best $200 Rod and Reel Combos!

This Buyer’s Guide is about finding the best value. $100 rods and $100 reels are a huge leap up from their $50 counterparts! The “bang for the buck” that is gained, far exceeds the dollars spent. $200 combos offer increased sensitivity, better components, and the ability to branch into technique specific models. Come along as we explore some of the best $200 combos on the market!

This category really comes down to 3 series of rods. If you’re willing to spend a few dollars more, a 4th series becomes an option as well. At this price its not just about increased sensitivity in the rods, there are also some real upgrades in the reels. The Shimano SLX is by far the stand out reel in this category, offering excellent functionality at an affordable price. 

Below you’ll find links to the different lines of rods discussed in the video, along with our favorite models from each line. Additionally we’ve included the reels we recommend pairing them with. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you’ll see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. Finally, we’ve included a link to yesterday’s “$100 Buyer’s Guide” and some insights into the next couple videos as we continue through the buyer’s guide series. 

Previous Buyer’s Guides…  

$100 Rod and Reel Combos: https://bit.ly/37aupED

Upcoming Buyer’s Guides… 

-$400 Rod and Reel Combos

-$500 Rod and Reel Combos

Spinning Combo #1… 

Rod- Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 1000: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

Favorite Rod Models... 7' Medium Light (702), 7' Medium (703)

Spinning Combo #2... 

Rod- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Favorite Rod Models... 7' Medium Heavy, 7' Medium Light

Baitcasting Combo #1... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury Casting: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Favorite Models... 7' MH Crank (705 CB) 7' Heavy (704), 7'9" MH Swim (795)

Baitcasting Combo #2... 

Rod- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Favorite Models... 6'10" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'5" Heavy

Baitcasting Combo #3... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Favorite Models... 7'1" Medium, 7'2" Medium heavy, 7'4" Heavy

Bonus Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Favorite Models... 7' Medium Light, 7'6" Light

Bonus Baitcasting Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Favorite Models... 6'9" Medium, 7'1" MH, 7'3" Heavy, 7'6" MH Glass

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Buyer’s Guide: Best $100 Rod and Reel Combos!

Today’s Buyer’s Guide is about finding the best “bang for the buck” amongst $100 combos. In recent years three brands have really stepped up, offering exception quality and value near the $100 price point. Whether you’re looking for your first quality bass rod, or an entire line up, you can’t go wrong with these three!

With dozens and dozens of brands offering rods and reels in this category, its hard to know which to try. We’ve spent an incredible amount of time trying new gear, getting to know the various models. We’re confident the St. Croix Bass X, Shimano SLX, and Daiwa Aird X, are the best you’ll find in this category. We’ve paired each with the best reels, while attempting to stay near the $100 mark. For those looking to branch out a bit further but don’t want to jump all the way to the $200 mark, we’ve included a bonus combo for you as well. 

You can’t go wrong with any of these lines but if you’re looking for something specific, we’ve included our favorite models from each group. Below you’ll find links to each item that go directly to Tackle Warehouse, where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the models. We’ve also included a schedule of a few of the upcoming Buyer’s Guides so you can plan ahead. Keep in mind, these videos are going on every day throughout the holiday season so check back constantly to see what’s next!

Upcoming Videos… 

-$200 Rod and Reel Combos

-$400 Rod and Reel Combos

Combo #1…

Rod- Denali Ryker Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/31bKfgp

Reel- Lews Classic Speed Spool: https://bit.ly/2IRMVcB

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium Heavy, 7’ Heavy

Combo #2…

Rod- Shimano Sellus Casting Rods: http://bit.ly/2XNYB3h

Reel- Abu Garcia Black Max: https://bit.ly/396HlO2

Favorite Rod Models- 6’10” medium, 7’2” Medium Heavy, 7’6” Heavy

Combo #3…

Rod- Daiwa Aird X Spinning Rods: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

Reel- Daiwa Revros LT: http://bit.ly/34nCGCj

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium, 7’ Medium Heavy

Bonus Combo…

Rod- Dobyns Colt Casting Rods: http://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

Reel- 13 Fishing Origin A: https://bit.ly/3ny0I6S

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium Heavy Cranking, 7’3” Heavy

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G