Buyer's Guide: Best Rod and Reel Combos Under $400!
Today's buyer's guide is all about finding the best bang for your buck! $400 is the industry standard for quality gear and virtually every company strives to have a great combo in this price point. Matt and Tim tried dozens of options and created this list of spinning and casting rods and reels that stand out from the crowd. If you're looking to purchase a quality combo but want advice from angler's that have the experience that only time on the water can provide, look no further.
The guys put their heads together and came up with an amazing offering from a wide variety of brands. How does a rod or reel make the cut? The guys tried literally dozens of rods and reels in search of the stand outs that were more sensitive, more reliable, and better priced than their competition. No matter your brand preferences, you're sure to find something on this list that will help take your bass fishing to the next level.
Below you'll find a detailed description of each rod and reel combo. We've included links that will take you directly to the products on Tackle Warehouse. We make this as user friendly as possible so you can find what you're looking for but also so your non-fishing loved ones understand the products as they shop for you this holiday season. We've organized the rods below in the same order they were presented in the video to help prevent confusion.
Combo #1...
-G Loomis E6X Casting: http://bit.ly/2G5Bc86
These are great budget-friendly offers from G-Loomis. You get the same models and actions that you find in their high-end offerings at a more affordable price. Our favorite model: 845C CBR.
-Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Combo #2...
-Megabass Levante Spinning: http://bit.ly/2Ibeo70
Great sensitivity and technique specific actions at a mid-range price. Favorite Models include the Whipsnake and Shakyhead.
-Shimano Ultegra 2500: http://bit.ly/2nfApml
Combo #3...
-Shimano Zodias Casting: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe
The Zodias offers a perfect balance of sensivity, power, and affordability. Shimano's mid-range offering, these rods are worth far more than the asking price. Favorite models include 7'2" Medium heavy, 7'5" Heavy, 7'6" Medium Heavy Glass.
-Daiwa Tatula Elite: http://bit.ly/2ONCBS1
Combo #4...
-Shimano Zodias Spinning: http://bit.ly/2jOUXAO
The Zodias spinning offers some of the most universal actions available. The 7' Medium light (dropshot, ned rig tube), and 7' Medium (dropshot, shaky head, Neko, senko) will do virtually anything you want to do with a spinning rod.
-Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7
Combo #5...
-Daiwa Tatula Elite Casting: http://bit.ly/2yLDr9z
These are great all-around rods offering a variety of lengths and actions for virtually any circumstance. The standouts include the 7'1" Heavy, 7'3" Medium Heavy Ehrler, and the 7'6" Meyer.
-Daiwa Tatula SV TWS: http://bit.ly/2xALqpz
Combo #6...
-Daiwa Tatula Elite Spinning: http://bit.ly/2ONGjLl
The Tatula Elite's feature 4 angler-influenced actions that cover a wide spectrum of actions. The most universal are the 7'1" Medium Heavy Howell and the 7'3" Medium Howell. Paired with a Fuego this combo comes in way under budget, barely breaking the $300 mark.
-Daiwa Fuego LT 2500: http://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ
Combo #7...
-Cashion Casting: http://bit.ly/2He0r4X
Cashion makes unique actions in the USA with Carbon fiber grips and micro guides. Some of our favorite models include 7' Medium Heavy, 7' Heavy, and 7'3" Heavy.
-Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Combo #8...
-Cashion Elite Spinning: http://bit.ly/2xJGGPt
With their mild actions and slower tapers the Cashions offer unique rods that load deep into the blank to help control big bass on light tackle. Our favorite models include the 7' Medium and 7'2" Medium Heavy Shakyhead.
-Shimano Ultegra 2500: http://bit.ly/2nfApml
Combo #9...
-Megabass Levante Casting: http://bit.ly/2FdE3YY
The 2019 Levante's offer some amazing actions with unique tapers. If you've ever wanted to try a Megabass rod the Levante is an affordable option with that true Megabass feel. Our favorite models are the 7' Tour Versatile, 7'2" Perfect Pitch, and 7'5" Braillist.
-Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
