In article ,
(DiggityDanks) wrote:

I don't I will pick the Spirex after all since the store clerk told me
it was the least updated out of most/all the Shimano models. I think I
want the Sahara and saw some decent combos at Cabelas and Bass Pro but
my friend is telling me that the combos are not good at all. He hasn't
seen the websites but is assuming that they bundle low quality rods
with these reels. Is this true? I have seen the Tourney Trail,
ProGuide IM6, Fish Eagle® II, and Bionic Blade. Are these all just
generic rods that the stores put together in order to bundle with the
nicer reels? Would anybody actually recommend these because my friend
told me I shouldn't buy their combos.

Your friend may have his reasons but I have had very good use from the
combos I have purchased at Bass Pro and would think my experience would
be the same with Cabelas.

I have 5 Bionic Blade rods I have used in sal****er for the past two or
three years and have had little trouble. The problem I have had is with
the butt cushion breaking loose if I twist it too tight. They replaced
it for me free though. I have lost one eye due to line getting wrapped
around it. Since these are primarily 'freshwater' rods I might have
expected that they would not hold up. The eyes have done well and the
cork handles (as comfortable as any I have used) show little sign of use.

The rods that are bundled with the combos are the same that you can buy
separately. Not sure how that could be a 'cheap' rod. You can buy more
expensive even from Bass Pro if you want. I did get one bait caster
combo that had a rod that would be considered less than the Bionic Blade
but it was FREE with the reel. I could not argue with that as the reel
was on sale as well. The rod has also worked very well.

I can not give specifics for all the rods you mention but they get the
blanks many times from the same place as more expensive rods if not from
the manufactures themselves with a store brand added.

I would check the prices and if there is a significant savings on the
combo it should be a good bargain. If you live near a Bass Pro you can
certainly stop in and give it a closer look over. Both Bass Pro and
Cabelas stand behind their products and if you do not like the looks
when you get your order send it back.

Good Fishin'

atljoe
--
"Atlanta Joe" aka Joe Webb
Flats fishing is Flat Fun!
Visit my site at http://flatsfisher.com