Best Baitcaster Combo in 2018 (#2 Will Make You A Proud Owner!)
Whether you’re using it for greater control, the minimization of tangles, or for a beefed up performance with a heavier line; it isn’t unfounded today as to why baitcaster combo is very much preferred. But as it goes, choosing the best baitcaster combo is less intricate than it should be — which is why we’re developing this post just to answer that permeating question: what makes yours a better one?
This guide won’t only provide you my compilation of some of the best baitcaster combos in the market nowadays but should ultimately give you a simplified overview of the benefits of baitcasting rods and reels.
This, I hope, would culminate to the narrowing down of my decision later. Without winding it down further for you, here are the five best baitcaster combos that are both well-received and touted enough to land on my list
Product Name | Rod Length | Weight | Rating | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8 in | 7 oz | |||
6’6 in | 16 oz | |||
7 in | 7 oz | |||
6’6 in | 16 oz | |||
6’6 in | 8 oz |
Best Baitcaster Combo
Via Amazon.com
There is no doubt that my first entry is not only compact but also marketing on its portability — a feature that works in this kind of endeavor. Specially crafted to cater those spontaneous fishermen and my uncles who also happen to be outdoorsmen. With it, they can fish anywhere and anytime with its ultra-transportable form and structure
It’s made of aluminum alloy which should bring all the best when it comes to strength and sturdiness. Meanwhile, the FishPen is equipped with a casting reel that which is designed even for those fishermen that possess all skill levels.
The rod can be extended right from that size of an 8-inch pen to over 3.5 ft in terms of length. On the other hand, the product comes with a design that has all the basics of my standard fishing rod — able, practical, and most of all does its purpose!
Specs:
- Length: 8-inches (pen); extension is up to 3ft.
- Color: Silver
- Brand: HDE
- Material: Aluminum Alloy
What We Like:
- Ultra compact & lightweight
- Ideal for spontaneous fishers, outdoorsmen
- Made of aluminum alloy
- Can fit a pocket, glove box, and a backpack
- Rod can be extended from 8-inch to over 3.5 ft. of length
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not ideal for left-handed users
- Materials used are not that premium
Via Amazon.com
Lightweight, supple, and comes with a superior responsiveness — this combo that features 24-ton graphite rod is not shying away from wowing its clientele. This is very much ideal for those who are looking into a combo that comes with excellent sensitivity, power, and durability.
It also boasts a sleek, comfortable design that is armed with 1-piece graphite frame and graphite side plates. Meanwhile, the combo’s fmy stainless steel ball bearings along with one roller bearing are both included to offer reliable operation and the much-needed effortless retrieve.
Abu Garcia Black Max Combo also lets its users enjoy the experience with its proprietary Power Disk system: a mechanism that ensures smooth drag performance using the entire drag range.
Specs:
- Dimension: 6.6 X 0.8 X 0.8 inches
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Bearing Count: 5
- Gear Ratio: 6.4:1
- Reel Handle Position: Right
What We Like:
- Features 4 stainless steel ball bearings and one roller bearing for smoother operation
- Proprietary Power Disk drag system
- Proprietary Duragear for extended gear life
- Comes with graphite side plates
- Handles are equipped with high-density EVA for comfort and durability
- Made of machined aluminum spool
- One piece graphite frame
What We Didn’t Like:
- Reel is made with inexpensive plastic
- Drag is a bit too sensitive for some to use
Via Amazon.com
If you’re ambidextrous and still struggling to find the right baitcaster combo, my third entry may very well be the one you’re looking for. It comes with a mechanism that caters to both right- and left-handed users!
But that isn’t only the one that takes the cake: the Sougiyilang Spinning Baitcasting Fishing Rod has numerous features that are both practical and distinctive. It has a durable and structurally beefed up solid carbon fiber construction; a corrosion-proof stainless steel is also included that guides and enhances the reel seat.
Meanwhile, a powerful, versatile, and flexible performance is set to be experienced right in the product’s enhanced graphite sensitivity. my comfort and control are also upped with its EVA split grips.
Specs:
Fishing Rod:
- Length: 7-inches
- Power: Medium light
- Action: Fast
- Line WT: 6-12 lb
- Lure WT: 1/8 – ¾ oz
Fishing Reel:
- Line capacity (mm/M): 0.29-110
- LBS/YDS: 12-120
- Weight: Approximately 7 oz
- Drag Max: 4kg/8.8 lb
- Ratio: 6.3:1
What We Like:
- Durable, solid carbon fiber construction
- Lightweight
- Reel seats have an ergonomic design
- More control and fishing comfort due to EVA split grips
- Corrosion-proof stainless steel for reel seat guide
- Caters to both right- and left-handed users
What We Didn’t Like:
- Overpriced
- A bit flimsy for some to use
Via Amazon.com
Behold the baitcaster combo that speaks what my future needs. Its stylish modern design is only rivaled by the product’s rod and reel that exemplify versatility and durability. It comes with two of its most proprietary features that should wow its users: the Ugly Tech and the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design.
The former should offer the blank construction with better balance and a lighter feel while the latter is specially developed to add strength and sensitivity; the latter should respond to even the lightest of nibbles and strikes.
Meanwhile, the one-piece rod is equipped with a construction that combines graphite and fiberglass — a formidable inclusion right in my hands.
Specs:
- Mono Capacity YD/LB: 150/10 120/12 105/14
- Bearing Count: 1
- Rod Power: Medium
- Rod Length: 6’6-inch
- Number of Pieces: 1
What We Like:
- Magnetic cast control can be adjusted
- Graphite frame is lightweight; comes with double paddle aluminum handle
- Features 1-ball bearing with graphite spool (pre-spooled with 12 LB. line)
- Noted for its ease-of-use
- Proprietary Ugly Tech blank construction for better balance and lighter feel
- Modern and stylish
What We Didn’t Like:
- Accompanying reel is a bit difficult to operate
- Problematic adjustment knob
Via Amazon.com
The “silver” edition from Abu Garcia is a testament that the brand is very much well-received by most users now. Akin to the black variant, this one also comes with all the necessities you should be looking for in a baitcaster combo— sensitivity, durability, and power!
The patented Power Disk system is also present that should ensure a smoother-than-usual drag performance. Abu Garcia Silver Max Combo comes with the distinctive five stainless steel ball bearings along a single roller bearing that gives a continuous operation.
This is enhanced further by its machined aluminum spool material that adds durability without sacrificing the product’s overall weight.
Specs:
- For Model # SMAX3/661M
- Reel Size: LP
- Bearing Count: 6
- Gear Ratio: 6.4:1
- Reel Handle Position: Right
- Braking System: Magnetic
What We Liked:
- Comes with machined aluminum spool for better strength
- Proprietary Power Disk and Duragear for smooth drag performance and extended gear life
- Features a one-piece graphite frame
- Equipped with graphite side plates
- Can be used under a one-handed operation due to its Rocket Clutch
- Made of 24-ton graphite construction
What We Didn’t Like:
- New version doesn’t come with a switch for flipping
Quick Buying Guide to Choosing The Best Baitcaster Combo
While some combos already come with a much more rapid setup due to the pre-wound system, this doesn’t preclude you from still getting a checklist and list down the features you should be looking for when choosing the best one. I’ll categorize my guide into three parts: the rod selection, the reel selection, and the combination.
The Rod Selection
Let me rip the band aid off right at this moment: the best rods come in costlier price tags! With that being said, this should get you just about the highest quality of rods. In regards to materials, you should gun for a rod that is either made of graphite or fiberglass.
For the former, this stands as the most common among the available bass rods. Rods that are made of graphite typically feature high-tensile strength and high modulus. On the other hand, some graphite rods come with high modulus, however, a low tensile strength —making them more brittle than usual.
If you want to go for the best graphite rod, prepare to break my budget. Oh, and prep up some of those arm muscles as it would be much heavier and stronger! Meanwhile, rods that are made of fiberglass are especially ideal for those situations that require soft actions and toughness.
It is also suitable when you’re throwing crankbaits in which a medium and slow action is called upon. Fiberglass rods are also sensitive like the graphite ones due to technological advancements.
The Reel Selection
There are only two baitcasting frames you should look for when choosing the best baitcaster combo in relation to its reel: the round and the low-profile. The round frame type allows you to hold more line along with heavier ones as well. This makes it more suitable for those that cater to larger catches and baits.
On the other hand, the low-profile frame is deemed as the more popular choice between the two due to its ergonomic and much easier wrist-action mechanism. It is also lighter in weight and smaller in size.
Tip: Go for the aluminum reel type whenever you can and be informed that the braking system should work specifically for baitcasters. This is also beneficial for those anglers that have just gotten started and have found themselves to be stuck in a “birds nest” situation in which the lure would hit the water while the spool would go on to further the line off the reel.
Under the reel selection, you would also find that there types of brakes that you should be looking into. These are the centrifugal, the magnetic, and the dual brakes. The first one operates under the mechanism of friction that is brought about by using pins on the “internals” of an adjustment plate.
Centrifugal has 4-6 brakes with which you can turn them on or off and work them right at when you begin casting. Meanwhile, these brakes don’t come with springs on them, but they float freely instead. The magnetic brakes operate mostly on a spool and magnet so they could lessen the rate.
They are also adjustable right by the angler and affect the rotation of the spool through its cast’s end. On their end, the dual brakes should work during the first and second half of my casting with some of them can be set to an extent in which it wouldn’t be possible to overrun the line.
The combination
The combination of a rod and a reel should work best when you’re gunning for heavy catches and heavy cover. Now, if you’re a beginner and don’t feel like pairing a rod and reel together yet, it’s best that you select those that are already “pre-selected.”
Baitcasting combos should also work for those who don’t intend to splurge that much when baitcasting: a baitcaster combo is relatively cheaper as when you purchase separate rods and reels. Today, some combos are noted for their suitability in most of my baitcasting needs. They’re as follows:
1. Specifications:
Rod size: 7ft, 6 inch
Power: Heavy
Action: Extra Fast
Ideal for: Flipping, pinching, punching, frog rod, and swimbaits
2. Specifications:
Rod size: 6ft, 9 inch
Power: Medium
Action: Extra Fast
Ideal for: Top waters and jerkbaits
3. Specifications:
Rod size: 7ft
Power: Medium
Action: Moderate
Ideal for: Crankbaits
Tip: I’d highly recommend that you purchase three of these basic baitcasting combos so you’d come prepared to different situations. These should give you a well-balanced contact and reaction baits accordingly.
On the other hand, baitcasting combos are known to be not suited for light lines; as such, casting them would be futile if you tried. Needless to say, baitcasting is very much suited when do the following: heavy cover, heavy lines, heavy lures, fighting fish, and large catches.
Verdict
The Abu Garcia Black Max Combo has met my expectations exceedingly especially in terms of value for money, quality, and ease of use. It operates under one of the smoothest casting mechanism and is also equipped with exceptional reeling. And whether you’re a beginner or is already a seasoned one, this baitcaster combo is sure to provide you a terrific experience.
Was the article helpful? Did you enjoy looking into the basics of a baitcaster combo along with my top picks? If you have something to share, please feel free to sound them off in the comment section below.
