New Rod advice

[jasonthomas]

I'm about to set myself up with a new rod and reel.

I mainly fish bait in the estuaries for whiting, Flathead and bream. But have also just started fishing soft plastics.

At present am thinking of a 7ft 1-3Kg rod or there about. Graphite. It needs to be a 2 Piece.

I have seen there was great reviews about the Pflueger Trion series but the closest I can get is 2-4Kg in a 2 piece at 7'. The 1-3Kg is a 1 piece. The Berkley dropshot comes in 7ft 1-3Kg 2 piece. The shimano raider has some rods in that area also. I have looked at all of these at a tackle shop and was happy with them all but am now seeking some thoughts, advice, experiences from current owners both good or bad,

So firstly and feedback on the following ;
Pflueger Trion
Berkley Dropshot
Shimano raider
or any others in the same ball park (2 piece 7ft 1-3Kg/2-4Kg)

Secondly cost.
Tackle shops have them all for around 120-130. I can find same rods online for 99 but postage cost means your not really saving a penny. Are there any places in Brisbane that have adopted a beat/match prices policy? Or is a case of what you see is what you get?

Cheers,

Jason

[Mossy247]

Jason,
I have both a shimano raider in 1pc 1-3kg and the pfluger trion in 2-4kg, both great rods. If I had a choice for another I would go the trion only because of the shimano's are usually a little more expensive than they are worth (In my opinion in that rod/price range) have a look around though most place have specials on the rods above for around the 100 mark.

My shimano raider (series 1) cork handle on front grip sh!t itself, partly ill treatment from over zealous users and poor design I felt but the series 2 mexican fire?? Is a great rod which i picked up a while ago for 115.

All rods would suit your needs to a tea I would just be going with what was at the right price. Never ordered rods online, only lures but most places have over 100 and free postage and return policy's pretty good for reputable online traders.

Hope this helps, tight lines. Mossy

[Blythy]

Mossy's on the money, I love my raider, it has only just been superseeded by my loomis. I have a Berkley dropshot aswell not a bad rod but it is worth spending the extra money on the fire. I have landed some magic fish on mine.
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