Try as they might, no one on the Tackle Test team was able to backlash the Lew’s Custom Pro Gen 3. (Photo by Brad Richardson)
March 18, 2025
By Shane Beilue
When the subtle vibration of a lipless crankbait pulsing through the rod tip suddenly ceases, the bait is either fouled or a bass has eaten it. This time, the abrupt halt was the result of the latter. The rod flexed deeply under the satisfying load of a surging Florida bass, which turned the tannic water to a boil. After the fish was landed, quickly photographed and released, notes about the catch were promptly recorded.
In this instance, the rod and reel used to catch the bass were under greater scrutiny than how and where the fish was caught. Such is the process when conducting the Game & Fish Tackle Test, our annual evaluation of the latest rod and reel offerings from the industry’s top manufacturers.
A gleaming new rod and reel looks sexy in the store, but what lies beneath the glimmer? Can the latest carbon handle on a spinning rod help detect more bites with cold fingers? Does a whiz-bang brake on a baitcasting reel reduce backlashes in a gusting wind? These are but a few of the questions our four-man team explored to help readers make informed purchases.
The Game & Fish test team convened in central Florida for a week in mid-January to put dozens of rods and reels through the paces. Post-cold-front conditions and gusty winds made the fishing more challenging than we had hoped but gave us plenty of opportunity to test tackle in tough situations. Undeterred, the team managed enough bites to keep it interesting while assessing a wide array of spinning and baitcasting gear, grading each piece in five scoring categories. Rods and reels that proved to be the best in their class earned our Editor’s Choice award, while those we feel offered the best bang for the buck received our Great Buy award.
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More from Tackle Test 2025 BEST BAITCASTING RODS New baitcasting rods (from left): Cashion Icon Multi-Purpose, SPRO RK Crawler, Duckett Jacob Wheeler 2.0, G. Loomis GLX, Denali Attax Pro, 13 Fishing Myth, St. Croix Physyx, Megabass Orochi X10, Okuma X-Series, Pflueger President XT, Cashion Element Multi-Purpose, Duckett Ghost II, SPRO Bronzeye Frog, TFO Centra Bass, St. Croix Black Bass, Daiwa Kage B Crank, Abu Garcia IKE Power. (Photo by Brad Richardson) Once in hand, it becomes evident the X-Series is more than a pretty face. Not only is the rod amazingly lightweight, it also has a satisfying quickness at the tip when hurling a 3/8-ounce bladed jig toward a lily pad field. Read why we named the Okuma X-Series our Editors Choice baitcasting rod
The feel and performance of a quality bass rod is satisfying, but when the rod in hand costs less than $80, it can make you downright giddy. The rod had such an impact on us that we double-checked the price to make sure we had it right. Read why we named the Pflueger President XT our Great Buy baitcasting rod
The new Myth from 13 Fishing is a legit bass rod designed for the hardcore angler and is immediately impressive from the moment you first pick it up. With an all-black motif, the rod is aesthetically pleasing, enhanced by the classy silver script ahead of the locking nut.
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The Japanese PVG 40-ton blank feels light enough to float when gripping the tapered Portuguese cork handle. Ergonomically, the custom Evolve reel seat forms a one-piece union between rod and hand. The Myth is available in an exhaustive list of lengths, ranging from 6 feet 8 inches to 8 feet, for properly executing any bass technique imaginable. Each carries an MSRP of $199.99.
Abu Garcia's IKE Power baitcasting rod. (Photo by Brad Richardson) The running theme of testers’ comments about the IKE Power rod was “comfort,” thanks to foam grips that are indented where the fingers rest, giving a form-fitted feel to the rod.
The skeletonized reel seat is light and rigid while heightening the sensitivity of the blank. Stainless steel guides with hardened zirconium inserts offer smooth line passage through the guides, while a 3-year warranty rounds out this very solid rod series.
The IKE Power is reasonably priced at $149.95 and available in a range of lengths and actions for those looking to employ traditional “power” techniques in the season ahead.
With an MSRP of $129.95, the Cashion Element is a budget-friendly rod that offers the same versatility and range of applications as Cashion’s higher-priced Icon series. The Element sports a tapered cork grip with an EVA butt cap, a Fuji reel seat and a unique matte blue finish to the rod blank that looks sharp.
Our 7-foot 1-inch, medium-heavy model executed everything asked of it when tossing various moving baits for Florida bass in January. Testers agreed the Element is a solid fishing rod for those looking for a one-size-fits-all approach.
As the name implies, the medium-heavy action of the Cashion Icon Multi-Purpose rod is intended for the angler looking for a single “do-it-all” baitcasting rod. The blank has plenty of beef in the butt and mid-section for solid hooksets, yet the deep parabolic bend accommodates all manner of moving baits. During testing the 7-foot 4-inch Icon Multi-Purpose fished lipless crankbaits and bladed jigs with ease.
Test team members appreciated the feel of the lightweight crosshatch carbon handle and butt cap the Icon series is known for. The Fuji reel seat is well suited to such a general-purpose rod, and a hook keeper just ahead of the reel seat is a welcome finishing touch. The Cashion Icon Multi-Purpose rod has a suggested retail price of $234.95.
The Kage series includes 13 technique-specific lengths and actions, and our 7-foot, medium-action “Crank” was perfectly suited for square-bills, lipless cranks and even bladed jigs. A soft tip flexes deep into the mid-section, giving bass time to fully inhale a moving bait, while the stronger mid-section keeps the bass under control during battle.
Testers loved the comfort of the full cork handle when firing two-handed casts into the Florida breeze. The Air Sensor reel seat is made from lightweight carbon material and melds with the hand quite well. The rich red color of the reel seat lying between the cork handle and foregrip contrasts nicely against the Kage’s black rod blank. All in all, the Kage is an impressive rod, with looks and performance that could easily exceed its $199.99 asking price.
Denali Attax Pro baitcasting rod. (Photo by Brad Richardson) Denali has retooled the Attax Series with an upgraded IM7 blank that’s 20-percent lighter than prior Attax models. The new Attax Pro has a woven carbon-fiber grip that reduces the overall weight of the rod and gives it a pleasant tactile feel. The proprietary split reel seat allows maximum contact with the rod blank, and a polymer foregrip has a tacky, rubberized feel that is comfortable when resting your forefinger against it.
The Attax Pro Series has an impressive range of lengths and actions to fit any bass technique in the book and retails for an affordable $149.99.
Building on the success of the first-generation Jacob Wheeler Select rod (the Editor’s Choice award winner in our 2024 Tackle Test ), the 2.0 incorporates the rod actions and lengths preferred by the MLF Bass Tour pro.
The Wheeler 2.0 has a workmanlike build quality and high-end components, resulting in a reliable baitcasting rod with an MSRP of just $159. EVA foam grips are cut-resistant, stainless steel micro-guides are durable and the split reel seat gives full access to the blank. Cast control is enhanced with an oversized EVA butt cap.
Plenty of lengths and actions are available to match every technique, from moving baits to bottom-hopping jigs and soft plastics.
The Ghost II is a budget-priced fishing rod offered in lengths of 7 feet, 7 feet 2 inches and 7 feet 3 inches. With their medium-heavy to heavy actions, these rods will fit a wide range of fishing applications.
A gray EVA split grip offsets the all-white rod blank, while a black reel seat provides some exposure to the blank. The stainless-steel micro-guides have hardened chrome inserts to resist cuts from braided lines.
The Ghost II sidesteps the associated cost of higher-grade components, but the MSRP of just $69 makes the series a solid entry-level rod.
The G.Loomis brand has long been associated with premium quality, with much of that notoriety being built on the back of the GLX Series. The redesigned GLX is more impressive than ever.
G.Loomis has borrowed select premium components from their ultra-premier NRX+ Series and installed them into the new GLX, including the CI4+ reel seat that’s incredibly lightweight yet refuses to flex under the stress load of a big fish. Tangle-free Fuji K SiC guides further enhance the airy feel of the GLX and prevent the line from wrapping around the base of the guides, all but eliminating the chance for wind knots. The premium cork feels buttery and pops against the black frame of the GLX.
A rod of this caliber demands a high price point. The GLX starts at $525 but delivers a feel and performance with few rivals.
Like its spinning counterpart, the Megabass Orochi X10 baitcasting rod is elegant, sensitive, unbelievably light and beautiful to behold.
The most striking feature of the rod series is the incredibly ergonomic reel seat that’s not only visually stunning but nestles perfectly within the hand, making the rod an extension of the user’s arm. The premium cork handle is leathery soft and tapered to match the contours of the user’s palm.
The blank is overlaid with organic materials that Megabass contends are lighter than carbon and eliminate unwanted vibrations, further elevating overall sensitivity. Our testers raved about the Orochi, dubbing it “the most unique rod of the bunch” with “terrific feel, excellent balance, crisp action and great sensitivity.”
The Orochi has an MSRP of $399, which is not out of line for the high-end experience this rod delivers.
SPRO’s Bronzeye Frog is one of the most recognized hollow-body frogs in fishing, and the new rod series of the same name is crafted to perfectly impart the actions for working the various frog types.
Our 7-foot 2-inch, heavy-action test model is one of three models in the line and is intended for use when walking the Bronzeye Frog. A 7-foot rod matches with the Bronzeye Pop Frog, while a 7-foot 4-inch model pairs with the oversized Bronzeye King Daddy Frog.
While we didn’t employ topwater frogs during our time in Florida, the team agreed that the action of the Bronzeye Frog rod would be applicable to multiple techniques. The tapered cork handle and butt cap and EVA foregrip round out a powerful fishing rod series from SPRO, with MSRPs ranging from $259 to $279.
The SPRO Rock Crawler crankbait is a staple in many anglers’ shallow-cranking arsenals, and the new RK Crawler rod has the ideal length and action to get maximum performance from the bait.
The 7-foot 2-inch, medium-action rod has the perfect deep-flex blank needed for better hookups when using a hard-charging crankbait. The rod’s soft action that transitions nicely into a firm midsection made it a great choice for fishing a bladed jig around the Florida vegetation encountered during testing.
A one-piece cork handle and Fuji reel seat allow comfortable two-handed casts. The MSRP for the RK Crawler is $235.99
All testers were quite impressed with the look and performance of the value-driven Black Bass Series from legendary rod maker St. Croix. Our 7-foot, medium-action model was one of a whopping 19 models available in the lineup.
Black EVA foam split grips are comfortable and complement the gunmetal gray finish of the rod blank. Aluminum oxide guides with stainless steel inserts adorn the blank, and the hook keeper is tucked neatly behind the grip. The Black Bass series offers rock-solid performance at a very reasonable price point of $150.
The St. Croix Physyx series includes 17 models. (Photo by Brad Richardson) When discussing the high-end Physyx baitcasting rod during our time in Florida, much of the talk centered around the unique triangular profile of the Trigon handle. Aside from its appearance resembling a golf putter grip, the shape of the handle offers a pleasing feel when resting deep within the palm. Another notable feature is the “trigger” on the butt cap for the forefinger of the bottom casting hand to grip, dramatically increasing a sense of control during the cast.
As far as components, the Physyx lacks for nothing, with titanium-framed rod guides and a carbon-fiber reel seat to assist in giving the rod its lighter-than-air feel. With 17 models in the series, there’s a rod for every imaginable bass tactic. MSRPs range from $375 to $415 and speak to the no-holds-barred quality and very satisfying performance of the Physyx series.
Temple Fork Outfitters continues to produce high-end bass rods, and the Centra Bass series is a superb example of the premium experience the brand is known to provide.
A tapered cork handle fits nicely within the palm and pairs perfectly with the handsome black finish of the Toray high-modulus carbon blank. The rods in the series are cleverly color-coded with subtle accents to reflect their designated actions, with our medium-action test model identified by gold rings next to the handle and butt cap. A hook keeper is well positioned just behind the cork handle.
At $349.95, the U.S.A.-made rods in the Centra Bass series will appeal to hardcore anglers and those looking to upgrade to next-level feel and performance.
Tackle Test 2025 scoresheet: New baitcasting rods and reels. BEST BAITCASTING REELS New baitcasting reels. TOP ROW (L-R): Okuma X-100HA, Abu Garcia Revo Premier LP-HS, Bates Goat SWM 200 MIDDLE ROW (L-R): Daiwa Tatula SV TW 100H, Lew’s Custom Pro Gen 3, Bates OG 100 BOTTOM ROW (L-R): SPRO Jason Christie Elite MG-XG, Seviin GSC 150, Shimano SLX XT A 150. (Photo by Brad Richardson) Offering an experience as close to “thumb-free” casting as a bass angler can get, Lew’s designers went all out on the details. Lew’s touts the new ParaMag ITB (Inertia Transfer Braking) as the highest quality cast control on the market. It’s a claim that’s hard to refute. Read why we named Lew’s Custom Pro Gen 3 our Editor’s Choice baitcasting ree l.
Shimano’s SLX series has long been considered a solid reel platform at a very affordable price, but Shimano has now pushed its high-end Silent Tune technology, found in the Curado series, into the new SLX XT A, solidifying it as one of the best bargains in baitcasting reels. Read why we named Shimano SLX our Great Buy baitcasting reel
The Revo has been a staple in the Abu Garcia lineup for many years, and the Revo Premier LP-HS, the fifth generation of the series, is perhaps the finest yet.
The Revo Premier makes no apologies for bringing an old-school “power” approach to the baitcasting reel category, yet it is incredibly smooth, impressively lightweight and very comfortable to use. With a line capacity of 130 yards of 12-pound fluorocarbon, the Revo Premier can bomb oversized crankbaits, heavy spinnerbaits or 6-inch swimbaits with ease. The dual brake easily dials in the cast control, and adjusting the centrifugal brake is quick and easy beneath the swing-away palm plate.
An incredibly powerful 22-pound drag applies the brakes to any bass with ideas of escape, while a 95-mm cranking handle with oversized paddles gives a sense of power and control during the retrieve. An 11-bearing system enhances the quiet power of the reel, and the alloy frame contributes to an overall weight of only 6.6 ounces.
One of the key features enhancing the pleasant feel of the Revo Premier is the asymmetric body design that has a slight offset for the thumb to rest naturally across the top of the reel frame.
The Revo Premier has an MSRP of $299.95 and defines what a premium workhorse baitcaster is all about. The reel is available in both right and left-hand models in 6.7:1 and 8.1:1 retrieves.
The Bates Goat SWM is a beast of a reel in a size-200 frame. From the name, one can tell that it’s designed to lob oversized swimbaits and glide baits, yet it’s also capable of hurling Alabama rigs and magnum crankbaits long distances.
Holding 200 yards of 12-pound line, the 9.4-ounce Goat SWM bucks the trend of lightweight reel frames. However, when tossing oversized lures, the weight is inconsequential. As with all Bates reels, the Goat SWM is milled from a single block of aluminum for incredible strength. Need more power? The reel has internal brass gears that won’t slip under the heaviest loads, and the custom-milled titanium crank arm gives the sense it could winch your truck out of the mud.
While we did not employ the Goat SWM for oversized swimbaits, the reel handled heavy bladed jigs and lipless cranks with ease. The Bates Goat SWM retails for $395 and has a 7.1:1 retrieve in both left- and right-hand models.
Bates brings a bit of novelty and nostalgia into the design of the OG baitcaster, with a small, 100-size frame in a round profile reminiscent of reels of yesteryear. While the profile of the reel is rather unique among modern baitcasters, the small frame remains extremely well balanced and palms quite easily.
Bates’ rise to prominence in the last couple of years is largely derived from the build quality of their CNC precision-cut reel frames made from a single block of aluminum. The OG benefits from this milling process, as well.
The unique design of the OG makes it fun to use, but the performance and features of the reel remain on par with the quality associated with the Bates name. It’s double anodized, making it safe for saltwater; a 10+2+1 bearing system makes it smooth and quiet; and the 14-pound drag has plenty of stopping power.
The OG comes in both left- and right-hand models with a 7.1:1 ratio and weighs a mere 5.6 ounces. The MSRP is hefty at $375, but for those looking for a touch of nostalgia, the OG delivers.
Daiwa's Tatula SV TW 100H baitcasting reel. (Photo by Brad Richardson) The ever-popular Tatula is offered in multiple iterations, including this new 100-size reel. Ideal for small crankbaits, jerkbaits and topwaters, the reel operates in virtual silence while maintaining impressive cranking power for its size.
One of the more popular features of the Tatula franchise is the T-Wing line guide that offers a larger aperture for incredibly long casts even with lighter lures. The cast control of the Tatula is further enhanced with an electromagnetic, two-stage braking system that effectively manages the speed of the spool throughout the cast.
The aluminum-frame Tatula 100 comes in at just under 7 ounces, and the spool holds 120 yards of 12-pound fluoro. An 11-pound drag and 90-mm swept handle complete the impressive package of the downsized caster.
The MSRP for the Tatula 100 is $219.99, and it’s available in three gear ratios—6.3:1, 7.1:1 and 8.1:1—in both left- and right-hand retrieves.
The evolution of baitcasting reels continues to move toward lighter, smaller frames, and the Okuma X-100HA may be the ultimate expression of this trend. Weighing a mere 5.6 ounces, the airy feel of the 100-size frame is immediately evident when you first pick it up.
An oversized 100-mm carbon cranking handle, aluminum frame and carbon side plates all trim critical ounces, yet Okuma has packed plenty of power inside the diminutive body. Notably, 10 ball bearings, an incredibly powerful 24-pound drag and Okuma’s Velocity Cast Control System beneath the swing-away palm plate make the X-100 capable for a wide array of bass fishing techniques. An integrated line keeper and a line reminder dial round out an impressive list of features. The X-Series is available in 7.3:1 and 8.1:1 retrieve ratios in left- and right-handed models.
The MSRP of $269.99 puts the premium attributes of the X-Series in a league with other high-quality baitcasters on the market.
The relatively new Seviin brand from St. Croix unveils the GSC, a 150-size frame that houses plenty of premium features tilted toward power. A one-piece aluminum frame, a big 95-mm carbon cranking handle, a 9+1 bearing system and a brass pinion gear give the GSC plenty of horsepower, yet the reduced size of the 150-size package remains easy to palm.
The GSC has a dual magnetic/centrifugal brake control that dials in the cast, and the 18-pound drag will ably handle anything that swims in freshwater. The gunmetal gray frame with red accents looks sporty, while the included reel cover is a nice addition.
The GSC 150 has an MSRP of $180 and is available in 6.6:1, 7.3:1 and 8.1:1 retrieves in either right- or left-hand models.
SPRO offers a premier baitcaster in the new JC Elite MG-XG, designed by Bassmaster Classic champ Jason Christie. The ultralight resin frame keeps the weight at just 6.2 ounces, but the reel has loads of power to fit every bass technique in the book.
SPRO offers the JC Elite in four gear ratios: 5.6:1, 6.6:1, 7.3:1 and 8.1:1. Each of the retrieves has a different color-coded insert on the cranking paddles for quick identification when rifling through a dark rod locker.
The test team loved the powerful, oversized cranking handle and the round paddles on the JC Elite. The textured knobs feel great when cranking, and won’t slip in wet hands. The reel was smooth and quiet during our time on the water, casting an assortment of moving baits with ease with no reported issues with backlashes in the breezy conditions.
The all-black frame with minimal lettering gives the reel a look of being “all business,” and the MSRP of $229.99 seems appropriate for the quality found in the new JC Elite.
Tackle Test 2025 scoresheet: New spinning rods and reels. BEST SPINNING RODS New spinning rods. FROM LEFT: Megabass Orochi X10, Shimano Poison Adrena, Okuma X-Series, St. Croix Physyx, St. Croix Black Bass, Abu Garcia Veritas, Daiwa Fuego, TFO Centra Bass, Kistler Abrams, Cashion Element Multi-Purpose, 13 Fishing Oath, Cashion Icon FFS. (Photo by Brad Richardson) The performance of the Orochi rises to match its beauty and comfort, with our Tackle Test team applauding the superb sensitivity, wonderful balance and crisp action. Read why we named the Orochi X10 our Editors Choice spinning rod
The Veritas is a familiar name among Abu Garcia’s rod lineup, and the improvements to the latest iteration of the spinning series were quickly acknowledged by the test team. The Veritas was frequently mentioned as surprisingly lightweight and sensitive given the $99.95 MSRP, rivaling some more pricey competitors. Read why we named the Veritas our Great Buy spinning rod
When first examining the Oath, one would swear the rod costs double the $99.99 asking price. The lustrous black finish of the blank gives it a high-end look, and the feel and performance match the rod’s appearance. The Evolve Skeleton reel seat provides multiple access points to the blank, and the velvety texture of the seat and handle is inviting to the touch.
Its Japanese 36-ton blank is light and quick while casting finesse lures. The hook keeper at the base of the handle neatly stows a drop-shot rig with ease. The Oath comes in five lengths and actions and was viewed by the test team as an absolute steal at its price point.
Cashion Element Multi-Purpose spinning rod. (Photo by Brad Richardson) Like its baitcaster counterpart, the Element Multi-Purpose spinning rod takes a “jack of all trades” approach with its 7-foot length and medium-heavy action. The rod is just as capable of dragging a shaky head as it is twitching a jerkbait in open water.
A cork handle accompanies the striking matte blue finish, and a black EVA butt cap rounds out the appealing look of the rod. Our team was pleasantly surprised at the sensitivity and long casting distances achievable by this utilitarian rod.
At $129.95, the Element Multi-Purpose rod will appeal to the angler looking to do a lot with a single stick.
With forward-facing sonar driving much of the recent innovation in bass fishing, Cashion answers the call with a rod designated for the finesse lures often required to catch fish in open water. Whether shaking a jig-head minnow, working a jerkbait or dropping a Neko rig to a bass, the new FFS Series is designed to perform.
The American rod builder placed Fuji K-frame tangle-free guides along the blank, while a graphite reel seat helps keep the rod’s weight to a minimum. A drop-shot-style hook keeper just ahead of the black EVA grip secures any style of hook.
Cashion offers two models of the Icon FFS, a 7-foot 5-inch, medium-light rod and a 7-foot 4-inch, medium-action stick, which was our test rod. The MSRP of $234.95 should be widely considered reasonable by those looking to up their “scoping” game.
Priced at just $80, the Daiwa Fuego is a well-made option for anglers bassin’ on a budget. A skeletonized reel seat, titanium oxide rod guides and black EVA foam split-grip handle define the workmanlike approach to building a budget-friendly rod.
If you prefer a longer length in your spinning rod handle, the Fuego is for you, with handle lengths of 17.5 and 18 inches. The rod is adequately lightweight for the money, and our 7-foot, medium-action test model left the test team pleased with the Fuego line, especially considering its low price point.
Kistler Abrams Series spinning rod. (Photo by Brad Richardson) Trey Kistler, owner of Kistler Rods, is a Gulf War veteran and former tank crew member in the U.S. Army, and his new Abrams rod series pays homage to our service members. Proceeds from the sale of the Abrams rods will be donated to Homes for Our Troops (hfotusa.org), an organization dedicated to building homes for disabled veterans of foreign wars.
The Abrams rods are finished with an old-school woodland camo pattern, and the laser engraving on the cork foregrip designates the specific model. Our medium-action test rod featured an engraving of an AR-style rifle. There are seven models in the Abrams Series, each of them 7 feet 3 inches in length with varying actions.
The Abrams is a high-performance spinning rod with the build quality and detail on which the Kistler name is built. It has an MSRP of $299.99.
The sleek appearance of the black Poison Adrena with rich bronze accents exudes a sense of high-performance class. On the water, the rod did not disappoint.
The light, crisp action of Shimano’s Spiral X blank is quickly apparent whether casting a weightless worm in the wind or detecting a subtle bite from a bass. The CI4+ reel seat is light and resists torque under stress, while the hollow carbon monocoque handle raises sensitivity to new levels.
There are five models in the Poison Adrena lineup, and our 7-foot, medium-action rod was one of the favorites among the entire test team.
With an MSRP of $379.99, the Poison Adrena will appeal to the discerning angler, and the performance, build quality and premium components make it a rewarding investment.
When searching for affordable quality in a spinning rod, you’d be hard-pressed to improve upon the Black Bass series from St. Croix.
The rod has a satisfying feel, from the leather-like texture of the black EVA split grip handle to the cork rubber trim. St. Croix keeps the color scheme classy with a handsome gray finish that pairs well with any spinning reel.
One could easily assume the rod exceeds its MSRP ($150), as the carbon blank is responsive and lightweight. The entire test team doted on the medium-action rod we used in Florida.
The Physyx Series is equipped with top-tier components from tip to tail, including a carbon-fiber blank and reel seat and a titanium guide train. The Physyx rod is remarkably lightweight and comfortable to use for extended periods, enhanced by the triangular shape of the Trigon grip that fits comfortably within the hand during use. The cleverly designed trigger on the butt cap adds cast control and found favor with the entire test team.
There’s a Physyx spinning rod for every bass tactic imaginable, with lengths ranging from 6 feet 3 inches to 7 feet 10 inches. Our test model was a 7-foot 1-inch, medium-action rod that was universally praised by the members of the test team.
MSRPs of the rods in the Physyx line range from $345 to $415 depending upon rod length. A 15-year warranty can be purchased for an additional $60, indicating the confidence St. Croix has in this top-tier rod series.
TFO's Centra Bass spinning rod. (Photo by Brad Richardson) When shopping for a high-quality spinning rod, one cannot overlook the Centra Bass. It checks all the boxes in terms of looks, performance, high-end components and build quality. On top of that, it’s made in the U.S.A.
A premium cork handle and Fuji Skeleton reel seat are sandwiched between a soft EVA butt cap and foregrip, giving the rod an outstanding look and feel.
As with the baitcasting rods by the same name, the actions of the Centra Bass spinning rods are indicated by color-coded ferrules around the handle. Our medium-light model had silver ferrules, while the medium action features gold accents.
The four rods are in the excellent Centra Bass spinning series each carries an MSRP of $349.95.
BEST SPINNING REELS New spinning reels. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Okuma ITX CB 2500HA, Daiwa Regal LT3000D-CXH, Seviin GFS 2500, Abu Garcia Max Elite 3000H, Abut Garcia Max SX 3000, Shimano Vanford 2500 HG. CENTER: Daiwa Kage LT2500G-CXH. (Photo by Brad Richardson) The new Vanford delivers over-the-top performance with a reasonable MSRP of $249.99. High-end technologies abound throughout the reel. During testing, the Vanford was used to deftly work wacky-rigged stick worms and soft-plastic jerkbaits around shallow vegetation, and the many upgrades were evident in the overall performance of the reel. Read why we named the Vanford our Editors Choice spinning reel .
Daiwa delivers with the affordable new Regal LT series. With an MSRP of only $69.99, the light feel, clean look and smooth performance is destined to please anglers of all skill levels and budgets. The weight and balance of the reel frame will pair nicely with your favorite spinning rod. Read why we named the Regal our Great Buy spinning reel.
At only $99.99, the price and performance of the Max Elite will appeal to new and veteran anglers, alike. With a compact carbon frame, a tubular carbon-fiber handle and a tacky yet comfortable paddle, the Max Elite is a lightweight workhorse.
The Max Elite delivered plenty of casting distance when using small weightless worms during our time in Florida, and the drag releases smoothly and consistently when under strain.
The series has four models in the lineup, with our 3000-size test model holding 175 yards of 8-pound line—more than enough to meet any freshwater application.
If handed the Max SX spinning reel, you’d likely overestimate the price point while cranking the handle. Lightweight and well balanced, the reel carries an MSRP of just $59.99.
Six stainless-steel ball bearings plus a roller bearing are housed in a lightweight frame, with our size-3000 model weighing a reasonable 8.1 ounces. The machined aluminum spool of the Max SX 3000 holds 175 yards of 8-pound line. An aluminum cranking handle is strong while reducing the overall weight of the reel.
The Max SX is offered in a variety of sizes to match any spinning technique, from a diminutive size-750 to the larger size-4000.
Whether fishing for pressured bass with light tackle or making precision casts with a jig-head minnow, the demand for spinning tackle in bass fishing is at an all-time high. Daiwa answers the call with the new Kage spinning reel.
Made from Daiwa’s proprietary Zaion high-density carbon, the Kage’s frame is rigid and lightweight. When combined with Daiwa’s Air Rotor and Air Bail, the reel is agile enough to meet the demanding action required for modern finesse techniques. Our size-2500 frame weighed in at only 6.3 ounces and is extremely well balanced when paired with a quality spinning rod.
The Kage’s black frame and subtle red accents have a nice aesthetic appeal, with a premium cork paddle that contrasts nicely with the frame. The Kage retails for $249.99 and is available in a wide range of sizes.
Okuma’s ITX CB spinning reel is designed to the meet the demanding specifications of the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), renowned for its attention to detail.
The pleasing performance of the reel is best summed up in a comment from one of our team members: “Unbelievably smooth, light and precise. One of my favorites in the test.”
The reel is visually striking with its black finish and gold accents, while a carbon-fiber handle with an EVA paddle matches the black frame. The bail is thick enough to not bend easily and engages quickly with little effort.
The ITX CB is offered in a wide range of sizes and various gear ratios. The 2500-size reel we tested is compact, weighs 7.9 ounces and holds 130 yards of 10-pound line. The MSRP on the new ITX CB is a very reasonable $159.99.
The balanced rotation when cranking the new GFS from Seviin, even at high speeds, is one of the more notable attributes of this impressive spinning reel. What’s even more satisfying is the reel has an MSRP of only $110, which, considering the many features, makes it quite a bargain.
A lightweight carbon composite material keeps the frame weight under 8 ounces, while a brass pinion gear assists in providing the internal muscle. Seviin also has an oversized “pointer” dial on the brake adjust that’s easy to access while fighting a fish. The 20-pound drag is more than enough fighting power for any species of freshwater gamefish.
Available in 2000, 2500 and 3000 sizes, the Seviin GFS is a budget-friendly reel that won’t disappoint.
