Rods & Reels Preview: Best Combos, Best Buys
By Darl Black

Shopping for a new rod or reel can be one of the most exciting aspects of bass fishing. However, as experienced anglers know, simply shaking a rod or turning a reel handle does not provide a true test of how the equipment will perform on the water. Because it's impossible to "field test" every item, shoppers must rely on the description provided by the manufacturer as a guide to specific features they are looking for.

The good news is that you don't have to buy the most expensive rod and reel to obtain a reliable outfit. All major brand manufacturers recognize they must maintain quality throughout their line, even on items that may not have all the bells and whistles.

One trend in rods is the use of multiple modulus graphite in blanks, plus graphite combined with other high-tech materials. This is a far cry from the time rod manufacturers were striving for that 100-percent-graphite rod and trying to outdo each other with a higher modulus rating every season. Today, the key is engineering the right combination of materials to produce the desired performance in a rod.

Following are some of the more interesting new offerings from rod and reel manufacturers for the upcoming season.

Airrus Pulsar GL
At the 2006 ICAST Show, the award for best freshwater rod went to Airrus, making this the fourth win in five years for this Las Vegas-based company. It was the innovative look and construction of the new Pulsar GL Rod Series that did it this time. Airrus created the Pulsar series (spinning and casting) using advanced Nano Composite Technology, combining multiple modulus graphite in the tip and midsection, plus new super S2 fiberglass with graphite in the handle and grip sections. All fibers are effectively unitized from tip to butt with nanotube resin epoxy.

"There is effectively no spine on the blank," says Airrus designer Ken Whiting. "The multi-modulus blank and handle are wrapped as one continuous unit, contributing to a rod with greater sensitivity, longer casting distance and better hooking power." Airrus, (702) 395-2173; www.rodsbyairrus.com

American Rodsmiths H3 Titanium David Fritts Cranking Rods
If you love to work crankbaits, then put your hands around the new H3 Titanium David Fritts Cranking Rods from American Rodsmiths. The four-rod series (6-foot, 6-foot-6-inch, 7-foot and 7-foot-6-inch) features a process of integrating titanium fibers with high-modulus graphite and fiberglass. According to company spokesperson Bob Brown, the result is a crankbait rod with the feel and forgiveness of graphite and fiberglass in the tip section, and the strength and sensitivity of titanium in the butt section.

The new crankbait series also includes American Rodsmiths' Maximum Contact handle system with Ultra Touch reel seat and Direct Contact rod handle through use of graphite contact bars. Female bass anglers should check out the Lady Rodsmiths Titanium Tournament Series. Women's B.A.S.S. angler Judy Wong developed the five-rod, technique-specific series with custom handles for smaller hands. American Rodsmiths, (713) 466-7849; www.americanrodsmiths.com

Berkley Tactix
For 2007, Berkley's pro staff designed the Tactix Rod Series, which combines strength and sensitivity. According to Berkley, the unique carbon-fiber pattern of the IM7 graphite blank makes for an extremely resilient, yet sensitive rod. Its hard chromium SS304 guide system is 55 percent lighter but 20 times tougher than conventional aluminum-oxide guides.

"Whatever the situation, there is a Berkley Tactix rod specifically designed by the pros to perform," says pro angler Ken Cook.

In addition, Berkley has re-engineered its entire line of affordably priced Lightning Rods by making them lighter, faster and stronger. Berkley, 1-877-777-3850; www.berkley-fishing.com

B'n'M Float-N-Fly
Building on the success of last year's Jim Duckworth Signature Float-N-Fly rod, B'n'M responded to angler requests by launching the Float-N-Fly Rod with a Tennessee handle. The company's 2006 Float-N-Fly rod had a fixed reel seat, counter-balanced weights in the handle and met tournament-length specifications. However, according to B'n'M president Jack Wells, some anglers requested a longer rod with a Tennessee handle so they could adjust the reel's placement for a balance point more to their liking. For 2007, 9- and 10-foot Tennessee-handle rods join the original 7-foot-11-inch rod just in time for smallmouth fishing. B'n'M Poles, 1-800-647-6363; www.bnmpoles.com

G. Loomis MossyBack, ShakyHead And Crankbait Rods
The new MossyBack Series from G. Loomis features 15 casting and four spinning rods made from proprietary mid-range graphite blend technology blanks with actions designed for jig and worm fishing, Carolina rigs, Senko-type baits and flipping. All MossyBack rods have fast or extra-fast tapers.

Also new from G. Loomis are the ShakyHead Spinning Rods (SHR821 and SHR 822) in 6-foot-10-inch lengths. The 821 has a light tip to feel slack line bites and a stiff butt section to pull fish out of the thickest deep-water cover. For working a shaky worm downhill, the 822 has great balance from tip to butt to feel the lightest bites.

If you are looking for a rod designed specifically for ripping lipless crankbaits through grass, then look into the new CBR906 Crankbait Rod. A 7-foot-6-inch medium-heavy rod, it has the necessary light tip combined with power in the butt section to rip Traps, Spots and other rattle baits. G. Loomis, 1-800-456-6647; www.gloomis.com

Kistler Magnesium TS And Helium 2 LTX Series
According to Trey Kistler, the newest rod in the Magnesium TS series is specifically intended for fishing a couple of today's hottest lures.

"The MgCBSJ610 Chatter Bait & Swimmin' Jig Rod is designed with the best tip action and perfect backbone placement to cast and retrieve these two popular lures," Kistler says. "With its split handle and ‘Smart Touch' fore grip reel seat design, the angler will benefit from maximum sensitivity."

Furthermore, angler demand for telescopic flipping sticks resulted in two additions to the high-end Helium 2 LTX series. Both the He2HC76T and He2HC711T feature one-of-a-kind material on the handle to help anglers hold the rod securely when battling big bass. Kistler's new proprietary materials in the handles have eliminated vibration dampening of standard cork handle designs. Kistler, (281) 259-8033; www.kistlerrods.com

Lamiglas Skeet Reese Series
The latest in bass rods at Lamiglas comes with three additions to the Skeet Reese Series. First is the SR 743S Drop-Shot Rod with an extra-beefy butt section for pulling fish from challenging cover. Next is the SR 765R Long Cast Special, a longer-length rod for extra casting distance and extra cranking depth. Finally, the SRFT 7108 Punchin' Rod is a powerhouse built to penetrate heavy cover and extract fish. Lamiglas, 1-800-325-9436; www.lamiglas.com

Rapala XLT
The famous Rapala brand is clearly stamped into the cork handles of each rod in the new XLT Rod Series. These premium HM-55 modulus graphite sticks are being billed as lightweight and tough. The Rapala Xtreme Action rods consist of five spinning, three casting, two crankbait and one flipping rod, thereby covering a broad range of bassin' techniques. All rods feature extremely thin and lightweight Fuji Alconite Guides. Rapala, 1-800-874-4451; www.rapala.com

Shimano Crucial
Shimano's top-of-the-line Crucial Bass Rods series grew by four spinning rods that should be of particular interest to smallmouth bass anglers. Constructed of IM-9 graphite blanks, the 7-foot-2-inch CRS-X72M and 7-foot-6-inch CRS-76M are designed for tubes and grubs. The 7-foot CRS-CX70ML and 7-foot-4-inch CRS-C74M feature TC4 blank construction with actions aimed specifically for jerkbaits. Shimano, (949) 951-5003; www.shimano.com

St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass Series
Building on its Legend Tournament Bass rods, St. Croix is introducing two additional casting rods to the series. The TBC710HM Magnum Cranker is ideal for big, deep-running crankbaits, which anglers love to grind over offshore structure. The 7-foot-10-inch rod is rated as heavy power with moderate action. The TBC711HMF Big Gulp Rod is a 7-foot-11-inch heavy-power, moderate fast-action flipping stick that is lighter in weight than the Legend telescopic flipping stick. St. Croix, 1-800-826-7042; www.stcroixrods.com

Abu Garcia Revo
Anglers come to expect something special from Abu Garcia every season. For 2007, the new Revo baitcasting reel is billed as the fastest low-profile reel Abu Garcia has ever designed, as witnessed by a 6.4-to-1 gear ratio in the S model and a 7.1-to-1 ratio in the SX and STX models. All three models feature Duragear oversized brass main gears for maximum cranking power and the Carbon Matrix Drag System for smoothness across all drag settings. The Linear Magnetic Brake system on the SX and STX models provides a wide range of adjustments to fine-tune the reel for any application. Abu Garcia, 1-877-777-3850; www.abugarcia.com

Ardent XS
Missouri-based Ardent Reels introduces the Ardent 2007 XS baitcasting reel, described as the only high-quality, high-performance reel that is made in the United States. The XS casts unbelievably long distances. Ardent chairman David Gray says the reel's casting ability is due to its overall design and precision manufacturing. The XS is loaded with features, including instant, continuous anti-reverse, a 6-to-1 gear ratio and a lightweight magnesium frame. It is backed by a three-year warranty, and every reel is performance-tested prior to shipping. A high-performance spinning reel is expected soon. Ardent, (660) 395-9200; www.ardentreels.com

Mitchell 300Xe And 300XGe
According to Mitchell, there are more than 25 million satisfied Mitchell 300 reel users today. However, the company is giving them a reason to upgrade for 2007 with the introduction of the Mitchell 300Xe and the Mitchell 300XGe. Both reels feature an advanced lightweight polymeric body and rotor for more durability and better gearing and bearing alignment. The 300Xe has eight bearings, while the 300XGe has 10 bearings and a Carbon Matrix drag system for enhanced durability and consistent smoothness across all drag settings. Mitchell, 1-877-777-3850; www.fishmitchell.com

Pflueger Summit
Pflueger continues on the road of building excellent reels at affordable prices with two new 2007 additions for bass anglers. The Summit Baitcast Reel is a "micro" reel with big features. Weighing in an ounce lighter than the Pflueger President, the Summit is a low-profile reel with a 7.1-to-1 gear ratio, nine ball bearings, one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing, Ultimate Brake System and all the amenities of full-sized reels. It is available in narrow- and wide-spool models.

Introduced as Pflueger's top-of-the-line model for 2007, the Supreme Spinning Reel Series raises the bar in performance spinning reels. The three models in the series feature a lightweight, durable magnesium body and rotor, 6.2-to-1 gear ratio, nine ball bearings, one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing and Sure-Click bail, which provides an audible signal when the bail is fully opened. Pflueger, 1-800-334-9105; www.pfluegerfishing.com

Quantum Incyte
Quantum's new Incyte Spinning Reel Series is being billed as the next generation of high-performance, high-value spinning reels designed for the serious fisherman. All four models in the family have an 11-bearing system, making them some of the smoothest-cranking reels in the industry. Continuous anti-reverse provides rock-solid hooksets. Quantum, 1-800-588-9030; www.quantumfishing.com

Shimano
Named the best new freshwater reel at the 2006 ICAST Show, the Calais DC 4x8 Digital Control Baitcasting Reel now has the opportunity to win the hearts of bass anglers. The 4x8 Digital Control Braking System incorporates four different braking profiles (or modes) with eight settings in each mode to handle just about any fishing situation and condition. The four basic modes are "W" for casting into the wind, "A" for accuracy in pitching, "L" for all-around long distance and "X" for competition distance casting not normally used for fishing. With 11 A-RB bearings, High Efficiency Gearing (HEG) and a host of other features, it's no wonder the Calais DC is being called the most advanced reel ever from Shimano. Shimano, (949) 951-5003; www.shimano.com