Lew’s Custom Speed Stick Lite
Very solid addition to the growing lineup of Lew’s rods. Sticky Winn grips, great cosmetics and a lightweight feel have us anxious to try this one.
Lew’s TP1 Speed Stick
MicroWave guides are becoming fairly popular and Lew’s has added them to this new spinning rod. It’s said to have excellent castability and accuracy due to a decrease in line slap.
Lew’s American Hero Tournament Series Combo
The American Hero series has been an enormous hit for Lew’s, so they’re looking to build on that success with this new combo. Solid feel for a very reasonable price.
Lew’s Laser SG Speed Stick
This particular series is an addition to their most affordable rod series. Not as lightweight and high-end as some of their other sticks, but a good choice for budget-minded anglers.
Daiwa AIRD X
This rod will retail for $50 and it’s ridiculously lightweight.
Daiwa Tatula XT
More affordable than the original Tatula series, but maintains the same performance. It will retail for $99.
Daiwa Zillion
If you bass fish with it, chances are you can find a Daiwa Zillion that’s specifically made for it. They added a bunch of new actions and really expanded their lineup.
Daiwa Steez AGS
Daiwa’s new No.1 rod in terms of both performance and price point. Also available in casting models, it feels incredible but the high price won’t be for everyone.
Daiwa Steez XT
Same exact blank as the Steez AGS, but more affordable due to a change in some of the components.
Daiwa D Shock Combo
Three-piece spinning combo perfect for traveling, stuffing in the backseat of your car or cramming in your truck’s toolbox. Only $29 so if you get too rough with it, it won’t be too difficult to replace.
Daiwa Revros Combo
Available with reel sizes ranging from 1500 to 4000, this two-piece spinning combo will retail for $69 and the reel feels outstanding. Very smooth, especially for the price point.
Rainshadow Revelation
These blanks have been around and proven to be quite popular, but now they’ve released a new 7-foot, 11-inch extra-heavy, fast-action blank for power fishing in ultra-thick cover.
Alps MVT Rapid Spin Reel Seat
Slick new reel seat with double-locking nuts, double-keyed carbon with three contact points.
Level Rods Launches
Forrest Wood Cup champion Anthony Gagliardi has spent a long time designing these new rods using 100% Batson components and the same blank as the Revelation series. Starts at $179, has 12 guides, it’s lightweight and will be available in 7 models with more on the way.
13 Fishing Omen II
When compared to the original Omen series, this revamped version has lighter guides, a new and improved reel seat, PVG weaving on the blank for added strength and hand-selected Portuguese 3A cork. A sexy rod for just $100.
No. 8 Tackle Company HellBent
For just $59 dollars, this is an impressive rod for anglers on a budget. Surprisingly lightweight and it’s said to be quite responsive and sensitive as well.
Quantum TeamKVD Combo
The rod boasts a graphite composite blank and EVA handles and it’s paired with a 7.1:1 8-bearing casting reel. The reel itself is valued at $79, but this combo is priced at $100. Not to mention, you’ll get a free KVD backpack with your purchase.
Denali Lithium
This new series starts at $179 and is incredibly lightweight and has a nice cork handle and good-looking cosmetics. It will be available in 3 spinning models and 13 casting models.
Abu Garcia Villain 2.0
This is a complete redesign of the original Villain series with all-new actions, Fuji soft-touch reel seats, 40-ton graphite blanks anda price point of $199. Available in 8 casting and 8 spinning models.
Abu Garcia Venerate
With the relaunch of the new REVO spinning reels, the Venerate series is a very finesse-oriented lineup. Lightweight 36 ton graphite blanks, tapered cork handles and a $129 price point. Available in 12 spinning models and 2 casting models.
Abu Garcia Vengeance
A rod series for anglers on a budget, the Vengeance rods have a 24 ton graphie blank and stainless steel guides. They retail for $50.
Abu Garcia Pro Max Combo
With just the reel valued at $79, this $99 combo has a 24 ton graphite blank. The reel has a low-profile look with a wide spool and a 7.1:1 gear ratio.
Abu Garcia Silver Max Combo
This combo has the same rod as the Pro Max combo, but with a $59 reel. It will retail for $79.
Abu Garcia Black Max Combo
This combo has the same rod as the Pro Max combo, but with a $49 reel. It will retail for $69.
Abu Garcia AbuMatic Spincast Combo
These combos come pre-spooled with Berkley Trilene XL. The rods are 6 feet long and two-piece. The S model has a $20 reel and a $30 price point, the SX model has a $29 reel and a $39 price point and the STX model has a $39 reel and a $59 price point.
Pflueger Monarch Combo
These rods come in 6 different lengths and actions and have stainless steel guides and inserts, heavy bail wire and split-grip cork handles. The accompanying reels have 5 bearings and each combo is priced at $49.99.
Fenwick World Class
With added strength due to Powerlux composite blanks, these high-end rods have titanium guides, Fuji K guides, Alconite inserts and feel great in your hands. They will retail for $299.
Fenwick Lunker Stik
Developed primarily for crankbait fishing, these rods have the feel of fiberglass but the weightlessness of graphite thanks to the implementation of unidirectional glass construction. They will retail for $79.
Fitzgerald Rods Bryan Thrift Series
FLW Tour powerhouse pro Bryan Thrift worked with Trevor Fitzgerald to design a new line of fast, light and powerful tournament proven fishing rods made for fishing fast and covering water while having a lot of sensitivity and power.
Megabass Levante Rods ($199)
Megabass created a new line of rods using a new material that they have the sole license to use currently called Pyrofil. They can make a lighter sensitive blank with less material and maintain strength and durability. They use the same nomenclature as the Orochi XX line for easy identification of action and powers.
Castaway Skeleton V2
Improved blanks, actions, grips and guides highlight the upgrades on the new Castaway Skeleton V2. They are light feeling comfortable rods with with nice aesethics, attractive prices and lots of good power and action combinations for bass fishing.
