Lews vs Falcon vs Duckett ?

[JF660R]

I have a Ned setup, a jig setup, and a crank setup that I'm happy with. Looking to expand the line up. I'm thinking of picking up the Lews Team Laser SLP that's on sale at BPS and pairing with a rod that would probably do mostly spinner bait and some a-rig duty.

Looking for opinions, here are the three I'm primarily considering. One consideration, I tend to avoid rods over 7' as they don't fit well in my vehicle or rod box.

Thanks,

[mixermarkb]

The Bucco SR is a fine rod, but it is made overseas, as are the Lews and Duckett. For the same money you can get the USA made 6'8" Falcon Jason Christie rod, which is as fine of a spinnerbait rod on the planet for under $200.

It will also throw the heck out of swim jigs, spooks, and even work just fine for jerkbaits like the Vision 110 and McStick. It's a very versatile stick, patterned a bit after the "angler of the year" model in the Cara and Lowrider series. I have the Cara version, and it's the best spinnerbait rod I've ever used. I love the slightly moderate taper, fantastic for roll casting a spinnerbait, and also great for loading up and keeping fish pinned on treble hook baits. IMHO, any rod that is going to load up and accurately toss a spinnerbait at visible cover is not going to do you too well for Arigs, unless you are strictly throwing small 3 wire rigs, so I think you are eventually looking at two combos vs. one.

Now the blatant self serving part-

I do have a B&R  7'6" heavy casting rod for sale for $75 over in the classifieds, that is a killer Arig rod. Build similar to a Loomis IMX, with a ton of backbone and enough tip to cast an Arig or Whopper Plopper a mile.

[JF660R]

Thanks for the input I'll definitely look into the Christie rod. I realize a dedicated a-rig rod would be optimal but I don't throw it much, basically just wanting to start. And the ones I have are the three wire at this point. I'm trying to limit myself to six rods total, adding one a year. 

[Champ188]

You might also take a look at the Denali Kovert. A very underrated rod in my opinion.

 

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

I have Falcons, Lews and Ducketts. I have to say i like my Ducketts the best, I have the Micro Magics and micro guides fall off all the time is the only down side.  I would look into the Duckett Terex, my buddy got one and man it feels nice and has larger guides on it.

[Dutch]

Falcons are the only rods in that list that I have.  I like my Falcons as well as my Gloomis rods.  I throw an A rig quite a bit in the late winter and early spring.  I have tried it on several different rods and don't like any of the MH that I have tried.  All that I have found is 7' H and I have a Falcon and a B and R Outlaw that I use for A rigs with 50# braid.

[Royal Blue]

I have a couple of the Bucco SR rods and like them quite a bit.  Having said that, IMO the best spinnerbait rod out there is the Lew's TP-1 spinnerbait/soft plastic rod.  It's literally my favorite rod and is the best one I've ever used for spinnerbaits.

[mixermarkb]

Haven't fished a Denali, I'm generally a Loomis guy for bottom feel baits and Falcon for most everything else. I'm sure the ducketts are fine rods, but to be honest, something about Boyd Duckett just rubs me the wrong way, so I won't really look at his products. I've had very good customer support with Falcon, and the same with Lews. Both companies, and Denali for that matter, are based in the region, and I just enjoy spending money with somewhat local companies. Good luck and have fun with the search! 

[Leitsout]

I've been buying a lot of the Falcon Cara models recently.  If this is the way you decide to go, contact Bill Babler.  I bought a new one and a used one from him last year.  Both were good deals.  I'm happy with both.

[JF660R]

Really appreciate the input fellas. I kinda lost interest in the Duckett after reading more about the eyelet issue. I'm too rough on rods for any delicate parts. 

Had to swing by the Lew's outlet today to compare reel prices etc. Talked myself into one of the $179 combos... they'e just a good deal. And I'm a sucker for a deal. More $ for lures. 

They've got 7' medium Speed Sticks in In barrel for $25ea! If they'd of had a MH I'd have done that... 

Still want to add a Falcon to the mix. I've still got an Ugly Stick to cull eventually.