Tuned Up Custom Rod Alternative

[tschneid]

After watching another episode of In-Depth Outdoors (IDO) I jumped on the web to see what the tuned up rods go for. I wasn't surprised by the $80-$100 price point b/c I figured they would be spendy and the IDO team wouldn't use cheap rods. I was just wondering if a decent alternative exists in the $20-$40 price range?

Recently upgraded my larger fish(walleye, bass, etc) rods over to 38" rods and want to switch my panfish rods to the 30"+ range with a real sensitive tip like they have on the tuned up rods. Not sure why I fished with such short rods before but I know my back and neck will appreciate a longer rod without the need to bend over so much in the shanty.

Thanks

[IceholeFisherman]

St Croix ice rods... 50 bucks.

[Capt. j-rod]

I have a Thorne Bros Power Noodle. I tell everyone that you should have one "go to" high end combo. I always look for a cheaper way in then end up buying the good one later. There IS a difference in a custom rod and a production rod. I don't have 6, but that one rod is incredibly sensitive. Amazing feel, balance, tip, recoil guides, it's all there.  I've held the TUCR and it is definitely worth the price of admission. Now me knowing what to do, and actually remember to set the hook? That is still under development LOL

[HWeber]

doesnt seem to be alot of options, Im sure someone will say buy some ice blues. They work but IMO they suck compared to a quality rod.

[Dave R]

I've never fished with nor picked up a TUCR. So, other than what I've read about them on the Shanty, I know nothing about them. But, a rod I do know something about is the Fenwick Elite Tech. I have one of the ULs, but can't remember the length. It is a very sensitive rod. The only thing that I don't care for is the handle. I pencil grip and it feels a bit awkward.

[ejdelvo28]

The Beaver Dam glass noodle is not talked about nearly enough.  Nice, soft tip with a smooth transition into backbone just like the Bullwhip or PN.  It has wire guides that are larger than other rods of a similar price point.  They look and feel very similar to recoil guides.  This rod runs about $20 but I've only seen a few places online with it in stock.

[slipperybob]

10 years ago or so, a longer rod translated into loss of sensitivity.  The quality of the majority of ice blanks were still only so so.  Thorne Bros was one of the few that actually offered premium quality rod.  Even back then the line guide components were only so so and quality line guides would've cost your little rod into close to the $200 range.  The Power Noodle and Deadstick were basically the soft tip action into a strong backbone blank.

There are a lot of nice quality moderately priced rods now. 

Start with Jason Mitchell's meatsticks about $25.   
There's even a TUCR Inferno's for about $55 in UL with that soft tip. 
Ugly Stik in UL or current L model basically gives you that soft tip into a stronger back bone $20.  Not actually since it's trade mark is really an extended tip.

lots of others too.

[HWeber]

Another vote for beaverdam was going to suggest those but could only find 28" rods

[Seamonkey84]

I really like the meat stick I bought last year, at $60 for rod and reel combo it’s the most I’ve spent so far for an ice rod. Without looking, I’m pretty sure I got the medium light action and it held up very well for me so far. The tip is nice and sensitive, but then it’s got plenty of back bone for bigger fish.

[da_teacher]

Other options for custom for me besides TUCR rods are DH Custom and BassKhang. Look into those two.

[RyanW]

Quite a bit of options available in the $50 range but nothing beats the real deal.

[iceman10]

I’ve been looking at vexans rods , I am thinking one fo walleye fishing. Let us know what you get , vexans rods are less than $50

[trundog]

I have a 29" snitch rod that has good backbone and a sensitive quick tip, it was $33 when I got it last year.  Mine is a No. 8 Tackle model, 13 fishing or one 3 has the line now.  It fits in your price range, not sure of they have a model over 30"

[Light liner]

The Beaver Dam glass noodle is not talked about nearly enough.  Nice, soft tip with a smooth transition into backbone just like the Bullwhip or PN.  It has wire guides that are larger than other rods of a similar price point.  They look and feel very similar to recoil guides.  This rod runs about $20 but I've only seen a few places online with it in stock.

I picked one up last year from ll bean, they are a nice rod.
The 27" frabil quick tip light is another one that's good for the money.
Biggest thing I've noticed with the Thorne bros. Is that they last a long time.
I have one that's 5 or 6 years old.
The frabil rods I'll get maybe 2 years out of them.
I have a sengsun rod that's probably 15 years old, I've had to put new guides on it but the rod has held up.
I paid 8 or $10 for it.
Would like to find another but can't find one.

[Royalwapiti]

Beaver Dam glass noodle is way underestimated by most who want high dollar rods.  These are great and come in various lengths, I have 23's and a 32.

[SINX53]

TUCR has been selling a line of affordable rods at cabelas called the inferno. Price point of about $55, comes in 28" UL, 30" M & 32" MH.

[tornadochaser60]

I've switched over to Jason Mitchell Elite series rods for all of my jigging and most of my dead sticking.  for gills/crappies and small jigs for perch I'm running 24" or 28" meat stick.  My go-to perch rod for spoons and other hard baits is the 26" ML, and my walleye rod is the 28" M.   All of these rods have proven action and sensitivity, without coughing up a benjamin from the wallet for each rod.  For days when we are just setting rod holders and bobbers out and fishing "socially", I've got four 13 Fishing White Noise combos, that I use.  Medium action, and I've horsed pike up to 38" with them no problem.

[mjk67]

One step up from a Fenwich Tech Elite is the Aetos, and can be had for $50.00.

[slipperybob]

Fenwick Aetos do not have that soft quick tip.

It's an x-fast tip.