Need 6’6″ ML Rod Recomendation – Shimano Compre

I have a 6’6″ ML Shimano Compre with a 1000 Symmetre that I love for a multi purpose rod. I bought the 2 piece for ease of transportation. I wanted to put together the same outfit, but now Shimano went a screwed up their rod line (IMHO). So with that, anyone have any leads on where I could find a Compre CPS66ML2B or have a similar rod suggestion? Would like to keep it under $200. Closer to $100 the better. Needs:6’6″ +/- a couple inches, ML, F or XF action, and 2 piece. The faster the action, the better. There are a couple places online with them for sale, but both are having issues with their websites so I am looking for alternatives. Thank You

St croix avid 69 mlxf-180

limit creek smoothie 66mlf-80( or close to it) if you really want to keepit at 100$ this is your rod but the avid has a lifetime warranty and the limit creeks is 3-5 i think.

i think avid has a 66 mlf too.

st croix eyecon 63 mlxf-100

st croix eyecon 66 mlf-100

You would be happy with any of these.

Ive heard the same opinion about shimanos new line not being up to par with the previous years.

Call or look-up General Marine. They had a bunch of the older Shimano rods at the Sportshow. …I bought one of the old models due to the same reason you mentioned.

If your looking for a great all around jigging rod, The Quantum Smoke or EX models in 6′-3″ ML-F are excellent rods. I’ve been running them this year and have been very pleased. They have the micro guides on the upper 2/3rd of the rod. Incredibly lightweight. The only down side is if you do a lot of slip bobber fishing. The stops won’t slide through the micro guides. Otherwise, fantastic rods. The list price on the Smoke series is $149 and $179 on the EX series. I’ve seen them on a few websites for less.

Gander – Quantum Smoke rods

Thank You for all of the replies. The pickle I am having is finding something in a 2 piece. I have a good collection of 1 piece rods and prefer them when I have the option, but in this case, I am trying to find a 2 piece rod for tight travel space reasons.

Do they make an Avid or Smoothie in that size range that is a 2 piece?

How fast is the Smoothie compared to the Avid? I have heard mixed reviews on how fast the Eyecon really is. Some have said its almost a moderate fast comparatively. What about the Premiere line? I have only fished Avids and a couple Triumphs. So how fast is the Premiere? They have a couple options for 2 piece in that line.

Thanks Again!
Nick

I really like the fenwick rods. I have a handful of the HMG series in 2 peice and love them. My personal favorite for walleyes is my HMXS 66ML-2. Just a great all around rod for sensitivity and strength.

Knutty

Thank You for all of the replies. After much deliberation, I ended up going with a Fenwick Elite Tech. Why? Not really sure. I don’t own one and I have no complaints with my Avids but for some reason I wanted to try something different and it comes with a Lifetime warranty. I’m not a die hard “Brand X is the best” so I like to try different things.

A quick review after one use is that it doesn’t appear to be as fast as my Compre or Avids. It does appear to be just as sensitive as far as feeling bites though and still has plenty of backbone (haven’t hooked into any substantial though). Balance is good and I really like the cork (synthetic) handle, second only to my Compre handle with the finger cut out. Also worth noting is that it is Hecho en China, so I was a little bummed about that.

As an aside, I was surprised that my new Symmetre only came with one spool. My older ones all came with two. Did I get a bad package or is Shimano going away from the extra spool?

Thanks Again

Shimano has done away with the extra spool with most reels. I think that actually happened a couple years back although it wouldn’t surprise me if you were still able to find some older inventory around that still had the spare.