Bass Pro Blade XPS rods

Anyone have any experiences they would like to share with the Bass Pro Blade XPS rods? I was thinking about trying one, but thought the experts on this site may have some experiences to share.

Thanks.

I got a bunch of Bass Pro rods.
For the money, they are a great rod that has good sensitivity and action.

However, I have broken a few of them. I’m thinking they are put together with a cheaper resin, that is why they are cheaper.

Also, line guides have been known to break too.

If they had a better warrenty, I would continue to buy, but I won’t purchase another again.

Do you know how they compare to Berkley Lightning or the Gander Mountain Guide Series rods? Even the Gander Pro Select rods are less expensive. I’ve only had one rod break in 22 years and that was off-brand and due to a defect in the rod.

Thanks for the input.

A lot of the Bass Pro rods in 2006 are utilizing “power wall” construction. They are lighter, smaller blank, and more sensitive for the same price. I have a few older blades that I like but don’t have a newer one. I pretty much stick to the PK/Walleye Angler rods now. I personally feel, and this is very strongly, that their $99 rods compare VERY favorably to the Avids and other $140-200 rods. The Johnny Morris signature rods are just incredible too but at $140 roughly. Many times BPS rods are on sale too at 3 for 2, etc.

Take into account I’m sponsored by Bass Pro, but also take into account I have about 75 rods of which about 60 that are NOT BPS rods. I would not have bought the Walleye Anglers over Avids until this new design came out this year. (Handles are fantastic too which is important to me personally).

The biggest issue I have is I do try to spend my $$ on US products so I’ll continue to get some St. Croix’s too.

I know Airrus is a big-time performer, Setyr’s are coming on strong (former Rogue people), and Loomis must be compelled to give Shimano some tech advice because their rods are much improved now (Shimano owns G.Loomis).

Todd

Great information Todd! What does the “PK” stand for in PK/Walleye Angler? I don’t follow the walleye trails or fish for walleye as often as bass, but do fish them with the same rods.

PK = Gary Parsons and Keith Kavejecz are big-time walleye guys and they design a lot of tackle for Bass Pro and now Berkley (new flicker shad cranks).

In walleye circles we say “PK” cuz most of us are too dumb to spell the K – Kavajecz.

The VanDam/Clunn stuff is pretty good too. The Bass Pro buyers have really tried to listen to their staffers the last few years and ramp up their products to “tourney level” equipment.

Todd