Looking at getting my 16 year old a set of rods/reels for his birthday. Looking at the Shimano Tribal TX2's in 3 1/4lb and looking for a set of reels to go with them. Would ideally like to pay about £60 to £70 per reel but willing to go to a max of £100.

Also can someone just confirm that the Tribal TX2 and the Intensity TX2 are one in the same.

In reply to Post #1
Penn Affinity 7000 - you'll struggle to find a better reel for the money - second hand expect to pay £200ish for three.

In reply to Post #1
The Intensity rods in all of the TX range are the stiff long range casting rods. I would advise standard TX2 in 3lb TC or less for a new starter.

Okuma reels get rave reviews on here in that price range.

In reply to Post #2
I have this exact combo, TX2 3.25lb with Penn Affinity 7000. Balances lovely and I use as my all around setup. I struggled to find any reason not to go for the Penns. They're fantastic, have been using them for the last 2 years and I'm pretty harsh on my gear but they're like new still. I have the Affinity 2 version but there is a newer Affinity 3 and a Custom Carbon out now which have a few nice touches. Only issue with the Affinity 2 is they never came with spare spools and I have been unable to find anywhere that stocks them which is a little annoying so something to look out for if buying second hand

In reply to Post #4
Thanks mate. Do you have the Tribal TX2 or the Intensity TX2?

I do like the look of the Penn Affinity reels and heard nothing but great stuff about them. I was hoping not to spend that much on him but looks like I may have to now.🤣

In reply to Post #5
Have a look at the Okuma T Rex or the 6000 inceptions both excellent reels

You can get the Okuma - CC 7000 for £35 each at Total Fishing Tackle, which is great value.

In reply to Post #5
The intensity is an all out casting rod. Not a nice rod to use, but if you need ridiculous range then needs must...
I wouldn't have thought it would be a good choice.

In reply to Post #5
Mine is the normal Tribal TX2. My understanding was the Intensity only came in a 3.5lb version in either 12ft of 13ft and was designed for out and out distance casting

In reply to Post #1
For a 16 year old, I'd be looking at no more than 2.75lb tc, ideally less (2.5, 2.25 or even 2lb tc). When my lad was about 15, I got him some custom built 2.5lb tc, providing he is careful with them, they should last him a lifetime. They are his day to day rod. I'd set your budget for the rods and get some within that budget, you should definitely look at the second hand market.

Regarding reels, as said, the Okuma's are very good VFM, but if you could stretch to Penn's then they should last ages.


In reply to Post #4
Lloyd, have you tried Quentin Millman for Penn spare spools, that's where I got mine from.

In reply to Post #10
Cheers Dave will give them a call in the morning

Thanks guys for the advice so far. Currently taking a look at the Okuma's and they look quite impressive. Liking the 8K and the T-Rex 7000.

Any other rod recommendations other than the TX2's.

In reply to Post #12
Shimano Tribal rods are pretty good value for money; a 3lb t/c would still be fairly forgiving under the tip. Alternatives at the price are Daiwa Emcast's, Fox EOS or something by Wychwood - of those I'd favour the Daiwa but it's close between them and the Shimano.

I don't much about them but if they're anything like the INC6000 then these could be a bit of a steal at £30 a pop

Custom CB60 Reels

In reply to Post #13
Just had an email saying AD have 25% off Daiwa Emcast rods if anyone interested, ends midnight tonight.