I've got 12 rods, but looking for something slightly smaller for the venues I typically fish. Looking at the Free Spirit Hi S 10ft 2.75lb rods with Shimano medium bait runner Ci4+ LC 5500 XTB Reel. I'm wanting a balanced setup that will “feel” the fish fight and provide quality that'll last for many years. I'm not committed to this combo, but it looked like a possible setup for my purposes. Thoughts, suggestions??

Thanks,

Dave

In reply to Post #1
I meant to say I have three twelve foot rods, not twelve rods

In reply to Post #2
Maybe go for a lighter test curve 2.25 - 2.50?

In reply to Post #1
Use a through action rod for pleasure, as a 10 ft armalite 2,75 or 10ft fbs 3 lbs or scope 10ft/3 lb ; these will give you pleasure and have no problems landing fish into the 50lbs scale. The reels are superb and balance very well with above rods, use mine on the armalites.
Stay away from rods that just bend the first tip inches, these are broomsticks.

In reply to Post #1
I agree with Mark. If this is a small water/fun set up, I'd be inclined to go with a lower test curve. I have owned all of the free spirit creepers over the years, and my favourites were the 2.5lb S class. They have a much nicer through action compared to the faster blanks of the Hi-s.
Reel wise. I had a lot of trouble with my 5500 Ultegras, the line guard is a nightmare and even cost me a fish at one stage. I'd go with Cast'izms, you never hear a negative word said about them.

In reply to Post #3
if you click edit you can alter the text but not the headline mate

In reply to Post #6
If you really want to stick to 10 foot go for the 2.5 e class rods instead of the 2.75 hi-s. Owned both and the e class are much nicer to play fish on than the hi-s. If it doesn't have to be 10 foot, get some 2.5 baby ballistas better than both the previous free spirits.

In reply to Post #7
So many choices! Not being able to see them in person sucks. Appreciate the input! Castizm and Ballista 2.5 sound like a match?

You can't use them either.