Abu Garcia Specialist combo - Yikes!

[analasco]

I thought I was getting a deal when Canadian Tire had the Abu Garcia Specialist combo on sale (from $80 to $50) about a month ago. After my fourth use today - snaporamovic! The rod broke just above where the two halves connect. I was using 8lb (mono) line to a swivel, to 10lb (fluro) leader to a snap swivel to a 1/4 oz. jig. I was on the 8th cast when it happened. I wonder what would have happened if I landed one of the LG I was going after. (Shudder...)

So if the deal is still around... AVOID IT! I'll be returning mine.

Any advice on a good replacement spin combo? I'm looking to get some bass, cat, and eventually pike. Thanks y'all!

 

[NADO]

LOL not the specialist again!!!!

I had my fair share of run ins with that combo when I first got into fishing as well. Whats odd is that I always found that the rod was half decent but the reel was complete garbage, must be a fluke that your rod snapped so easily.I still use the specialist rod with a cheap shimano reel for friends. If you still have the recipt I bet you wont have too much issue returning it to Canadian Tire.

My suggestion then would be to use the reel for 2 or 3 outings (however many it takes before the drag goes like it always does) then replace the reel with something cheap like a Shimano Sienna 2500 for $30-40. If you want something on the lower end of the quality reel category you could also look into the Shimano Sahara 2500, I think its around the 80-100 mark.

Okuma and Mitchell also have some decent entry level reels but I am not too familiar with them.

 

[getin]

I got mine for $29 last year when they had a sale and it has worked great. in one outing I landed 4 carps, each above 10 lb, no problem. On the other hand I once saw a guy exchanging the rod for the same damage you mentioned. I suppose there has been a bad batch in their stock!

 

[hightechdecks]

Get a one piece rod

 

[NigelBond]

My brother has one of those specialist combos which I've used once or twice. We've used it Detroit river shore fishing. When fishing from shore in the detroit river, we use heavy 2-3 ounce sinkers and cast it as far as we can. The rod is only rated for 3/4 ounces but hasn't broken yet. The thing I don't like about the specialist combo is the reel seat. The reel sits on a round seat. Most reel seats are flat where the reel foot sits on the rod. When you got a heavy fish on or when you're breaking off a snag with 20lb braid, you can feel the reel rolling to the side a bit.
I've broken two 2-piece rods so far and never has it broken at the joint. I think the tip should still be weaker than the joint. Many times you can break a two piece rod at the joint if you don't snug them up enough or if the jont works itself loose after a bit of fishing. Some people recomend rubing a bit of wax on the joint to help prevent it from working loose while fishing.

 

[analasco]

My suggestion then would be to use the reel for 2 or 3 outings (however many it takes before the drag goes like it always does) then replace the reel with something cheap like a Shimano Sienna 2500 for $30-40. If you want something on the lower end of the quality reel category you could also look into the Shimano Sahara 2500, I think its around the 80-100 mark.[/quote]


Thanks for the suggestion, I'll keep an eye/ear/feel out for the drag giving way. CT wouldn't give me a refund because I had the combo more than 30 days and it was used. I ended up getting the Sapphire Crest (I really like how fluid the Abu Garcia reels are) and I'll be trying it out this weekend. I'll let ya know if it was another mistake

 

[analasco]

Get a one piece rod

I never considered that. What would you suggest? I'm not looking to break the bank, but I don't mind spending a little for something that will do it's job for a long, long time.

 

[Michael Borman]

I bought one of these at CT at the beginning of the summer. I am on my 3rd as the first 2 snapped. One was getting out of a snag, and the other was at the middle joint (can't remember how). I like the rod, I think the reel is junk. I'm a novice, and the $39.99 price tag was right. Down from $99.

I've pulled out some pike without issue.

Think next year the reel might go to my son.

 

[balt0]

I've hauled in kings with that combo and it still is fine.

 

[wlatyn]

Odd for a rod to snap where yours did. Usually happens when the bottom piece isn't fully or properly inserted. Not saying that this is what happened to you, but I've had it happen on a fairly high end fly rod. Now I always double check the fittings.
I've had the Specialist combo for three years now and I have to say, for the price, it's treated me pretty well. I've got mine spooled with 6lb. and use it mainly for throwing spinners and small cranks.

 

[TheSkyIsBlue]

I got the specialist from $80 to $30 in around June and I haven't had any problems with it. I'v landed a few 4 pound LMB a 3lb SMB and even a decent Rainbow on it. I probably got lucky with this one, but that's just my side with the Specialist Combo.

 

[Michael Borman]

Correction - the one that snapped in the middle was from it getting crushed by the garage door. It wasn't a specialist (another CT rod combo)

The replacement rod, for the one where it did snap at the reel, was a specialist 2.0

I've been happy with this rod. It is the 6.6' model and is great in areas that have little clearance.

 

[rich_ace_G]

It does sound like a good deal if you just look at the price $80 to $50. that's a $30 savings. But that's where th good ends. You could've had a much better deal looking elsewhere. Sail, Lebaron, Bass pro has better reels for under $50. but you need to invest in a good rod. If you want extra savings. a rod that you can use for multi species...
Always use a light leader. at least 3 notches lighter than your main line. That rod would've held much longer if your leader is 4lb. on an 8lb main. having a 10lb leader will likely snap your main or your rod.

 

[balt0]

It drops down to $30 on sale.

 

[Michael Borman]

I got mine at 60% off. 39.99

As a novice the price was right. Will be looking into a better setup from the Bass Pro around boxing day time.

Have time to start doing some research!