Rod/reel advice for son

[Shorelunch]

My 12yr old currently has a 6' MH Loomis GL2 with a Quantum Accurist reel. This is his only "bass rod." It's used for throwing everything from spinnerbaits, cranks, jigs and finesse like flipping worms. He handles it very well.

Long story short, he's earned about $300 and wants to put it towards another bass rod/reel. A few questions:

* Considering what he has now, what type of rod makes the most sense?

I was thinking of getting him a 6' 6" MH baitcaster for heavier duty casting and using his current set up for lighter casting?

* For reels, I was considering the Revo S or SX; Shimano Curado G or Citica G; or the Quantum Catalyst or Engery.

* As far as rods go, he loves the looks of the 13 Fishing Omen 6' 7" MH and the Abu Veritas 6' 6" MH, but am open to suggestions

Let me know your thoughts on what makes sense for his new bass rod, the best type of rod (length/action, etc wise) and your thoughts on the reels above. Thanks!

[Juan Grande]

Setting the standard pretty high starting him out with a G-Loomis aren't you Shorelunch?

[Shorelunch]

It was a heck of a deal. He probably won't be a fortunate this go-around.

[RawHog]

I would say go for the omen as it is a really good rod for $100. Paired with a Curado G, he'd be set up well.

[bassfshin24]

I would suggest an omen too. I just bought a 7'1' M and had it out for the first time last week and love it. I did a lot of research on the rod before I bought it and I did not read one bad review on them. A lot of people are saying they are one of the top rods you can buy for under $200.

[bASS_BLASTER]

The omens are nice rods but their warranty was a deal breaker for me. Omen being 5yrs and Envy being 10yrs. The Abu Vendetta only has 3yr warranty.

I would consider a st crx - avid and up, shimano- crucial and up, dobyns - savy & extreme or another loomis imx and up.

For the reels, you can't go wrong with any of the ones you mentioned.

I'm not a dealer or prostaff, just trying to help.

[RawHog]

I would suggest an omen too. I just bought a 7'1' M and had it out for the first time last week and love it. I did a lot of research on the rod before I bought it and I did not read one bad review on them. A lot of people are saying they are one of the top rods you can buy for under $200.

They really are. I sell them and play with them every day, and I got the 73 mh baitcasting rod as a spiff the other day and got to test it out on the river and it's by far the best rod I have ever owned for 100 bucks. I would take an omen over a compre, hmg, skeet reese, etc ANY day of the week.

And omens are a lot lighter, and just as sensitive or more sensitive as the SCII graphite found in the ST CROIX premiers, mojos, triumphs, and eyecons.

Seriously, I could feel every vibration of my bfishn pulsr on an underspin on the river when the current was wayyy ridiculously fast.

I actually just ordered 4 omens too haha, 3 spinning -> 63mxf, 67mf, 71 mlf, and then one casting 71mhf. I also couldn't resist the 71 mlf spinning Envy for smallie grubbin' and walleye riggin'.

Listen to Bassfshin24 and myself, THESE ARE REALLY GOOD RODS! Your son will fall in love with it.

To me, they are way too flashy looking.. but I don't care how my rods look, I care how they fish ( avid pearl is a great rod when found on clearance lol) Knowing that he already loves the looks of the omen, I bet it would look awesome and he would love it paired with a $100 Lews speed spool... Since I'm guessing your son wants a good looking set-up.

That set-up would cost him 214 retail, so he would have a little left over for line, lures, a 13 hat, or the piggy bank!

The 7'1" mhf omen would be a great all around rod for someone his age. SInce its fast action you can throw everything from mid depth cranks to spinnerbaits to any jig/pitch/ worm/t-rig application.

[thatoneguy]

My 12yr old currently has a 6' MH Loomis GL2 with a Quantum Accurist reel.

Whoa...when I was 12, I had a Zebco 202 and whatever stick it came strapped to

[tolle141]

Those fenwick smallmouth rods are pretty awesome too if they fit the application. Go revo sx or Styx. Fantastic reel

[Juan Grande]

Those Omen rods are pretty cool looking. Unique handle with the carbon fiber blank and the little patch of cork.

I was rod shopping at Cabelas this past weekend and it seems like the prices on the Shimano line of rods went up quite a bit. The Sellus is the only rod you can get for under $100 and it only has a one year warranty. Looks like there are a couple Clarus models for under $100, but they were sold out of those.

[RawHog]

^ convergence 59.99

[skocsuhs]

I'd go with the Omen & up the reel and have him get a Shimano Chronarch E...

$99.00 for the 6' 7" MH Omen

$199.00 Shimano Chronarch

total $298.00

Order from TW = free shipping on that amount, no tax & they will be having a Memorial Day sale besides if it can wait til them...