Rods and Reel Rebranding Info

RandyHolt · 08-31-09, 11:44 PM

I believe that a lot of the gear Bass Pro Shops sells under their own name is actually made by well known rod and reel companies. Many companies rebrand their gear. I am interested in who is actually making the cheaper big retail store brand products that I am interested in, and think a thread could go a long ways to helping others here. I suspect store name brand gear is as good as the higher priced original branded goods. The same thing, just different colors and name.

For instance, I have recently purchased the Bass Pro Shops Extreme Baitcast Reel. I read somewhere that it is made by Pflueger - probably here. I went out onto the internets for more info, and I can't find anything. Do I have a Pflueger reel? I would also like to know who makes their rods specifically the Baitcaster Tourney Special Rod and also the BPS Bionic Blade Trigger Rod. Anyone that knows, please do share. I can guess Pflueger.

I just think it would be nice to know who is manufacturing the lower priced store branded rods and reels. It seems many people are happy with the cheap store branded rods and reels, but do you know who actually made it? I bet there are others like me that want to know who really made the BPS or Cabela Rod we are using.

It just seems like the collective wisdom of people here could help out us newer guys trying to get some quality gear at the cheapest possible price. Thanks.

nofearengineer · 09-01-09, 12:17 PM

I think that's a great idea, Randy.

However, keep in mind, while rebranded items might physically be the same as their name-brand counterparts, they may not include intangible things like a better warranty or resale value due to name recognition. A freshly refurbished 20-year old Abu-Garcia baitcaster will still fetch a decent price. I'm not sure if a BPS branded reel could make the same claim. Still a good idea though.

Backwater Charlie · 09-01-09, 02:16 PM

I have heard my a few folks on Yahoo! Answers that Pflueger makes ALL BPS brand reels.

fishen green · 09-01-09, 02:35 PM

I have a extreme reel and a extreme rod I love them what is beyond that ??
when your happy your happy

BigBassin144 · 09-01-09, 03:28 PM

Pflueger does make BPS's reels. I don't know who makes the rods, but personally I don't like them so it doesn't matter to me.

Daiwa makes most of cabela's reels. I don't know who make Cabela's rods either, but they are much better than BPS rods IMO.

When it comes to reels, you can tell a lot of physical and mechanical features. Just look at the centrifugal brakes on a BPS and a pflueger reels and you can easily tell they are the same.

If you notice, the new pflueger patriarch and patriarch XT and you'll see numerous similarities between them and the BPS Johnny Morris Signature and Elite reels. One is the same finished, chrome blue for the higher end model, and a chrome finish on the lower of the two. They have the same grips, the patriarch had the same handle (the XT has a carbon fiber handle I believer), and the spool tension knob is VERY similar.

BB

Bassassinator · 09-01-09, 04:03 PM

Hmm...good to know....now at least i know i will go with Cabela's before BPS rods...thanks!

BigBassin144 · 09-01-09, 04:19 PM

Hey man, I didn't mean to say BPS's rod aren't good, I just don't care for them.

I personally don't like the powerhump grip (or the rounded foregrip), and I find them a bit tip heavy, but they do make a weight balancing kit for them. They are plenty sensitive for the price and have quality components.

Personally, I like Shimano and Falcon rods or ones I build for myself. I also like the new St Croix mojo bass rods, although I haven't used the casting rods, YET!

BB

Bassassinator · 09-01-09, 04:27 PM

oh ok, well i can see if it works for me....personally the Ugly Stik i'm using now, is a bit too de-sensitized for my taste...i can't really feel much with it. so any wallyworld suggestions for someone on a TIGHT budget?

MississippiBoy · 09-01-09, 04:31 PM

Berkley Cherrywood rods are $20 or so, they're ok... their Lightening rods are a bit better, for $35 or a little more...

Bassassinator · 09-01-09, 05:05 PM

i saw some of the lightning rods in the shop near me, they were 34 bucks...think i'll pick one up....

WaffleJaw · 09-01-09, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassassinator

i saw some of the lightning rods in the shop near me, they were 34 bucks...think i'll pick one up....

you cant beat a lighting rod for the price......ive enjoyed mine for awhile now.....

all star rods is another company that hasnt let me down either.....they offer a nice low cost rod as well...the classic series...i got mine for around 40ish

RandyHolt · 09-01-09, 05:55 PM

Heh. I was thinking about getting the BPS Bionic Blade. Now BB144 has me wondering. I will test out that hump and see how it is balanced. I hate to believe it would be that poorly balanced but trust folks here as much as any salesperson or the rest of the nets. So the mystery continues as to who makes the rods. Maybe I will call the store and pry one of the guys that works there for more info.

As usual, I am struggling to find a rod because I need a 2 piece. Of course, I would be more comfortable getting the Bionic or a Cabelas knowing they had a great name behind it, that was just painted over.

Thanks for all the input so far.

Bassassinator · 09-01-09, 08:19 PM

you might be able to research it online and see if you can find out more....i'll try to do the same and let you know of any new info i have come across

dodgeguy · 09-01-09, 08:49 PM

bass pro makes there own rods in china.it says so in the catalog.this is true at least for the higher end rods.nobody else has a reel seat like their's because it's exclusive to their factory.

BigBassin144 · 09-01-09, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyHolt

Heh. I was thinking about getting the BPS Bionic Blade. Now BB144 has me wondering. I will test out that hump and see how it is balanced. I hate to believe it would be that poorly balanced but trust folks here as much as any salesperson or the rest of the nets. So the mystery continues as to who makes the rods. Maybe I will call the store and pry one of the guys that works there for more info.

Again, don't get me wrong, I don't think there is anything bad about BPS rods. I personally don't like the feel of the power hump grip or the rounded foregrip.

As for not being balanced too well. While the majority of casting rods aren't perfectly balanced due to length and beefier physical attrubutes, I find the BPS are still a bit more tip heavy than other rods I've fished with. but if you think about it 6' of rod in front of the reel vs 12" behind it on a 7' rod, it only makes sense that is it going ot be tip heavy, especially with a rod that has a heavier power because the blank it self is bigger, which equals more mass.

I hope that made sense, it did to me, lol.

BB

BigBassin144 · 09-01-09, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodgeguy

bass pro makes there own rods in china.it says so in the catalog.this is true at least for the higher end rods.nobody else has a reel seat like their's because it's exclusive to their factory.

Thanks for the info. I wouldn't have guessed they had made their own rods...

BB

RandyHolt · 09-01-09, 10:18 PM

Thanks Dodge so heh look at that, made in china. I am shocked. Ok maybe not shocked but at least it is mystery solved. So I will say its BPS branded. But maybe some of our counterparts over in China could tell us otherwise.

. A quick search finds lots of chinese rod makers. Probably everything in my box is made in China. I dont want to look.

BB144 no worries and I fully appreciate your sharing your opinion. I will try it out in the store and see how they feel and go from there. It seems it just comes down to personal preference. I have so few of options that I may just order it up online and save the gas and time, and return it if it doesnt work out.

BigBassin144 · 09-02-09, 07:45 AM

If they've got the reel you'll be using on the rod at the store, they'll probably let you put it on the rod. If not, bring your own reel and put it on so you see how the rod feels with the reel you'll be using.

BB

Bassboss · 09-02-09, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassassinator

oh ok, well i can see if it works for me....personally the Ugly Stik i'm using now, is a bit too de-sensitized for my taste...i can't really feel much with it. so any wallyworld suggestions for someone on a TIGHT budget?

Yup! I've gotta agree with MB, check out the Berkly rods, I personally didn't like the one I got, but I think it mat have been a different make of the lighting rod.... it was only 20 bucks and not 35 (and it says lighting rod on it, so it's not a cherry wood).

08-31-09, 11:44 PM	#1
RandyHolt BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 85	Rod and Reel Rebranding Info I believe that a lot of the gear Bass Pro Shops sells under their own name is actually made by well known rod and reel companies. Many companies rebrand their gear. I am interested in who is actually making the cheaper big retail store brand products that I am interested in, and think a thread could go a long ways to helping others here. I suspect store name brand gear is as good as the higher priced original branded goods. The same thing, just different colors and name. For instance, I have recently purchased the Bass Pro Shops Extreme Baitcast Reel. I read somewhere that it is made by Pflueger - probably here. I went out onto the internets for more info, and I can't find anything. Do I have a Pflueger reel? I would also like to know who makes their rods specifically the Baitcaster Tourney Special Rod and also the BPS Bionic Blade Trigger Rod. Anyone that knows, please do share. I can guess Pflueger. I just think it would be nice to know who is manufacturing the lower priced store branded rods and reels. It seems many people are happy with the cheap store branded rods and reels, but do you know who actually made it? I bet there are others like me that want to know who really made the BPS or Cabela Rod we are using. It just seems like the collective wisdom of people here could help out us newer guys trying to get some quality gear at the cheapest possible price. Thanks. Last edited by RandyHolt; 08-31-09 at 11:51 PM.

09-01-09, 12:17 PM	#2
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	I think that's a great idea, Randy. However, keep in mind, while rebranded items might physically be the same as their name-brand counterparts, they may not include intangible things like a better warranty or resale value due to name recognition. A freshly refurbished 20-year old Abu-Garcia baitcaster will still fetch a decent price. I'm not sure if a BPS branded reel could make the same claim. Still a good idea though. __________________ Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

09-01-09, 02:16 PM	#3
Backwater Charlie BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Littcarr, KY Posts: 299	I have heard my a few folks on Yahoo! Answers that Pflueger makes ALL BPS brand reels. __________________ It was THIS BIG <---------------------------->

09-01-09, 03:28 PM	#5
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	Pflueger does make BPS's reels. I don't know who makes the rods, but personally I don't like them so it doesn't matter to me. Daiwa makes most of cabela's reels. I don't know who make Cabela's rods either, but they are much better than BPS rods IMO. When it comes to reels, you can tell a lot of physical and mechanical features. Just look at the centrifugal brakes on a BPS and a pflueger reels and you can easily tell they are the same. If you notice, the new pflueger patriarch and patriarch XT and you'll see numerous similarities between them and the BPS Johnny Morris Signature and Elite reels. One is the same finished, chrome blue for the higher end model, and a chrome finish on the lower of the two. They have the same grips, the patriarch had the same handle (the XT has a carbon fiber handle I believer), and the spool tension knob is VERY similar. BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

09-01-09, 04:03 PM	#6
Bassassinator BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Groveland, MA Posts: 161	Hmm...good to know....now at least i know i will go with Cabela's before BPS rods...thanks! __________________ When in Doubt, Cast, Cast again...

09-01-09, 02:35 PM	#4
fishen green BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 63	I have a extreme reel and a extreme rod I love them what is beyond that ?? when your happy your happy

09-01-09, 04:19 PM	#7
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	Hey man, I didn't mean to say BPS's rod aren't good, I just don't care for them. I personally don't like the powerhump grip (or the rounded foregrip), and I find them a bit tip heavy, but they do make a weight balancing kit for them. They are plenty sensitive for the price and have quality components. Personally, I like Shimano and Falcon rods or ones I build for myself. I also like the new St Croix mojo bass rods, although I haven't used the casting rods, YET! BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

09-01-09, 04:27 PM	#8
Bassassinator BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Groveland, MA Posts: 161	oh ok, well i can see if it works for me....personally the Ugly Stik i'm using now, is a bit too de-sensitized for my taste...i can't really feel much with it. so any wallyworld suggestions for someone on a TIGHT budget? __________________ When in Doubt, Cast, Cast again...

09-01-09, 04:31 PM	#9
MississippiBoy BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ridgeland MS Posts: 3,923	Berkley Cherrywood rods are $20 or so, they're ok... their Lightening rods are a bit better, for $35 or a little more... __________________ I smell smoke, and I hear sirens. Do you think that's a problem?

09-01-09, 05:05 PM	#10
Bassassinator BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Groveland, MA Posts: 161	i saw some of the lightning rods in the shop near me, they were 34 bucks...think i'll pick one up.... __________________ When in Doubt, Cast, Cast again...

09-01-09, 05:55 PM	#12
RandyHolt BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 85	Heh. I was thinking about getting the BPS Bionic Blade. Now BB144 has me wondering. I will test out that hump and see how it is balanced. I hate to believe it would be that poorly balanced but trust folks here as much as any salesperson or the rest of the nets. So the mystery continues as to who makes the rods. Maybe I will call the store and pry one of the guys that works there for more info. As usual, I am struggling to find a rod because I need a 2 piece. Of course, I would be more comfortable getting the Bionic or a Cabelas knowing they had a great name behind it, that was just painted over. Thanks for all the input so far. Last edited by RandyHolt; 09-01-09 at 06:04 PM.

09-01-09, 08:19 PM	#13
Bassassinator BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Groveland, MA Posts: 161	you might be able to research it online and see if you can find out more....i'll try to do the same and let you know of any new info i have come across __________________ When in Doubt, Cast, Cast again...

09-01-09, 08:49 PM	#14
dodgeguy BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: poughkeepsie,n.y. Posts: 930	bass pro makes there own rods in china.it says so in the catalog.this is true at least for the higher end rods.nobody else has a reel seat like their's because it's exclusive to their factory. __________________ chrysler master tech,avid fisherman and i bleed red,white and blue!!!!

09-01-09, 10:18 PM	#17
RandyHolt BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 85	Thanks Dodge so heh look at that, made in china. I am shocked. Ok maybe not shocked but at least it is mystery solved. So I will say its BPS branded. But maybe some of our counterparts over in China could tell us otherwise. . A quick search finds lots of chinese rod makers. Probably everything in my box is made in China. I dont want to look. BB144 no worries and I fully appreciate your sharing your opinion. I will try it out in the store and see how they feel and go from there. It seems it just comes down to personal preference. I have so few of options that I may just order it up online and save the gas and time, and return it if it doesnt work out.

09-02-09, 07:45 AM	#18
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	If they've got the reel you'll be using on the rod at the store, they'll probably let you put it on the rod. If not, bring your own reel and put it on so you see how the rod feels with the reel you'll be using. BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

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