Loaner/back up Rod

What’s a good backup rod in the $2-$300 range in 7/8wt? Looking for a rod that will be used by friends and family or if I happen to need repairs on my other rods. It will most likely be matched to a Behemoth reel.

I’ve liked the Mojo St. Croix spinning rods and the fly version has a good price, but a two piece is out of favor. I’m not sure I want to step up to the Orvis Recon price point for this lower use rod.

TFO, BVK or Mangrove.

If you want to stretch out to a recon I have a 9’ 8 weight that has never been fished. I’ll throw in the orvis line
I bought with it 400.00. Went a different route 11’ switch and a 13.5 spey.

Check out Echo’s bad [censored] glass series, $279. I have a 7 weight I use on Houston’s concrete canals that has held up admirably. Even though it’s labeled “fast” it’s really a medium action rod. Super durable and easy to cast. Downside is the weight, it’s fairly heavy compared with graphite. Paired with the behemoth it may be a weighty combo. Components in terms of guides, cork, and hardware aren’t amazing, but for the price it’s hard to beat.

Fiberglass is definitely more durable than graphite so if your friends or family decide to crash a heavy clouser into your loaner rod, glass will likely survive the encounter in better shape than a graphite model. Big powerful fish running under boats or kayaks, the glass will work out better in that situation, too. Or walking rods into beach house pilings, glass wins. I’ve got the 8’ echo BAG Quickshot in the 9 weight. I think the 9’ ones have all been discontinued, although they might be on closeout someplace.

The 9 weight Echo Quickshot is too much rod really for everyday slot redfish action. I didn’t get the 9 weight Quickshot for that, more for nearshore jacks and bull redfish action but I have used it in the marsh. You could use it on the bay flat or marsh, but it’s darn heavy. It does better with a heavier reel like the behemoth. Most of the new light reels just don’t have enough mass to balance out the rod and you will run out of grip before the rod even gets close to a balance point. The 9 weight Quickshot is a really powerful rod with lots of casting power and big fish fighting power. Don’t have any experience with the 7 or 8 weight versions.

I have the 8 weight BVK and there’s nothing wrong with that rod. They don’t have a reputation for being durable, but I haven’t had any trouble with mine.

A loaner rod might be an opportunity to try out something different for yourself. If you haven’t experienced fiberglass, a loaner rod might be just the thing. Beggars can’t be choosers right so your guests will deal with whatever you get them and you might end up liking the bend of the glass more than your primary rod. I use only fiberglass in the freshwater for bass down to bluegill and mostly use glass in the saltwater. Just an idea.

Got a nephew that has a Orvis Clearwater rod . He bought the combo , says the rod is great but doesn't like the reel . He fishes with the Helios rod combo with the Mirage reel . He bought the Clearwater for his young starting son .

Thanks for all the responses so far.

I have glass in a 3 and 4wt. Love them in short lengths. The durability is nice and the slower cadence is more forgiving.

TFO I believe I can pick up at Cabelas, I have some credit there, so that’s a plus. Glass I was never able find local other than the Superfine.

I've bought two of the Moonshine rods now and really, really like them. I have a 3wt and bought my brother a 5wt. Their Drifter series is offered in a 7-8wt and they only run $199

Check out the Redington Vice. A really nice rod at $199.

May want to check out the auction site. If you are looking for an 8wt then graphite may be better arm wise. If 7wt then that is (imho) fiberglass sweet spot. Many classic and current brands (and excellent) for your price range if used is okay. I would also propose considering glass 6wt if used for family friends. One could easily get for your price range and under a fenwick, phillipson, Berekley parametric, sila flex, Fisher, and if stars align a Steffen.

Heck, you may find your backup rod becomes your primary rod.

I do not go to store any more for my rods. Just too many good and less expensive stuff out there that imho blows away the more marketed store stuff.

Ended up with an 8wt glass rod. Now I just need time to get out and test it out.