I learned from my mistakes, and now I dont skimp on anything. Dont try to get away with something, it will cost you. The first swimbait rod I bought was based solely on the fact that i didnt want to drive down the road with my slider window open with rods hanging through the cab ( I could only fit a 7 foot rod in my flatbed, so I bought a telescopic Lamiglas Magnum frog rod). The rod worked ok for a while, until throwing heavy baits finally killed the backbone. I lost 4 double d's on that rod in 2 weeks before I finally figured out what was happening. With heavy baits and big fish, the fish clamp down hard on the bait, so you have to be able to move a big bait that is clamped down hard in a big fishs mouth enough such that you can sink a hook. This requires serious backbone. Currently I have a Heartland only because it just sorta happened that way, and it hasnt cost me yet (havent lost a fish and have stuck 2 double d's), but I know I need to upgrade. The Okumas are where Im going, based solely on feed back from this site.

Now the reel. I started out using 6500 Abu's, they lasted maybe 4 months before the gears got worn out from throwing big baits. I upgraded to the now history Shimano Calcutta 400 and love the reel, youll never backlash. I kid you not, my buddy bought a brand new Cardiff much to my chargrin, and that reel died in 4 hours on the first day of throwing a Hudd. He immediately returned it and now has the Calcutta and is very happy.

Save your money and get the right gear, dont buy crappy gear thinking you will upgrade in time, it may cost you the fish of a lifetime.

And finally, heed the warnings of people on this site, I didnt and everything they warned about has happened to me and cost me good fish. These folks speak from experience and know what they are talking about.