Master Fishing Rod Combo - Spinning Tackle for Anglers

I read a lot of the reviews on here before I bought this item and I think that because I did I knew what to expect and took some preemptive action. As some as I got this rod and reel combo I took it apart and greased the appropriate areas. Then when I put it back together I made sure and tightened down all the appropriate parts to make sure nothing came loose. Then I wiggled and tugged at everything and the parts that shook a little I tightened back down. One of these areas was the handle that some reported was loose. I found mine was loose and that with a quick pinch of the channel locks I got it tight again. Now I know to pay attention to that area, so when ever I go out to fish I make sure that it still is functioning good. Another are that had reported trouble and where I found a little trouble was in the drag. At first it was very stiff, so I adjusted it and the more I used it the better it got. I took it out surf fishing and then rinsed it with fresh water so that it wouldn't rust. After that the drag didn't want to work, but I took it apart again and lubed it a bit and it works just fine now. Handle this pole with care and it will do just fine.I purchased this after reading all of the reviews on here. I bought it knowing that it was not a top of the line combo. I needed something easy for my kids to use at the beach. Out of the box everything looked good and worked fine.Fast forward to our first day at the beach. My son called me over for help after his fourth cast. The line was a tangled mess, so much so that I had to cut everything out and retie all of the drop lines to the rig. He cast again and within a minute the same problem. I just gave him my pole to finish the day.When we got back to the condo, I took time examine the reel to find the problem. It didn't take long to figure out what was wrong: the anti-reverse mechanism was broken allowing the line to go everywhere. I was certainly expecting more than two or three casts out of this reel.Fortunately, we went to the tackle shop and now have a much sturdier reel installed on the same rod. Works like a charm.The rod itself is has worked well so far. It's a good size for kids and I've used it myself as well.The reel itself- don't waste your money. I tried to save a few dollars, but as the old expression goes "You get what you pay for."As other have said here, the rod is sturdy, especially for a medium weight/two piece rod... The issue is any kind of distance casting. I usually go with pier fishing, so I'm trying to get it out away from the rest of the lines... it will go the distance, but it gets tangled on the recoil, almost like a spincast. You do get what you pay for, but the amount of tangles became such a bother that I just bought another set for a higher price.In the end, I wouldn't recommend this rod, regardless of age or experience level as the line will get tangled on even the most experienced fisherman.I bought two for use on the Georgia coast this summer, and they worked great. Make sure that you rinse the reel with fresh water if it is exposed to salt, and it should last. These are not high quality, but they get the job done at a great price.First time out and one of the three I bought broke and the fish that was on the line wasn’t even that heavy so you decideThe rod and reel are an okay purchase: good value for the price, but not overwhelming. The cost was less than $25, so my expectations were not extremely high. Everything works fine so I am satisfied with the set. It is light so do not expect a heavy duty rod and reel.the tip broke off because it was under pressure but other than that i caught 3 ribbon fish 2 2 bluegills 2 sharks a sea trout. and worked fineThe rod has a great feel but the spool of the reel seems kind of flimsy. We will put through its paces in June when we are scheduled for our annual long range fishing trip to Mexico.My Grandson says this is an awesome rod!Decent quality for up to 35 lb fishVery good