We use a 10-point scale for scoring and ranking fishing rod and reel combos. Here is how you should interpret the overall score we give each combo:
- 10: This is an exceptional score. You won’t see this very often, if ever at all, but if you do, this combo is perfect in every aspect
- 9.5-9.9: This is an excellent score. Combos in this range are top-of-the-line combos that will deliver on all fronts and leave users in awe of their performance and quality
- 9.0-9.4: This is a great score. Combos in this range are still top-of-the-line but are slightly lacking in one or more areas
- 8.5-8.9: This is a good score. Combos in this range often fare well in most aspects but can do better in a couple of areas
- 8.0-8.4: This score is not bad. Combos in this range often fare well in most aspects but definitely have a couple or more areas they can improve on
- 7.5-7.9: This is a decent score. Combos in this range can satisfy your needs, but you will find yourself wishing you had a better combo
- 7.0-7.4: This is an average score. Combos in this range can also satisfy your needs, but tend to be severely lacking in one area or more
- 6.5-6.9: This is a bad score. Combos in this range will have plenty of flaws
- 6.0-6.4: This is a terrible score. Combos in this range will have plenty of flaws, possibly major ones
- <6.0: It’s unlikely that you’ll ever see a combo like this in our lists unless it excels in one particular area and is priced very affordably. Combos in this range have serious drawbacks
Metrics
To calculate this score, we first calculate the individual scores for the rod and the reel, then take the average of those two scores.
Here are the metrics we use to calculate the individual scores of the rod and the reel. Each metric is assigned a weighting out of 100% depending on how important it is for a good fishing rod or reel.
Metrics for rods:
- Effectiveness For Task (25%)
- Length
- Power
- Action
- Durability (20%)
- Weight (10%)
- Comfort (10%)
- Versatility (10%)
- Customer Service (5%)
- Delivery
- Support
- Warranty
- Aesthetics (10%)
- User reviews (10%)
See our full scoring system for fishing rods
Metrics for reels:
- Effectiveness For Task (25%)
- Line Capacity
- Maximum Drag Weight
- Ratio
- Smoothness (15%)
- Durability (20%)
- Weight (10%)
- Versatility (10%)
- Customer Service (5%)
- Delivery
- Support
- Warranty
- Aesthetics (5%)
- User reviews (10%)
See our full scoring system for fishing reels
Exceptions
We usually stick to this scoring system, but we may adjust it on a case-by-case basis.
As of now, all rod and reel combos are scored strictly based on this scoring system, with no exceptions yet, but this page will be updated when there are such cases in the future.
Questions
Need clarification on any part of our scoring system? Contact us here.