Looking for a quality spinning rod that won’t break the bank? You’re not alone. In Australia, more and more anglers are searching for affordable, reliable rods that can handle bream, bass, squid, and flathead — without sacrificing sensitivity or durability.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down:
•What to expect from sub-$150 rods
•What features actually matter
•A side-by-side comparison of the Favorite X1 and U1
•Common mistakes to avoid
•FAQ and tips to help you fish better, for less
đź’ˇ What to Look For in Rods Under $150
Not all budget rods are equal. Here’s what to look for to make the most of your money:
âś… Responsive blank for lure control and feedback
âś… Quality guides that handle light braid without fraying
âś… Comfortable grip for long sessions
âś… Fast or moderate-fast action for versatile presentations
✅ Good build balance — not tip-heavy
Did You Know? Some rods under $150 actually outperform premium models in casting distance and sensitivity — it’s all about design, not price.
🏆 Best Spinning Rods Under $150 (2025 Picks)
🔹 Favorite X1 Series
đź’¸ From $139 AUD
🔗 Shop X1 Rods →
•Tournament-inspired blank design
•Medium-light and medium models perfect for bream, bass, squid
•Fast action and great sensitivity for finesse work
•Excellent cast control and hook-setting power
“If you fish plastics or light cranks and want to feel every bump — the X1 is the way to go.”
🔹 Favorite U1 Series
đź’¸ From $149 AUD
🔗 Shop U1 Rods →
•Versatile action: soft enough for beginners, powerful enough for flats and structure
•Great for a wide range of lure styles — from hardbodies to vibes
•Easy to use, forgiving, and built to last
“If you want one rod that can do it all — and not punish mistakes — go with the U1.”
🔄 Comparison Table: X1 vs U1
Feature Favorite X1 Favorite U1
Price From $139 AUD From $149 AUD
Action Fast Moderate-Fast
Feel Crisp, sensitive Smooth, forgiving
Best Use Finesse, soft plastics Crankbaits, all-round fishing
Skill Level Intermediate to advanced Beginner to intermediate
Species Bream, bass, squid Bass, bream, flathead
❌ Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Budget Rods
Even under $150, it’s easy to waste money on the wrong rod. Avoid these common pitfalls:
1.Too much focus on length
→ Longer ≠better. Balance matters more than reach.
2.Buying based on looks
→ Don’t let colour or cosmetics fool you — focus on blank sensitivity and component quality.
3.Cheap guides = lost fish
→ Friction or misaligned rings can cost you a big catch. Choose rods with proper guide layout.
4.No real-world testing
→ If a brand hasn’t been tested in Australia, skip it. X1 and U1 are used in tournaments & estuaries across NSW and QLD.
Pro Tip: Always hold the rod in-hand (if possible). A well-balanced rod should feel like an extension of your arm, not a pole you’re swinging.
❓ FAQ – Budget Spinning Rods
Q: Can I trust rods under $150 for serious fishing?
✅ Yes — especially if they’re built by performance-focused brands like Favorite. Both X1 and U1 are used by pros and weekend anglers alike.
Q: What reel matches best with these rods?
🎣 Use a 2000–2500 size spinning reel with 6–10 lb braid and an 8–12 lb fluoro leader.
Q: Can I use these rods for squid fishing?
🦑 Absolutely. The X1 ML is especially well-suited for eging with 2.5–3.0 size jigs.
Q: Which is better for beginners — X1 or U1?
💡 U1. It’s more forgiving and handles a wider range of lure weights and styles.
Q: Where can I find independent rod reviews?
You can compare performance insights on Tackle Village – Best Fishing Rods in Australia (2025) — includes light-tackle recommendations.
đź”— Related Articles
•Best Spinning Rods for Bream
•Best Rods for Bass Fishing in Australia
•Matching Rod, Reel & Line – Full Setup Guide
đź›’ Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend $300 to catch fish like a pro. What you need is a rod that understands your conditions, techniques, and challenges.
That’s where Favorite X1 and U1 shine:
•Designed for real-world Aussie fishing
•Tested in tournaments and estuary sessions
•Built with high-performance materials — under $150
🎯 Explore our full collection of affordable rods
Smart anglers don’t pay more. They fish smarter.
🎣 Fish with Favorite.