43528-123003 Rod & Reel Combo Review
Our verdict
At $45.99, this 43528-123003 combo lands just under the Okuma VS-605-20's $47.70 while carrying a heavy-action, 6.89 foot rod rated for 16 lb line and a 4.2-star average across 1,600 reviews, the lowest rating of the four combos compared here.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anglers after a heavy-action rod rated for 16 lb line who target perch and bass, and who want a 4-piece build for easier transport at a mid-pack price of $45.99.
Skip if
Skip it if you want the highest-rated option, since it posts the lowest average here at 4.2 stars, or if you'd rather pay less, since the Fiberglass 80-FSH3001 costs under half as much at $20.81.
- Material Metal Carbon Fiber
- Weight 1.2 Pounds
- Length 6.89 Feet
- Line Weight 16 pounds
- Target Species Perch bass
- Technique Spinning
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 1,600 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.9/5
1,600 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other fishing gear and tackle we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Picture packing gear for a trip where perch and bass are both on the menu and you need a rod that won't feel out of place on either. This 43528-123003 combo prices at $45.99, splitting the difference between the two cheaper combos and the two pricier ones in this comparison, and it's built around a heavy action rather than the medium or medium-heavy actions seen elsewhere.
The spec sheet lists a metal carbon fiber build at 6.89 feet, rated for 16 lb line and broken into 4 pieces, which points to a rod meant for durability and packability rather than ultralight sensitivity. At 1.2 pounds it's heavier than some rivals here, which tracks with the heavy action rating and the sturdier line class.
Against the field, its 4.2-star average across 1,600 reviews is the lowest rating in this set, trailing the Fiberglass 80-FSH3001's 4.4 stars, the Okuma VS-605-20's 4.3 stars, and the Ugly 1366955's 4.5 stars. Still, 1,600 reviews is a substantial sample and 300+ bought last month keeps it in the same demand tier as the Okuma VS-605-20, suggesting steady rather than fading interest despite the rating gap.
Pros
- Heavy action rating and 16 lb line class suit anglers targeting perch and bass that pull harder than light panfish.
- 4-piece breakdown makes it easier to pack and transport than 1-piece combos in this comparison.
- Metal carbon fiber construction at 6.89 feet balances stiffness with some flex.
- Priced at $45.99, cheaper than both the Okuma VS-605-20 and the Ugly 1366955.
- 1,600 reviews is a large enough sample to trust the rating pattern.
- 300+ bought last month matches the pace of the similarly priced Okuma VS-605-20.
Cons
- 4.2-star average is the lowest rating among the four combos in this comparison.
- At 1.2 pounds it's heavier than lighter spinning setups elsewhere in this lineup.
- The listing has no clear brand name attached, unlike the Okuma, Ugly, or Shakespeare alternatives.
- The listed color field reads as a size code rather than an actual color option.
- 300+ bought last month trails the 500+ figures posted by two cheaper competitors.
Specifications
| Material | Metal Carbon Fiber |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.2 Pounds |
| Length | 6.89 Feet |
| Line Weight | 16 pounds |
| Target Species | Perch bass |
| Technique | Spinning |
| Color | 2.1M 6.89Ftt |
| Pieces | 4.0 Count |
| Feature | Heavy |
Performance notes
A heavy action rating paired with 16 lb line and a metal carbon fiber build points to a rod designed for pulling power over finesse, which fits the perch and bass target species listed on the spec sheet since bass especially can require some backbone to pull from cover. At 6.89 feet it's on the longer side of this comparison, which typically helps with casting distance, and the 4-piece breakdown trades a small amount of rigidity for portability, a common tradeoff on combos meant to travel. At 1.2 pounds the whole setup carries more heft than the lighter combos in this set, which lines up with the heavier line rating rather than being an inconsistency. The listed color field appears to be a size code rather than a finish, which is worth noting when comparing listings on cosmetic details alone.
What buyers say
A 4.2-star average is the softest rating in this four-way comparison, sitting a tenth or two below every competitor here, though the gap is narrow enough that it likely reflects normal variation across 1,600 reviews rather than a serious defect pattern. That review count is still substantial, more than double the Ugly 1366955's 617 and nearly nine times the Shakespeare PITCHINSTK26CBO's 179. At 300+ bought last month, demand tracks closely with the similarly priced Okuma VS-605-20 rather than the higher-volume, cheaper combos, suggesting price and features rather than pure discounting are driving purchases here.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does this combo have a lower rating than the others?
At 4.2 stars it trails the Okuma VS-605-20, Fiberglass 80-FSH3001, and Ugly 1366955 by a few tenths of a point. The gap is small given the sample of 1,600 reviews, and likely reflects normal variation rather than a specific flaw, but buyers prioritizing top ratings may prefer an alternative.
What fish is this combo designed for?
The listing targets perch and bass, matched to a heavy action rod and 16 lb line, which gives it more pulling power than the lighter, medium-action combos in this comparison that are built around bass alone at lower line weights.
Is it easy to travel with?
Yes, it breaks down into 4 pieces, which is more sections than the 1-piece combos elsewhere in this comparison. That makes it easier to fit in a suitcase or smaller vehicle, though more joints can mean slightly less overall rigidity than a 1-piece rod.