The rod came the day after I ordered it with free shipping. It is extremely smooth and is perfect for bass/trout fishing. There was a few dings on the reel though but it was great overall.

FAST DELIVERY!!! Package was done in a care manner. When I pulled out this combo I automatically fell in love with it. I tested the reel and it is what to be expected of a SHIMANO. I can't wait to test this out this weekend. Would definitely buy again, you can't go wrong for the price considering it is a Shimano.

Very fast shipping and very nice for the price. Can't wait to get new tackle and go lake fishing. Thank you

After reading many reviews of various combo reel/rods on Amazon, I selected the Shimano AX2500 6ft 6",for my 10 yr old son. He/we love it! We fished off the ocean pier in Santa Monica, CA (8 lb line) and he caught a full grown dungeness crab! We now have it lined with 4 lb line to go lake/trout fishing this week too. The reel is very smooth. Warning, when I tried to buy the 5ft 6" it only comes from Toby's Toolshed, which is actually Ron's Hardware. But a computer glitch erases the Shimano AX and turned it into a Maurices' Sportings Good Rod/Polston. Toby's/Ron's returned my money when they were unable to get Fed Ex to pick up the package after a week and a half. I was worried the 6' 6" would be too long for a ten yr old, which is why I initially tried the 5' 6", but I was wrong. My son had no problem handling the 6' 6". Also, Amazon was great when they learned about the mistake. They sent me the 6' 6" reel from them directly, 2 day shipping for free in time for Christmas.

Bought this for my husband. He really likes it. He likes it better than his expensive poles he has. I'm not a fishing expert to tell you more, but I know this as become one of his favorites.