Shakesperare Salt Range?

Hi lads. I'm fairly new to shore fishing and am looking to upgrade some of my equipment. The beachcaster and reel I have at the moment is pretty old and stiff and the bite detection is terrible.

I've been reading over some previous topics on the subject of beachcasters and I'm thinking of getting myself a new fixed spool rod from the Shakespeare Salt Range. I am wondering if there is much difference between the 12' 9 XT Salt and the 12' Salt Beach FS? I'm a student and on a tight budget and have found a 12' Salt Beach FS for 60 euro on the internet, whereas the 12' 9 XT Salt is 80 euro. From looking at the specs there doesn't seem to be a huge difference and they both cast 4-8oz. I am willing to fork out the extra 20 quid if its worth it so any advice would be appreciated.

Also, could anyone recommend a fixed spool reel to go with the Salt rod that won't break the bank?

Cheers in advance.

For the price range they are a good rod. I'd one for a couple of years and it was great. For a reel I'd go with a Shimano Navi. The reel weight and size will suit your rod and it's a good price point for a reel.

Had a look at the Shimano Navi and it would work out at about 115 euro mark. This is a little outside my budget. Is there any alternative reels that people can suggest for in around the 60 euro mark? Or is it a case of just taking the a hit and spending the extra money on a decent reel?

the salt reels are a decent wee reel I have one a few years now with no problems
http://www.fishingmegastore.com/shakesp ... ~2053.html
another reel worth looking at around the 60 quid mark is the shimano aerlex only has one spool is the only drawback
http://www.fishingmegastore.com/shimano ... 10143.html

I've used this Okuma reel for years and never had any problems. Top notch reel for the price..

http://www.quicktackle.ie/okuma-distance-surf-60-fixed-spool-reel.html

The Salt range is all good value for money. I've 2 Salt rods, a Salt rucksack and a Salt Coat. It looks like I've won a Salt competition or am a Salt sales rep lol. But they were all bought separately over a period of 3 years as on each occasion they were the best I could afford.

Cheers for the info lads.. Think I'll try one of the Salt reels. There more in my budget than the Shimano ones.

I was looking at the Salt reels and I have narrowed it down to two types, the Shakespeare Salt FDX fixed spool 070 or the Shakespeare Salt Surf Reel 080. Does anyone know what the differences are and which one I should choose?

Thanks again lads.

i had a shakesperare salt rod and found it a dynamite.at 11,ft 6:: it was good for beach pier and rock.i had this twinned with a mitchell gita sw 700 reel.wat a little beast of a reel for a great value.that reel to be honest way out done my expensive shimano aerlex.the mitchell pulled more mackerel up them cliffs than the shimano.i treated it well thou by looking after it check out the mitchell range if your on a budget