Okay, so I recently paid off my Life Membership dues (after about 2 years) and promptly received my Life Member Rod in the mail. I had received the reel prior to this after paying off half of my dues.  That's how it works.  Anyways, I was very excited as I hadn't used my reel yet because I was waiting for the rod to arrive so I could use them as a combo. This last week, after spooling on some new line, I ventured out to the local river and tried out my gear. I have to say that I was very impressed and satisfied at how both the rod and reel performed! The reel is very smooth and the rod casts like a dream! I think I really like how it has my full name on it too...  I even caught a couple nice little rainbow trout! In any event, i'm looking forward to years of fishing with this gear!  What has your personal experience been with this rod and reel if you have in fact received the same Shimano product? Good or bad?

The combo I received would retail at about $90 and performs about like I would expect for that price range. Some members have reported rod failure under only light load. Seems the club has been of no help with this and members report having more success contacting Shimano directly.

I found a price as low as $60 to replace my lifemember combo...but that wouldn't have my name on it. I have heard other members who joined about the same time as Tom did...and they didn't like their rods...and many broke. I think the rods that were issued when I joined must be greatly improved. My lifemember combo will fish right beside $200 to $400 combos. I know, because I have them. I have stuck several good size bass and a bunch of average fish with my lifemember combo...its a keeper!

When I paid up my membership, I received a Daiwa Procaster Rod and Samuri 7e reel and both have been great. I did have a problem with the bail on the reel but Daiwa fixed it fast and free under waruanty. I like my rig also. Nice trout.

I've had mine for several years. Like AZAllen, I recieved the Daiwa Pro Caster/ Samuri 7e reel. I have had no problems with this combo and like it very much. I use it a lot for catching channel cats up to 7-8#  on 10# mono.

To clarify, mine is a Shimano Medium Light action rod and a Shimano Sienna Reel. The rod came with a one year warranty. It is a 6'6 rod. I am kind of poor so just having new fishing gear is exciting to me and well I guess i'm just grateful to have it!

I took my life membership just after the club switched supplier for the rod and reel and got one of the early Shimano combos. There were problems with some of the rods, but those members who spoke to Shimano had no trouble getting a replacement section direct from Shimano. Those members who dealt with the club on this issue were not as successful. The Siennna reel is nice, but I can't put it in the same class as the reel I would expect to find on a $300 combo.

mine is a Shimano sojourn with the Sienna reel.have used it quite a bit but only for perch and rock bass. no problems caught a lot of fish.and a couple of sheepshead.lol