# Rod/reel combo for a kid...is Zebco still a safe bet?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rod-reel-combo-for-a-kid-is-zebco-still-a-safe-bet/686676>\
**Category:** The Game Room\
**Created:** [April 22, 2014, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rod-reel-combo-for-a-kid-is-zebco-still-a-safe-bet/686676 "2014-04-22T13:13:51Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\
**Post date:** [April 22, 2014, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rod-reel-combo-for-a-kid-is-zebco-still-a-safe-bet/686676/1 "2014-04-22T13:13:51Z")

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I haven’t done a lot of fishing for a while, but when I was a kid and through high school I went all the time.

I had spinning rigs, baitcasters, ultralights, but when I needed to grab a reel for all-around utility use I would go straight to the Zebco 33.

Going out to buy gear for a 4 and 9 year old this weekend, and I was wondering if Zebco is still decent quality stuff…you know how brands and go cheap sometimes (see Craftsman).

I have no experience with the Zebco 22…lighter weight and easier to use for small hands maybe, is it as rugged as the 33?

Any other suggestions would be welcome too!