Personally, I'd never get a combo new for under $100 reel or under $100 rod. It's all about your budget. You seem set on abu, do I said the best combo you ...more could get in your budget
I've landed probably nine or ten 8+lbers on various stuff from the Revo line. My PB came on a Gen1 Premier ($80 courtesy of eBay). I almost boat-swung a 10-0 ...more with a Gen1 STX.