Them there PRO fessional boyz insisted i use a 10 footer a week or so ago when i went out with them .
i told them i only carry 4 to 6 rods in my truck and NONE exceed 8 ....
they let me use a 10 ft wally marshall something er other pro something something with 8 lb mono
as far as the braid goes i just cant get into that stuff , it performs great for some applications ,but all to often i change up my presentation and it most assuredly doesnt fit my need to diversify midstream .
i know there are times i wish i had on braid , but more often than not i am glad i didnt have on braid
no worries though i got some rods with dust on them in the garage with braid on them i promise
i do this much ..MOST of the time crappie dont care if its tied on straight to the jig ....i said most