The pst rods I broke we're a fluke it had to have been a bad batch of rods when they made them. I handled those rods like a newborn baby and they went off like a firecracker. Got new rod tips and they have went threw the ringer. As far as rod lengths go this is my experience I've trolled with 6 foot rods and 12 foot rods all caught fish with no problem. Trolling motor or big motor no problem. Using weights to cranking. Music blaring and people screaming no problem. I wade in the spring I use a 12 foot rod caught a big fish and broke my rod. So I used the bottom half to jig with which was 6 foot long and wore them out. I've got 2 sons that wade with me they use 6 foot poles and are loud as hell they smash into beds and everything they catch fish also. That's my experience with the lengths. I choose 12 over 6 because I like the spread better. Just whatever you choose make sure all poles are the same. Much easier to tune them to the catch a lot quicker.