Lots of good rods to pick from. I have been using bnm custom rear seats for 5 or 6 years and like them better than anything I have tried. The bnm ultra light tip sux. We went thru a half a dozen in a week last year. My only complaint with Sam heaton is the eyes toward the end of the tip. They are a little smaller than what I like. As a beginner u will enjoy any of the rods mentioned though.