For a short high performance rod I found the 6' Temple Fork Outfitters an excellent choice. Not whippy, good backbone, and guaranteed for life.
Just so that everyone's clear, TFO has several 6' UL rods, and one model is VERY whippy. (I know because I used to own one). It's made from a 2wt fly rod blank and has the softest action I've ever seen. It was too soft for my liking.