I have been in the sporting goods industry as a rep for 28 years. I have many, many rods that I have acumulated over the years. Many high dollar, and many in between. My favorite, Storm Thunderstick. About 10.00 retail with a yellow tip. I pair it with a rather spendy spincast reel, Zebco Omega 2. The reel is about 50.00. Nice, but on the heavy side. Those are my favorites, and I never was a rep. for either of these companies.