If you haven't picked up the rod yet, I'll toss in my 2¢.
Medium action and towards the top of the price range - sage foundation
Medium fast options - st croix USA imperial, Taylor dynamix, echo trout, tfo blue ribbon, greys lance or maybe an old used sage RP or legend ultra / elite
Faster action - reddington vice, reddington path
Do many of the $200 rods cast on par with a $500-$600 rod? Quite often, yes. In 2 years, check the cork on a $200 rod vs a $500 rod and you'll see a big difference in wear. The other thing that has been noted with the cheaper rods is breakage / brittle blanks.
Let us know what you decide to buy and how it works out for you.
Medium action and towards the top of the price range - sage foundation
Medium fast options - st croix USA imperial, Taylor dynamix, echo trout, tfo blue ribbon, greys lance or maybe an old used sage RP or legend ultra / elite
Faster action - reddington vice, reddington path
Do many of the $200 rods cast on par with a $500-$600 rod? Quite often, yes. In 2 years, check the cork on a $200 rod vs a $500 rod and you'll see a big difference in wear. The other thing that has been noted with the cheaper rods is breakage / brittle blanks.
Let us know what you decide to buy and how it works out for you.
