It's the reels that blow it up for sure. I like the handle grip on my suggestion better, some may like the EVX.
Check out tackle industries. They make some great swimbait rods and a great price.
Opening up a can of worms is correct. So many options. Be prepared to toss those baits a lot. They say that a big musky is a fish of 1000 casts; well so is a big striper.
Read up on some of the past posts and talk to the guys that are veterans of this type of fishing. Also start working out your casting arms. If you fish these baits correctly,especially
from shore, you will be a little sore the next day.
NevadaE posting on FNN? What the hell do you know, there's no fish in Mead!
By the way NevadaE has caught some of his biggest stripers on some of the cheaper swimbaits around, Storm Wild Eye's and LA sliders. These baits can be run on much lighter gear. Don't get caught up in all the hype (like I do), you don't have to spend big bucks to get a 20+ lbs. striper.
Silverwood striper laugh at my swimbaits.