Originally Posted by
AngryAgent
Look,
There isn't a best rod. The best rod is the one that works best for the type of fishing style that you have period. All the manufacturers that were listed before make nice quality rods to be sure and there are a few others out there that also make some super sick stuff as well. Sage makes some of the nicest fly blanks around and when wrapped for spinning are some of the most sensitive and lightest complete rods available. But with Sage comes a high price tag. Loomis is also a very good product and used to be available in blank form but no longer, Shimano has sank that ship. If you want a custom wrapped Loomis you have to find a dealer or wrapper that has blanks left and hope he or she has the blank that you want or you have to buy a complete factory rod and have it stripped and then re-wrapped with the components of your choice. Phenix is on their game as well and offers a few nice blanks that will meet your needs. St Croix is another and the list goes on and on. You have to fish with different rods and then come to your own conclusions is what I'm really trying to say and don't be swayed by people's opinions on something as intimate as your own personal rod and what's best for you. That's going to take a little time and effort on your part to come up with what's best for you. Good luck to you!