Whats your favorite baitcast rod (brand) and why

[plowboy]

Just wondering who makes the best rods in your opinion. What is your favorite and which are the best for the money. What are your likes and dislikes (such as line guides, reel seats, rod blanks, etc.)? How would you compare such companies as Shimano, Bass Pro, G-Loomis, St Croix, Diawa etc

[Chefdave]

Of the rods you mentioned G-Loomis is the best for me, Light sensitive, and well balanced. I've got a 6 ft. 6 in. MH and love it!

[DaveR]

I like a castaway with the HG40 graphite, light and very sensitive, cost $100-140
also like the sensitivity and speed and weight of a falcon cara in a 5 weight cc-5-166.

[Bullet21]

Loomis for me, got about 12 of'em in the boat. I have a couple Falcon Cara's that I like too.

The Shimano Crucial is a very nice rod too....It is a loomis IMX Blank, and the cost is $100 less

[fishincreek]

I really like the Basspro Extreme for the money.

[zx150]

I have tried Castaway Falcon and I have a blank made by Loomis and used Allstar. I like Falcon the best for the money. If money was not a problem I would step up to a Loomis. But the Falcon Cara rods are great. Imho it is the best rod for the money.