At $89 the original Airrus co-matrix is a great rod but not so light. A ton of power and good sensitivity but weight is an issue for me.

I own many rods, Gloomis many models mostly GLX, St. Croix Legend Elite, Crucials, Kistler LTA, Basspro Qualifiers and a boatload of extremes.

The Crucial in the price range is hands down the best choice for me. If money is not object then a Looms IMX or GLX, Kistler LTA or St. Croix Elite are nice. By no means though is the newer models Shimano Crucials crap. Maybe this guy has some old tape about what Shimano offered in rods years ago.