over the winter i purchased a pflueger combo for my girlfriend, over the summer i caught my self using it more than my kistlers and loomis, not as light or sensitive, but definitely a fine combo, it was $100 at gander, 6.3:1 reel and 6'6' MH rod, not sure on the model but still a good rod for cranking, texas rigging, and top water... it was not a jigging or c-rig rod, but by far the best value i have ever ran accross, it pulled a lot of 16+ft. running crank baits and it is still as smooth as my citicas, just a little heavier

moral of the story, find a dependable company and wait for a deal at a local retailer, just get the size and action right, and make sure it is comfortable