My favorite is still my first "high end" to me rod, the Daiwa Light & Tough TL-661-5RB...6'6" Heavy.

Something about that reel seat seriously transmits all nibbles, grass catches, and rock nicks straight to my reel and hands. It could be the fluoro line or the rod, but you can feel it ALL.

I own Kistler Magnesiums, but that Light & Tough blows them away...no marketing hype, just a great rod.