Shimano all the way....The Curados are unbeatable and i'd say finding a rod in your price range in the Shimano lineup would be a good idea....The lifetime warranty on them is HARD to beat....I can speak first hand for their customer service....I broke a Cumara on a hookset and called them to get an addy to send the rod to...Sent it out, and in 5 days I had a brand new replacement rod....That's worth quite a bit IMO