Hey Stijn,

I've gone to mostly Kistler Heilum and KLX series with a couple of Classic series and a ZBone.
Very light and sensitive rods made by a great Texas company. I will be glad to let you demo a few for a while to see what you think. I still have a few Power Tackle, Falcon and TFO rods that your welcome to try as well.
I'm going back to Texoma this Saturday, your more than welcome to tag along if you don't already have plans. I'm practicing for the FLW Costa in two weeks and would enjoy your company. Hit me up on messenger or my cell 903-348-4834

For where you live, Shimano and Daiwa are going to be the best options because the local dealers will carry them and both companies have offices nearby. Just thinking about after service when you purchase a high end rod...

The Shimano Expride and Zodias lines are both very nice rods.

Falcon LowRiders & Caras

Mostly StCroix Legend Tournament and StCroix Avid for baitcasting, GLoomis Pro Green for spinning but have several other brands that I also like. Prefer rods that have full cork grips.

I've tried a bunch of them but I always go back to the G. Loomis IMX or GLX series. I have two 7 foot IMX rods that are older than you, Stijn and still catching bass.

Power Tackle

Most all my Rods are G. Loomis and Dobyns.

Dobyns champion Xp, falcon cara and powell

I use a mix of Falcon Caras and Lowriders. I like the sensitivity, weight, and balance of the Caras. The Lowriders are simple excellent performers at their price point. They have been around a long time and are proven. In general, I find Falcon to be great for price vs performance.

Caras for jigs, t-rig, c-rig, weightless, finesse
Lowriders for moving baits: spinnerbaits, crankbaits, chatterbaits, frogs, buzzbaits

My wife has all spinning tackle comprising of BPS Extremes and Bionic Blades. They have proven to be a great value also.

NRX

I would look at Falcon rods but Champion makes a great rod as well. Personally, I like Falcon rods and their customer service should you ever break one or have any issues is top notch.

I'm obviously biased but if you want to send me a PM, we can try to connect some time and I will let you play around with some of my Dobyns. They really are as great as advertised and with the new lines in the lower cost range that don't compromise quality, there's something for everyone.

You can also swing by Lake Fork Resort and see Ernie. He is VERY knowledgeable on the line and has a very nice selection in stock.

I have to agree with what an earlier poster said. I don't believe one rod maker can nail down every type of rod needed for specific techniques. I believe most of us shop by technique rather than brand. Personally, I will not pay over $200 for a rod.It's just a rule I have to keep me in check. There may be subtle differences and I am sure those 400-500 rods are great, but they are not twice as good, which is what you are paying, twice as much!! Brands such as Falcon, BPS, Abu, Lews, Daiwa, Shimano, All Star, Castaway are what you will see in my boat. I usually purchase at BPS or Academy because there is never a question if I need to take one back.

I have used a lot of really good rods through the years, Falcon, All Star, Castaway, Duckett,etc but never knew how great a rod could be until I started getting custom made rods done by Shamrock Rod and Reel Services. Get the rod blanks, grips, guides, color and everything to my specs.
The best rods I have ever had and saves me money also on comparable rods sold retail.