Dawia

I hear they have some of the best budget rods. What models would you look for?

Also, is the t-wing beneficial or gimmicks?

About the best advise i can tell you is to try some and find out, try to find someone that has some Daiwa rods and reels and cast and see for yourself, anyone remember the reels of the early 80s that when you pushed the button the line guide would seperate and got to the ends to cast. Good idea put never really caught on and had a lot of trouble with them. Everone has there preference of rods and reels, i got a boat load of Daiwas.

The Aird is a great rod as well as the team rod, I think they're white now. I use Daiwa rods exclusively now and they have very good budget rods.