Looking for recommendations on solid sensitive rods for a good deal.

Sensitivity is too subjective from person to person. Try as many brands as you can then pick what feels best to you.

The most sensitive rod I own is a G.Loomis NRX.

Elite Rods

I guess when I say sensitive I mean being able to feel those soft bites. Or is that going to be more dependent on the line I've got on the reel?

combination of both and other factors.

Going to depend on technique and set up in my opinion.

What kind of other factors we talking about?

Not only is it subjective but I think a persons skill can also come into play. If you buy a higher end rod I think it may not matter so much what brand you pick. They are all good. If any one rod was vastly superior to any other rod most everybody would use that rod only. Its going to come down to you personally and how much you may be willing to spend for a quality rod.

Loomis NRX!

ugly stick

you can feel your 12 year old snap it in the tailgate and it bounces right back

G Loomis. Nothing else

I have a rogue blank with graphite handle that's about as sensitive as it gets.

Loomis!!

As mentioned above, LOTS of factors go into what you can feel, mostly setup, line and rod combinations (technique you are fishing plays a lot into that). As mentioned, G.Loomis is a very overall sensitive rod, so are some custom built rods and even Dobyns makes a very sensitive rod, as well. Most of those are going to cost some money, though, but you normally get what you pay for, for the most part. Until I moved up to Dobyns, the most sensitive rod I had off the shelf was St. Croix rods, but a G.Loomis or Dobyns blows that sensitivity away. One thing you will want to look for, is a pure graphite rod, for the most sensitivity. A composite rod and a glass rod just don't have the sensitivity, IMO, as do the graphite rods. Just some things to think about. Hope this helps.

Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains