Personally, I like the rods that are just a little higher priced than Ducketts, speaking of course, of Dobyns. As far as the same price, the Savvy line is pretty close and dang good rods, but, I like the Champion, even better than the Champion Extreme. I used to be St. Croix fan, but Dobyns makes a better rod, IMO. Hope this helps. PM me if you want to discuss specifics. In the $100 to $140/rod, you could take a look at the New Dobyn FURY rod, or even the Savvy line.

Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

Sent PM about Ducketts.

Sorry for the late reply, I've been at work. I'm looking at a budget of around 100-140$ a rod

I have a tfo which I think is a great rod. You should consider those. Or, I've been looking at the iRod Genesis II and I kind of think they are pretty good rods. Don't have one but hoping I will soon. And I think they offer lifetime warranty. Just a thought.

This. The bucoo series are pretty nice too. The Caras are top notch

Custom Angle Rods at Lake Fork. Great rod and several different actions available.

It is hard to beat Dobyns right now. I tried custom rods and just too much headache availability, shipping, and warranty. Dobyns I can easily pick up Oak Ridge or Tackle Warehouse keeps huge inventory. I suggest the Dobyns Champion too. I like the Extremes, but there are a few more quality issues with them like the reel screw breaking loose (just requires a little super glue).

Dobyns Champ Flip Rod 7'6" Med Hvy 765 $259 (jig pitching, c-rig)
Dobyns Champ Crank Rod 7' Medium 704 $259 (light cranks, topwaters, jerkbaits)
Dobyns Champ McAbee Cranking Rod 8' Med Hvy 805 $259 (deep cranks)
Dobyns Champ Cast Rod 7'3" Hvy FH 734 $259 (t-rig, moving baits)
Dobyns Champ Cast Rod 7'3" MH XF FH 735 $259 (t-rig, moving baits)

Take a look at the Shimano crucial series.

I have an assortment of rods by different manufacturers. Just because I like one brands worm rods doesn't mean I like their cranking rods the best. My arsenal consists of St. Croix, Kistler,Falcon,Quantum,Dobyns and Loomis. Still want to try the Mega Bass and Power Tackle rods.

Go Falcons, if they break, which is pretty rare, they will send you a new one at no charge. Awesome! I own 22 of them Caras and Lowriders and love them.

Yea I'm in the same boat with you in a way. I've started building up my tools to start building my own with MHX rods. Just ready to build my own rod with everything that I'd want from tip to tip how I want it to look and feel. Think it be nice projects during the week after work too. I've tried most of the production rods out there and if I had to pick one to buy I choose Dobyns. Something worth looking into I guess...

I like the Abu Veritas and I've also used the Ike series rods and really like them. I would say they are worth looking into.

Been buying some Bass Pro shop Carbolite rods
Caught some good fish on them.

Also look at some McCain rods