What would be a good spinning rod for less than $100. I have a 7 foot medium but it feels a little stiff for drop shotting. Should I go with a shorter medium light rod. Thanks for any advice.

If you can spend $30 more, the Falcon Lowrider Mansfield is a great drop shot rod. It’s $129 though, so NOT sub $100.

I drop shot with a bait caster and would have a great suggestion for you if you want to do that instead of a spinning rod, although it is also $129. I have six of them.

I think there might be a rod in the Jason Christie line of Falcons that would be a good drop shot rod. You don't want to go shorter as you need a rod with good backbone but a really soft tip. I drop shot with an old Skeet Reese Eagle Claw rod that was less than $!00 when I bought it, but that was 15 years ago.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Fuego_Casting_Rods/descpage-GU.html 6'9" ML Casting

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Tatula_XT_Spinning_Rods/descpage-DTXT.html 7' ML Spinning

I agree. I started with the below rod, and I am constantly trying to find another rod with the same action. I am not a $400 rod type of guy, but I have acquired several in the $100-$175 range trying to find the same action with increased sensitivity. I still find myself liking this JC rod. My Tatula TAEL731MXS is more toward the medium side and the one I enjoy the most for dragging 1/4+ (~$170). My Tatula TTU701MLRB is more toward the light side and has sensitivity with bit less ability to drag a 1/4+ (~$150). For $100, the JC is nice setup (paired with a Pfluger president XT or Fuego to keep cost low).

JASON CHRISTIE SIGNATURE "DROP SHOT/FINESSE RIG" JCS-7D
https://shop.falconrods.com/product...-shot-finesse-rig?variant=27462879674468

With the dropshot its all about the tip action. Some medium action rods fit the bill, others are as you say "a little stiff". A friend of mine fished a Berkeley Cherrywood that was an amazingly cheap and effective dropshot rod. One hint, a braid main line makes up for a lack of rod sensitivity.
I prefer a 6'8" to 6'10" rod length, it just fits my size and allows me a little more maneuverability around the areas I like to drop shot. I use a Kistler KLX for my choice and have owned a St. Croix that I really liked and g.Loomis IMX that performed well. As I don't use a under $100 dropshot rod I cannot recommend one for you but I am sure there are some out there.

Thanks for the feedback. I am leaning toward the jc falconrod. Anyone have any feedback on academy h2o ethos hd rods. Buddy of mine says they are pretty sensitive and are $70. Any input would be appreciated.

I'm curious what this casting rod is lol. its hard to find a good casting rod that's good for drop shot

It's not hard to get a Dobyns Fury 702SF for under $100 on sale. Solid medium-light finesse rod.

Daiwa Aird 7’ M

Some of the 13 Fishing rods in the $80-$100 range are a very good value

Its hard to find a good one for under $100. There are a few in the $150 range. But I've always used baitcasters and higher end rods. Only cause I need that sensitivity, flex, and balance all in 1 rod. And you just cant find that in a cheap rod.

You can get pretty close in a “house brand” rod. Surprisingly, they use some pretty good blanks and components.

You can for around $150 no doubt. But rods under $100 are normally trash rods, just being honest. I'd say a Falcon Lowrider is about as low end as I would ever recommend to someone. Cheap price but still has a quality build.