I have two, a Mr. Crappie Slab shaker and a Kevin Rodgers by Jenko. Well it's been three years on the Mr. Crappie and 2 on the Jenko since I decided a longer rod would be a lot of help fishing brushy creeks. The Mr. Crappie lost it's tip in a car accident, it was trimmed back to the second guide and called good. The Jenko is still just fine. Of the two I have a slight preference for the Slab shaker for use by the kids because it is already "broke" other than that both rods have given awesome service. Lots of big crappie hauled in and lifted over high banks and brush. The brutality part comes in when I use them with punch bait for catfish. They are really good at sending a treble hook baited with punch bait and one split shot plenty far out to suit me and though a stiffer rod might be better for the hookset I can't say I have lost many fish because I didn't get the hook set well enough. This year we have caught at least a hundred catfish, probably all Channel cat weighing between 2 and 6 pound on both rods. Many fought and brought in by less than experienced grannkids. I give both brands an enthusiastic thumbs up. So perusing the local Academy I noticed they had rear reel seated 10 foot B&M rods on sale, got two for $28. Turning one into a fly rod and putting the second into the brutal reality of fishing with Rick's grankids very soon.

Ok. Best of luck to ya!