+1 Buy American. It's hard to do, but worth it.

I suggest that you check out your local retailers and cast the rods you think you might be interested in. There are a number of rods in the price range you mentioned that will fish really nicely. It is important to try before you buy with fly rods as each of us has a different style of casting. You can throw a lot of money down the drain by just picking up a rod and reel off of the internet or at a big box store without trying it first.

I personally agree with Rex's recommendation. The TFO Pro Series 5wt is hard to beat for the money and the unconditional lifetime guarantee. I personally own two of them. If you buy the Reel Recovery, Casting for Recovery, or the Project Healing Waters version they (TFO)donate $25 to the charity.

TFO will be at Eisenhower on the 16th of June and you can cast any of their rods and get a free casting lesson while you're at it.

Hope this helps.