We still dont know what hes fishing for, and we probably wont. Bass rods aren't gunna be what he wants if hes after flatheads or perch.

Its all in the price..but i would recommend the shimano voltaeus. Very good rod to me. I took it from saltwater to freshwater.. had to problems. Price around 50 bucks

My fishing partner and myself are currently using the all star AST rods from academy. We have 14 of them between the 2 of us and have put them through the ringer. The great thing is I'd something happens to one academy will replace it with no hassle. ( I broke one in half after picking up the rod not seeing it was under a cleat on side of boat, was replaced with no questions asked)

stick to ugly sticks if you are rough on your rods also these guys may like the more expensive rods and whatnot but the give in the tip of an ugly stick helps with that... while its true most cheap rods are stiff pieces of junk you can probably always count on that ugly stick sitting in front of you I have a few and would never trade um for anything I have had 6 for 18 years and 3 are older then that as they belonged to my dad and they have never let us down