A buddy of mine gave me a brand new Shimano Solstace 4000 FI Spin Reel, and I'm thinking I might spoolit up with some 50# braid to fish the pads. Any suggestions on a decent rod to put it on with plenty of backbone? I'm not looking for a $100 rod, just something for the lilly pads.

fishing pads, probably a H, or at least a MH

You know the weight of the baits you will be throwing along with the diamater of the braid as it parallels flourcarbon line. You also know the line test paramaters as illustrated on your reel.

Take this information with you and search for a medium heavy or heavy rod that can handle the bait weight and line test.

If you visit a store the rod will have its paramaters printed on its stick.

I would suggest at least a 7-foot medium heavy graphite rod that can handle your baits and line test.

A 7-foot plus heavy rod may serve you better matched with a 7:1 ratio reel to pull the fish out of the grass fast.

Once you have your reel's paramaters, line test and bait weight you can shop on line or on this forum for a rod to match your requirements.

Personal preference for the rod's brand and cost. If in doubt, get an Ugly Stick. You cannot go wrong with an Ugly Stick.

You heard here first, don't buy a bass rod. For lily pads I would be using a saltwater inshore rod mh 10/20 lure rated max of 1 oz. I would be using 20# braid, not 50, if you get hung up you can't break 50# that will cost you a lot line, 20# braid is my ticket. I use a 4000 spheros on a mh inshore rod 20# braid, I've yet to meet the bass or snakehead that can stand up to.

If I were in your shoes, I'd go with Browning Siraflex MH Rod. Buddy of mine has one, I'm amazed of action, the feel and also of the looks. Good for the price.

You heard here first, don't buy a bass rod. For lily pads I would be using a saltwater inshore rod mh 10/20 lure rated max of 1 oz. I would be using 20# braid, not 50, if you get hung up you can't break 50# that will cost you a lot line, 20# braid is my ticket. I use a 4000 spheros on a mh inshore rod 20# braid, I've yet to meet the bass or snakehead that can stand up to.

This very true. A label is just a label and neither the fish or the rod will know the difference. One reason for using heavy braid on a baitcaster is line handling. 20# works very well on a spinner.

Try one of the Shimano line of rods in the Convergence,Crucial or Compre line as I think they all have a 7'2" or 7'3" MH in those lines with prices ranging $69.99 to roughly $109.99

A hundred dollar rod for a Solstace seems kinda overkill. Maybe a Vendetta or similar rod around 70 bucks. But for $100 the TFO Inshore in MH has worked for me throwing heavy buzzbaits and frog baits.