I have owned/used a ton of different brands and models over the years. These are the ones that stand out to me in their respective price ranges.

$100-200--Carrot Stick and Lamiglas Certified Pro

$200-$350--Looomis GLX(pre split grip) and Dobyns Champion Extreme

$350+--NRX--Absolutely electric!

 I would substitute this in your $100-$200 category:  http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/p-119-perfecta-dhc5.aspx#page=page-1

 

Here is a reiew on the same series, but a different model: 

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-optimus-xlt-dhc-review.html

 

 

 

Granted I have only fished one LTB, but I was less than impressed with the rod that I had. It was extremely tip heavy and just felt like dead weight in my hands. The rod was rated MHXF but felt like XHXXXF. Perhaps I just had a dud, but man, it really turned me off to this line.

My 7' MHF LTB is super tip heavy too, pretty ridiculous IMO for about a $250 rod. I don't like the pool cue action much either, but it is at least a very sensitive rod. Still, overall I actually like my Phenix Recons better, and they're nearly $100 cheaper.

any more suggs

<$200 = Recon or Cumara

<$300 = Cumulus and Dobyns Extreme

<$400 = GLX

<$600 = NRX

 

My prices are based off of sales that occur often and are not too difficult to find. 

Sub 200 - Phenix M1

Around 250 - Dobyns Champ

Any one like the powell max's or endurance rods? I see they are on sale way below normal price.

I've handled the endurance rods and just picked up a 683 max rod, I think you get a lot of value for the money.

Any rod you throw hard enough will make great bottom contact.

 

<<I know bad joke ... LOL>>

Any one like the powell max's or endurance rods? I see they are on sale way below normal price.

I have several endurance rods and for the money they are hard to beat even at $160 but on sale they are a real bargain.

Of all my rods, Legend Tournaments and Champ Extremes are the most sensitive.  However, I find plenty of sensitivity in my Avids, Eyecons, and my Pinnacle Perfecta may be a little above those.

I haven't tried the Dobyns yet, but can vouch for the G Loomis GLX and the St Croix Legend Xtreme/Elite.  Love both, but I think I prefer the Xtreme just a bit more.

I was eyeing a dobyns champion extreme but Flukemastr has me interested in buying a duckett which is a hell of alot cheaper. I may end up with a few lightly used rods it seems.

sensitivity is overrated, the sensitivity  difference in many rods is so minimal that its not worth a $200 dollar price increase. buy an ugly stik and save your time...

I was eyeing a dobyns champion extreme but Flukemastr has me interested in buying a duckett which is a hell of alot cheaper. I may end up with a few lightly used rods it seems.

Tw's memorial day sale will be towards the last week of may so you could get a few brand new for 20% off. I'm more a fan of the champ extreme and legend xtreme but those duckets do feel nice in hand. incredibly lightweight. not a fan of the action of them though.

sensitivity is overrated, the sensitivity  difference in many rods is so minimal that its not worth a $200 dollar price increase. buy an ugly stik and save your time...

 

And there you have it...

 

The best bang for your buck, if you have a little patience, is in our Flea Market.

I have bought several reels and a few rods from our members.

 

 

 

 

And there you have it...

 

The best bang for your buck, if you have a little patience, is in our Flea Market.

I have bought several reels and a few rods from our members.

 

 

 

 

I will patiently wait to get an ugly stick from the flea market  

I won't say sensitivity is overrated but there is certainly a point of dimishing return. The difference between a $25 rod and a $150 rod is night and day but the difference between a $150 rod and a $300 rod isn't exactly as dramatic. Even some of the cheaper rods these days are much more sensitive than they used to be.

 

My dobyns champion is pretty sensitive....and so is my st croix avid. I have only fished it a couple of times but my legend xtreme seems very sensitive. I don't know if I "need" that...but it can't hurt. I honestly don't think I'm a good enough angler where a minor change in equipment would mean the difference between making it or breaking it.

 

The thing about having nice equipment is that you only have yourself to blame if something doesn't go your way. You can't blame a botched hookset on a rod that isn't sensitive if you're fishing an NRX or a Legend Xtreme, etc.

And it won't break when your wife puts it in the trash compactor.

There were many good suggestion made but a rod is just one tool you will use for bottom baits. If T-rigging Tungsten will enhance sensitivity. Also line choice can be considered. Braid and flourocarbon also will enhance sensitivity. Nothing beats a finger on the line though. Consider all these as tools also.

I use GLX rods for my bottom contact baits. I'm a big fan!