Looking to dedicate a rod to drop shotting and I am torn between rods and length and flex (M, ML).  What do you recommend?

6'10ish, XF, ML is what I like

I would go with a M  6'6'' rod its what i use to drop shot  you get a good bit of action out of a M rod and i like the 6'6''

I have an Eyecon 6'3" ML/XF that is virtually identical to the two Avids with the same specs, but have a really nice grip. that's in your range, and don't be thrown because they're marketed as "walleye rods." I assure you, my son has caught plenty of smallmouth on it - they couldn't care less about the name. They come in a longer version as well, I just prefer that length for vertical drop shotting - more control with the smaller rod.

Fenwick elite tech smallmouth 6'9" ML/F

I use a bass mojo dropshot rod. These rods are really good rods for the price.

I use a 6'9 ML Vendetta and a Johnny Morris spinning reel. Pretty good little combo for under $150. 

+1 on the elite tech and the eyecon!!!

both are great drop shot rods!

I scored one 6'9 ML elite tech for $80.00 and another for $60.00. Two new rods essentially for the price of one at full retail. Even at full retail they are just awesome rods for what you get. They weigh 3.5 ounces, have prettying good sensitivity, are comfortable in hand, and comsmetically and component wise they stack up well with anything in their class.

6'10ish, XF, ML is what I like

x2 for me, that is what I got!

I have no expertise to offer, but this morning I ordered a Cumara CUSDX72M from TW.  It's not the new model Cumara, but for $99.99 it seems like quite a deal.  If you're looking for a long, medium power, it might by an option to consider

It's like anything else , it's what works for you. I have been using a 6/6 ml for the last couple of years, and it works. I was going to get the Veritas 6/9 ml this winter to replace it, but i thought it felt too stiff...

I have no expertise to offer, but this morning I ordered a Cumara CUSDX72M from TW.  It's not the new model Cumara, but for $99.99 it seems like quite a deal.  If you're looking for a long, medium power, it might by an option to consider

x2... that's an incredible deal on a $240 rod with a lifetime warranty!

If you can score a Lamiglas Excel (663 or 703) at $100 you'd be psyched. Lamiglas raised the price to like $135, but some places still have them at $100. I have a 703 and love the thing for ds-ing.

Denali Jadewood 6'6" Medium is my favorite rig for dropshotting.

It's like anything else , it's what works for you. I have been using a 6/6 ml for the last couple of years, and it works. I was going to get the Veritas 6/9 ml this winter to replace it, but i thought it felt too stiff...

 

I got a Veritas 6'9" ML this winter and thought it was just fine. This just proves it is all in the eye of the beholder and how a rod feels to the angler.

I'm a huge fan of 13 fishings casting rods.

 

My next rod will be their 6'7 medium spinning rod for shakey heads/drop shotting.