i've seen guys comment on the 7'6" flip stick, but it's not on their website, does academy still make this rod? any other general comments about the blue rods, we don't have academy's around here.

Probably the best value rod you will find. Do a little quality control in the store and you will get a rod that will give 100-125 rod a run for their money.

I have the 7' mh, the 7' mm,  6'6" mh and the 6'8" spinning rod.    All are good rods. 

 

I haven't seen any rods in store recently longer than than 7'3".  I've been trying to find the 7'10" crankbait rod.