I know the theory well of : " Buy once - cry once " ...The Veritas 7'11" is on my short list because reviewers rate as a good buy and it balances well ... Still trying to research if or why more flippers settle on the 7'6" or 7'7" length more so versus the longer length ?

Well you have the Denali Jadewood 7'6 xh, Jadewood 7'11 xh, and the Kovert 7'8 xh all in your price range. The BASS open on Toho this year I used the 7'11 and 7'8 and jerked some knot heads over the boat. Favorite flippin reel Abu Garcia STX in 8.0:1. If I'm flipping mats 65lb seaguar or power pro braid.

At 79.95 the Daiwa T-rod 7'6" heavy telescopic is a great rod. and looks pretty cool also. It's a perfect "starter" flippin rod. I happened on it by accident as I needed a rod to throw A-rigs and had about 2 hours to find something. Local shop had it and I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised

I have the 7 mh and I love it. I've used it punching and frogging