Same goes with reels.  puny graphite shimanos and pig metal daiwas were the bottom of the barrel, now they reign supreme...

Cheap is a very broad term

I used to have a Berkley Lightning rod and for $39 dollars was a good rod in your price range. I've never used the shock to say if it's worth the extra $10 or not. Depending on what you're looking to use it for, the Berkley Amp rod I thought was pretty legit for a $30 rod. I eventually had an issue with the guides grooving after a few years, but for that price I was pleased.