Tournament and serious fishing: G. Loomis

 

Fun fishing: Bass Pro Shop's Extreme spinning rods

man, I can't say it's my favorite because I've never even handled one, but based on the bfs rod, the Major Craft spinning rods are probably stellar. K guides, nice handles, ultra sensitive blank, and you'll save some cash without compromising quality. Plus it's something cool and unique that you don't see everywhere. At least not yet. I could see that company taking the USDM by storm and they're on their way.

I have a Fenwick EliteTech, awesome rod, great price point. I've used a Dobyns champion and it's great, so that'd be my recommendation at your price point. 

St Croix LTB 6' 10" ML/XF

G. Loomis PR844S & St. Croix LES70MF

Dobyns 692 ML

Kistler klx is my favorite spinning rod.

If you wanna have some real fun fishing light tackle DS/SS, grab a Phenix FX802-1X (if an UL sounds sketch, I've hauled in a 6+ pounder on it with no problems).  Otherwise look into the Phenix M1 rods, indestructable and light.

Daiwa TD-X 6'10" ML-F dropshot model. Good luck finding one.

I have no idea if it'll be my "favorite" or not as I haven't fished with it yet, but I just ordered the St Croix Rage spinning rod in 6'8 MXF.  Have read some "so-so" reviews if you will about the rage series, but I'm a St. Croix junky and the deal they are running in their bargain room right now has the rage rods for 89.00 with free shipping and a free hat... Hard to beat that deal if you ask me, that's 61.00 less than the rod was retailing for a month ago.  I think they've phased out the rage series as the new Avid X looks like it'll take it's place as an SCIII blank with micro guides, whilst eliminating some of the complaints about the reel seat, grips, and specific guides used on the rage series...  for that 89.00 price tag however, I kind of felt like I couldn't go wrong spending it on a SCIII blank.  Hopefully this rod will suit me for quite a few finesse techniques that are currently lacking in my rod line-up. 

Probably phenix.

 I think they've phased out the rage series as the new Avid X looks like it'll take it's place as an SCIII blank with micro guides, whilst eliminating some of the complaints about the reel seat, grips, and specific guides used on the rage series...  

The new Mojo is going to have the SCIII blank, and will have some newer guides. This is their replacement for the Rage (according to who I talked to at SC) and will start at $120.