I saw a nice 7ft. heavy Falcon Bucco rod in Wal-Mart on clearance for $79.99...is this a good deal or are there other better options in that $80 price range?

Go for it

What do you plan to use it for?

I always like to read the reviews on TW. If it is the rod with the microguides you may want to pass. The other version gets solid reviews. 

Edited January 26, 201610 yr by Fishin' Fool
Added words

The micro guide version is junk in my opinion. The guides are garbage. The regular version is absolutely worth it! 

At that price it's a solid buy. I've owned a few that I got on clearance also. I've never had an issue with them. It's a plain jane rod but it performs. They were all micro guide models. Just know that their rods tend to be overrated a bit. My 6'10 H fishes like a mh from other companies. It's also a mod/fast taper so it's not my preferred choice for bottom contact. It's my go to squarebill rod or jerkbaits.

As for some on here, I fish a lot of the Falcon Bucco's. Have 9 of them.  No issues with any of them and at that price you're getting a great deal on a rod.  As for the Micro's, all 9 are micros and zero issues.  Been fishing some of these rods going on 4 years without any issue except the little rubber ring on the back of the foam grip.  But the rods are quality, some just don't like how small the guides are on them.  I'm not one of them.

I've got a 7M and love it. Great for drop-shorting and shakeys 

I believe this one had the micro guides...the guides were really tiny. Now I know that the No. 8 Black Out rod is $80 as well, how do these two rods compare?

I've got a 6'6" MH/F Micro spooled with 50lb braid. I beat the hell out of the thing and it's performed great. I got mine for a similar price and I have no regrets. 

It is definitely worth it. I've had one for a while now and they are super sensitive and durable. I would say it's one of the best in its price range at its regular price

I have 3 Bucoo Micro's and they have all done well... Yes the guides are very small but I almost never use leaders so it's not a problem. They have all handled braid flouro and mono at some point without issues. My only gripe is that after about a years worth of use the foam handle became a bit slick. I recently wrapped it with AccuCull tube wrap and its now better than ever. Have caught loads of fish and wouldn't hesitate to buy more.

I have two bucco rods.  The 7' Trap Caster and a 6'10" model that is very similar to their Eakins Jig Special.  I like them and they are in the starting line up, i.e. they are in the 15 or so rods that I start out with in the spring.