i want to make a rod, and will probably buy a kit to get my feet wet , and buying the tools is cheaper this way also. my question is - what is a decent blank to buy to build a rod that you would consider a med -to higher end rod, something that might cost 200 or so to buy ? not looking for length or action , but brand name and series

for most people starting to make their first rod recommended strategy is to go cheap on the first rod. there are many little bitty things that can go wrong and do.  misalignment of guides to reel seat and or spine. thread wraps look amiss. glue showing up in unexpected places, . cobbled up seat arbors.  ad almost infinitum (first time I butched Latin!).

will you have access to a local rodbuilder?   lots of advice on forums. I sure do like making rods. it's fun, relaxing, definitely rewarding.  two great brands are St Croix and Sage.

mudhole will get you started.they have tutorials online,you can call them for help. MHX blanks,ST.CROIX. many to choose from. have made 12 in the last year and now can make the rod with the action that I want.first couple were sort of an experiment, but now can set up handles,wrap micro guides with no problems.plus it really does feel pretty cool when you catch fish with em.