6'8" L Phenix Recon

6'8" L Shimano Zodias

6'8" L Majorcraft Speedstyle

My budget is under $200 for the rod. A shimano aldebaran with a honeycomb spool will be going on it. 

I haven't fished the other two but I was able to cast 1/16 jigs plus trailer with the recon 682 a good distance. Soft tip with decent backbone but small diameter grip. 

 

There is the st Croix legend inshore Gulf in their bargain room for the cheap. It is moderate action and probably better suited for trebles though. 

I saw this post on TT. I've heard good things about Phenix customer support. Here's further proof.

http://www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=68803&sid=7fb33250cb674452890405e05dccab47

I remember reading the L Speedstyle comes in more like UL Zodias by a guy who owned both on TT fwiw. 

 

Of the choices, I'd likely go Zodias.  

Zodias would be my choice. The feedback on them is fantastic. I own both a 2 and 3 power Recon. Love the 3 power but the 2 power is too moderate of an action for what I wanted it for. It says fast action but it couldn't be further off. It casts nice and is built well though.