I'm using two rods for pitching pads and flipping grass mats currently. A 76 heavy carbonlite and a similarly powered 711 Veritas. Am I the only one out there who prefers shorter rods? These rods  work fine but I'm thinking of upgrading them but choosing a shorter model. 

I ask because I would like to replace these with a saint Croix legend tournament bass In the 74 heavy fast model. Will this rod be enough rod to pitch 1/2 to 1 ounce weighted plastics into pads with 50 to 65 lb braid? will a shorter rod be a bad move or should I stick to a longer model? This rod will likely get used for frogs and small swimbaits in heavy cover as well. 

Thanks for any input. 

And here I thought by shorter you meant 6'6" and under!

LOL. I'm in that category. Shorter rods are more my thing.

Sounds like you'd be fine with a 7'6", it's only 2" shorter. I 
don't think you'd have trouble with frogging or swimbaiting
in heavy cover with that rod.

Shorter rod less distance, will have to position yourself closer to fish to reach them. In heavy cover/stained water it won't matter as much but I don't like getting right on top of them. And like stated above 2" isn't gonna make much of a difference at all if none.

My frog rod is a Veritas original series 7 foot MH. That rod handle frogs well.  I have the same rod in a 7 hvy for punching  and deep water jigs. I would be better off with longer rods i am, sure but they will not fit in my rod locker.  Anyway I like both rods for what I want them to do.  Everyone tells you to go with the pros trends of longer and longer rods. Funny thing is I I got to talk to Larry Nixon at at fishing show in Richmond a few years ago. I was joking with him about how things have changed during his career. He was laughing about the huge bass he caught in a MegaBass tournament. That thing was caught on one of his favorite pistol grip rods. He says he still carries a few custom rods 6 foot or less rods.  Makes dock fishing easier sometimes.