When rated the same, such as a Med Hvy fast, are longer rods more stout than their shorter counterparts? I've noticed the longer rods seem to have a much stiffer tip.

Rods of the same power in the same lineup shouldn't vary depending on length, but it depends on the manufacturer. They can put any label they want on a rod. All you can do is handle one and see if it feels right then the proof will be in actual fishing 

In theory, they should be the same in terms of strength and action. I guess if this is actually true or not falls into the design and manufacturing process. On the other hand, a longer rod technically has a longer tip too, so they very well may stiffen it up or shorten the area that moves.

Big differences between application specific rods power and action ratings and no standards  to judge rods by. Examples: crankbait rods, frog rods, swimbait rods, flipping rods can all be 7' to over 8' in length with medium heavy power and very different rods by the same maker let alone various rod makers.

Tom

I wanted a longer rod for better casting, but what I've tried that is labeled as a 7'6" MH fast are just broomsticks compared to a 7' MH Fast in the same line. 

4 hours ago, WRB said:

Big differences between application specific rods power and action ratings and no standards  to judge rods by. Examples: crankbait rods, frog rods, swimbait rods, flipping rods can all be 7' to over 8' in length with medium heavy power and very different rods by the same maker let alone various rod makers.

Tom

 

That's what I see and it's confusing, especially when they don't market the particular model as technique specific. I had a 7'1' mojo bass MH fast rated for up to 1oz lures. It worked well and casted well with a 1/2oz lure. I recently ordered a 7'6" fenwick elite tech MH fast rated for 7/8 oz lures and a 1/2oz chatterbait wouldn't load the tip enough to cast well. I ended up giving up on my search for a 7'6" MH fast that was appropriate for chatterbaits, buzzbaits, plastics etc. I ended up just getting a Fenwick elite tech 7' MH fast. It should be here soon.

 

I'd like to try a bunch of different rods but it's just not feasible. I'm almost thinking I'd need a 7'6" moderate rod to do what a 7' fast would do.