I just carelessly broke a rod, and I need to replace it.  I am looking to buy an all around casting rod in the 6'6" to 7' range and these two rods fit my budget.  Any comparative opinions on these rods or other rods in the same price range would be appreciated.

Lightning rod shock is a great rod for the money.

1 minute ago, thinkingredneck said:

Lightning rod shock is a great rod for the money.

I agree, this was my first truly serious rod, it was and still is an excellent rod. I have absolutely zero complaints. 

Loved the old Lightning Rod, and now I love the Shock Rod. Really great rods for the money.

I have several Shocks that I use for guide trips and also for kayak fishing and occasionally on the boat. They're excellent for the money. I've heard the Arid is very nice, but have not personally fished one. 

My budget rods are daiwa fuego casting rods. They can be found online for around 50 bucks. I know that is slightly above your budget but they have treated me very well, I try to suggest them when appropriate.

I own and use both. The Aird X gets the nod for being a better looking, and lighter rod. Performance wise it's a coin flip. Slight edge to the Aird X. But when Lightning Rod Shocks are only $39.99 everyday at Walmart, they are still my choice. For another option in the same price ball park, take a look at the Abu Garcia Vengeance. The current generation Silver/greyish vengeance is the best one of that series yet, and I like them better than the higher priced veritas and vendetta rods from Abu.

Thank you everyone for your input.  I will go check out a Vengence and a Fuego.  Unless something stands out, I will go with the Aird X since WW2Farmer tried them both and gave the edge to the Aird X.  Also, lighter appeals to me.

I like the 7' MH Shock for a crankin' rod. Just the right amount of flex to keep those trebles pinned. Next to the no longer made Academy Ethos Composite Cranker, it is a great value for treble hook baits.

Aird X is a great rod for the money. Very light and sensitive.

Easy. Aird x for sure. Lighter, better looking and more sensitive. And academy sports sells them for $39.99. I will say the shock has more comfortable grips but the airds  are not that bad. And if u wrap them in Winn grips overwrap  they are great. I love mine for kayak and canoe fishing. 

The lightning rod is a great rod and is sensitive. The only issue that I had, the other day I was fishing some submerged grass, I was slowly pulling and then I yanked it like you would so the line will rip through the grass clean. Well when I did that, the rod snapped at the base, a little bit below the first eye. That's the first time I have ever had trouble with a lightning rod. I have broken quite a few Quantums but never a Berkley.

I can't add much to this except to say a 2017 7-0 Vengeance, 2 pc, ML has been a good "trunk" rod for fishing light spinning gear with U-tails, Roboworms, and Ned Rigs.  I can't complain at all about that rod.

*Edit: sorry you were asking about casting** Would delete if I could.  Point is the Vengeance has been a fine spinning rod for me.