2 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

My local tackle shop has the Shimano SLX in a 6'10" M/F for $99 and they have the same size in a Curado for $129.99...I just so happened to have won a $90 gift certificate from a store contest they had over the weekend so i won't have to come up with a lot extra...would the Curado be worth the extra $30?

Doubtful anyone can answer that for you.  If you can hold both, do that.  Weight, handle, taper, etc. all play a role.

 

Curado definitely looks like a step up.

Cork grips..I'd choose split grip personally, it looks like they have both.

Curado also uses Fuji guides and real seat.

 

SLX uses a custom reel seat and ? guides, and has EVA split grips.

 

If I liked the feel of the Curado, I'd get it over SLX for $30.  If you plan on fishing for a while, I'd get the best you can budget reasonably.  

On 7/15/2019 at 8:42 AM, Brett's_daddy said:

I can afford $80-ish if the Exage would be a big enough upgrade.

If you can wait, save your money and spend 200$. You probably won't notice much if a difference between your existing rod and an 80 rod unless you scoree a deal on here for a used one. A very popular JB stick is Aloha Angler Slasher. That will be my next purchase. Its $200.

1 hour ago, Mikeltee said:

If you can wait, save your money and spend 200$. You probably won't notice much if a difference between your existing rod and an 80 rod unless you scoree a deal on here for a used one. A very popular JB stick is Aloha Angler Slasher. That will be my next purchase. Its $200.

That would be nice but I don't have the time or money for that. I have my 2nd child on the way, making my last few fishing purchases for a while before I focus on the important stuff to come...like diapers, baby clothes, car seats etc. .