Alot of people use these rod brands, but aside from the Avid/Avid X and Dobyns Champion, why are these rods so popular? Most people suggest those three rods but not really any others. I hear the Tournmanet LTB is pretty tip heavy which is something I'm trying to avoid. Looking to find a quality rod brand where I have a good selection in the mid price range. Something below 250 for a selection

i fish a bunch of legend tournament bass rods , i think i have 10. i like them a nd feel like the whole tip heavy thing is over blown. having said that in that price range i would take a hard look at the shimano zodias. i dont know exactly what type of rod your looking for but the casting models are nice.havent handled any spinning.friend of mine has a couple and after trying his last year i bought a 7"ft 5" heavy and i really like it. they run right around 200

St croix is releasing the new victory line soon.  They claim to have balanced the line & most will be under $200.  

I use a lot of St. Croix rods, but the Avid is not one I've been high on. I don't like full handles, and the Avid X guides were not great. Most of mine are LTBs and I agree the tip heavy thing is overblown but if it bothers you, that's the great thing about so many options being out there. The new Victory lineup from St. Croix might be something you should checkout though, since it does fit right into your requirements.

https://stcroixrods.com/pages/victory?utm_source=BassResource&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=banner&utm_campaign=VictoryLaunch

I have several Dobyn's Fury and Sierra rods and while they are at a lower price point than the champion rods, they are great. St. Croix has some awesome stuff too, but I've only ever used the Mojo Bass line in them. Both have almost the exact same warranty system which is much better than most other rod companies provide. I also like the Shimano rods, but their warranty isn't as good so I'd rather go with Dobyn's or St. Croix personally. 

I've fished with AVIDS for over 20 years and gave been very pleased with them.  They are the rod I always recommend to people wanting to get into the sport w/o spending an arm and leg.  I've always thought the AVID line was the best "bang for the buck".

I personally have a mix of SC3 and SC5 blanks from St. Croix (and IMX/GLX from Loomis) and wouldn't recommend sticking to one series of rods.  Instead focus more on where the extra money buys you sensitivity where it matters and spend more on those rods and less on the others.