Just picked up a new SLX 6'10 MH 8:2:1 for my primary rig but I'm looking for a 6'6 M/F or XF for topwater poppers, ploppers, walking baits, flukes,etc. My budget is around $100 or so. I want a quality rod that's going to serve its purpose well. I plan to pair it with a 7:1:1 or so reel. Any help or advice would be appreciated as I'm fairly green to all of this. TIA

You will be fairly limited on choices with the shorter length.

These would be my rod suggestions for around that $100 point:

 

Okuma EVX

Falcon BuCoo

 

 

 

Under 100$ A vendetta comes in that size, power, and action that could be a good choice I think 

 

and closer to 100$ you could with a Veritas plx

 

both fit your requirements and are good for the price point 

 

 

Look no further:

 

https://stcroixrods.com/collections/freshwater/products/triumph-casting

 

The St Croix Triumph comes in 6' and 6'6".  Fantastic rod for $100ish.

If you can go 6'10" the Falcon Bucoo Finesse jig would be my choice.  I have the same in the expert and its a great topwater rod.

 

Falcon also has the Herm at 6'6" but I haven't cast it so can't tell you the action.

6 hours ago, VanIsleBassin said:

Under 100$ A vendetta comes in that size, power, and action that could be a good choice I think 

 

and closer to 100$ you could with a Veritas plx

 

both fit your requirements and are good for the price point 

 

 

The Vendetta line is, IMHO, the best bang-for-your-buck rods out there.

 

Tom

FFO has the older model 6'6" HMG casting rods. 58.88 before shipping.

1 hour ago, Rob St Croix said:

FFO has the older model 6'6" HMG casting rods. 58.88 before shipping.

They solid rods? Considering ordering one. Comes out to about 76 after shipping and tax 

I had a 6'6" spinning that I thought was a decent rod. Light and good sensitivity for the price.

here are 3 good ones that are not right at the 100$ mark. 

 

https://kastking.com/products/crixus-rods?currency=USD&variant=34756821254294&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping 47$

 

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/okuma-stratus-vi-casting-rod-19okuustrts7mhcstrod/19okuustrts7mhcstrod?sku=20560022 50$

 

https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/falcon-hd-rods?variant=15132423061550&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic 70$

BPS Carbonlite is my vote. I have one of the previous models 6'6" medium that's my "everything but a jig or worm rod". 

The high quality rod ideally suited for your lures, close to your budget is Major Craft  NAC-T681M/S1 Splash-It, 6’8” M/F action, M power, 1/4-1/2 oz lures, 6-15 lb line.

I use this rod for a variety of presentations from 1/4 Splash-it to 1/2 Sammie’s and finesse worms with 1/8 oz-3/16 bullet weights and medium crank baits to 5/8 oz, with 11 lb Armillo mono line.

Tom