This summer I've primarily been a bank fisherman targeting panfish.  The lake I fish in has a decent crappie population and they are good to eat.  I didn't want to spend a lot of money for a slip bobber/panfish rig so based on the recommendations of others I bought a SC Triumph 66LF rod and a Shimano Nexave 1000 FL spinning reel and lined it with 4 lb. Stren XL.  I have caught quite a few nice crappies and blue gills with it and have been very pleased.  I'm glad I went with the L power vs. UL because occasionally I've caught a LM bass and liked the little stiffer power.  I  liked the way the Triumph loaded up when catching a larger fish and it had the backbone for a few larger bass.  I was really impressed on how smooth the Nexave was for a $ 50.00 reel.  If I were blindfolded IDK if I could tell the difference btwn it and one of my Stradics.  So if you're looking for a relatively inexpensive slip bobber rod the Triumph and Nexave are a good choice.   

Nice review. I have a similar set up for crappie myself.

6'6" St Croix Premier L 2 piece rod

1000 series Shimano Spirex

6lb PLine CX 

Works just fine.