What are some favorites of yours? I have been looking at various models but can't really nail anything down for sure. Looking for a 6'6"- 7' , not sure of what power yet, but most likely ml-m. I fell in love with the steez, but it is out of range. anything between 70-200, but I have NO interest in loomis or kistler stuff. I'm digging the crap outta the crucial, but like I said I am on the fence. Any input?

I have NO interest in loomis or kistler stuff.

Thats too bad, you are eliminating 2 very good rods before you even get started.  

You do like the shimano rods... they have some dropshot models out.  Have you seen or looked at them yet?

Or the St. Croix 3C69MLXF,  3C68MXF.  (they have an SCV model but it's out of your specified price range)

I know you said you have no interest in the Kistler or Loomis stuff but, take a look at the Kistler Graphite series. They make technique specific rods for each of these presentations and at about 125.00 they are very good for the money. At one time I* owned both models and they fished as good as any of the high end rods.

yeah i've played around with the crucial and steez, along with some loomises, redingtons, lamiglas, fenwick, powell. I like the cucial the most out of my price range. I have never used a St. Croix, although i know there are a ton of guys on here that use them, there just aren't any dealerships that I am aware of in my immediate area, and unless someone does a real good job of convincing me, I won't buy rods sight unseen. Having fished with both kistler and loomis, for the price, I am not impressed. The only exception being a prototype helium flipping stick I threw a couple casts a few months ago. I would like to hear from some more St. Croix users. Thanks for all the input so far guys.

Having fished with both kistler and loomis, for the price, I am not impressed.

Which Loomis models have you fished?  The only neg feedback I ever heard was on the GL2 and the blends... never (and I really mean never) heard anyone say they didn't like IMX or GLX

What brands do you use now?  I'm just curious what you like if you are underwhelmed with Loomis and kistler and don't have any St.Croix.  

The most effective "Drop Shot" specific rod I have received feedback on is the 6'10", Medium Power, Ex-Fast Action in a spinning rod. Personally, I prefer this in a casting rod, but everyone has their own preferences. The rod is very light and sensitive, the medium power keeps it soft enough for the fight and the ex-fast action allows you to start reeling and get to the backbone of the rod for the hookset (without actually jerking the rod) on those light wire hooks.

I don't know what you're looking at specifically, but if you can find these rod specs I'd recommend you at least take a long look at it.

I own shimano, lamiglas, okuma, and fish redingtons all the time. I couldnt tell you what loomis rods i have used. I have probably fished 6 or 7 different rods of theirs. I don't dislike them, they just are  not really worth the money and hype in my eyes. I have used two different models salmon fishing, and various rods worming/flipping/cranking. I like the redingtons alot, my buddy is sponsored by them so I have fished probably 15-20 different rods of theirs. So I might go with them, shimano, lamiglas, or possibly St. Croix.  Most of my rods are Lamiglas which I really dig on. Not super high end by any means, but a great rod.

All of the rods you mentioned are fine options and as long as you find what you want and develop confidence in it, then you can't go wrong.