I am thinking about getting a new spinning rod. I am looking at either a Shimano Convergence or a Lews Speed Stick in a 6'6" medium. I like them for the full cork grip. I don't want one with a split grip. These are not high dollar rods but for what little I get to fish they should be fine. Anybody have any recommendations or opinions on either one? Thanks for any info on them.

6’6” MF Daiwa Aird-X in that price range is a great rod. I had one and it served me well for a while til I gave it to a friend. Can do a whole lot with it

I'm a fan of full cork grips also. The only Lews rod I own now is probably 25 yrs old. It's been good, but is mostly retired                                  I have a Shimano Clarus which has been a great rod. Depending on power, action etc, I think both could work well.

I have a Lew's speed stick (UL 6'8"). Its construction and action are both excellent, but it handles like a medium-light. Also have a couple Lew's medium spinning rods (both 7', carbon fire and custom series) that are on the stiffer/faster end, so my only concern with a 6'6" would be the tip action. Might not be the best choice for casting light baits. Probably a great choice for heavier lures or jigging, though. What application do you have in mind?

 

I have no experience with Shimano rods.

Check out the Okuma Epixor. I have used Okuma rods and they are decent value for the price. This particular model features a full cork grip on their 7' M/MF spinning rod at $81.99 MSRP.

 

It appears you're looking for a sort of 'do-it-all' type of rod and for that reason, a mod fast action might be a wise choice for a medium power spinning rod rather than straight up fast since you may be throwing both treble hook baits as well as single hook baits. 

 

Also, a 6'6" rod is OK, but unless you have some constraints I am not aware of (such as bank fishing where there is lots of trees and vegetation to work around, or kayak fishing where a shorter rod might be easier to work with) you might like the 7' (+/-) rods a little better as they will cast further, take up more line when setting a hook, and give you more margin for error when landing a fish. JMHO.

I am staying with a shorter rod since I fish from a sitting position not standing up. If I get one it will be used for shaky heads and baits like a centipede or finesse worm on a T-rig with a 1/16oz sinker. Anything with treble hooks gets thrown on a baitcaster.