Well, since I just lost a Kistler (don't want to get into it, just remember to use your rodsavers on your deck) I'm in the market for a new flipping stick.  

The Kistler was nice, but wasn't the high line one- the $150 one they sell @ gander mountain.  

I'm thinking Shimano Crucial, mainly because it's one piece and it's @ my price point.

I would also like to discuss telescopic vs one piece blanks.  Thoughts?  I don't really need a telescopic rod being that I store my rods on deck all the time anyway.  Are there really any other advantages of telescopic blanks other than storage concerns?

Also- has anyone used the Gary Klein flipping stick from Quantum?  It's perked my interest, but am not sure because of the "slow parabolic bend"

I do live in Central Florida, so heavy cover is prevalent, and braid is a must.

I've not used the crucials but have only heard good things about them.

In general terms, one piece rods are lighter, better balanced and most people would say stronger and more sensitive.  The latter two items are as much a factor of the builder as they are blank design but nonetheless valid points, or items of potential concern.  I think if you are used to keeping them out on the deck and don't "need" a +T for storage reasons, you'll be much happier with a one piece.

One other thing to consider, if you use braid you should consider a mod-fast instead of a fast action, close in work with big fish, braid and vegetation are hard on the equipment and you... a mod-fast will cushion the blow a little bit and still get the job done with no trouble.

I know St.Croix makes a handful of one piece flippin sticks but I think they are over $150.  (I am only up on blank prices)

I have owned two different telescoping rods, and my OPINION of them both is this:  I felt like the telescoping blank caused the rod to be less sensitive than the one piece rods I have used as flipping sticks.  My other complaint with them is that they are a pain.  When pulling the blank out you have to make sure the guides are lined up.  Also when they are collapsed the blank will spin, and can get your line wrapped around your rod.  I know these are minor things, but they are a nuisance no the less.

I don't flip as much as I do pitch that said, I've had a couple telescopic flippin sticks in my life and most just sat in the rod compartment unused.  I have a pair of 6 1/2 wormin rods that wind up getting used much more for pitchin.  I'm re-thinking my rods, I sold the flippin stick and will probably go with a 7' hvy (probably a TAS or Fatboy) for deep wormin/pitchin/flippin/some C-riggin.  

Shimano Crucial is an excellent choice in that price range, I've been looking at them since I had someone break my G. Loomis BCR804 GLX. I would also look into the CastAway XP3 series and the upper end Allstar rods.

I just bought the Team AllStar BigBoy flippin stick.  I liked it for 2 reasons, one it was 7 foot instead of 7'6" so i felt more confident with the shorter length plus it fits in my rod locker and also for the one piece design.  Its a great rod.  Very light with lots of feeling.  i think it cost me $120.  

I think I'll try the Crucial out.  I was able to fish a Team All-Star 7'6" out today (telescopic), thought it was a nice rod but it just seems that I've got to be missing in the sensitivity department.

Nobody has anything to say about the Quantum 8'?

I have the Quantum one you mentioned, I love it and will be buying a second one this year. This rod was made to handle braids well, the parabolic action cushions the shock of the hook set and has nice action when fighting a fish, good backbone for getting a fish clear of cover.

I have not used this rod in really heavy vegetation like you have in FL but it has performed flawlessly in vegetation around wood in this area.