I will be buying one of these today unless there's something horrible that anyone knows ;D It's $40, has a powerhump handle, 10 guides, IM7 graphite and looks great... I have mostly 6'6" and want to get a 7'MH... just wondering if you've tried one.. thanks

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_123/abu_garcia_conolon.html

I own an old version of one of these.  I've had it for probably about 12 or 13 years if I remember right.  It's my go to rod for American Shad when they run up the river in the spring.  The one that I have is a 6' M, "classic action" is what it says on the rod.  I'd say that it is a moderate action rod, which is why I love using it for shad.  The thing has stood up to a lot of abuse over the years.  I've used it cranking for smallies as well.  From what I've seen in the link you posted, the new version definitely looks like a better rod than the one that I have.  That's the extent of my experience with the conolon rods.   Wish I could be of more help.  Seems like a good price, though.

I have one, in a spinning rod. 6'6' M.  I like the rod a lot. It was my upgrade from the ugly sticks and Rino rod I started with. Nice weight, balance, action.  Not comparable to some higher end rods but for $40. I think its great.

So I bought the rod and am overall impressed with its performance. It's sturdy yet plenty sensitive. Paired with my Accurist, I am very pleased. I got the 7' MH and can cast a mile... Two things I would change: It is a bit heavy (but still tolerable) and I wish the handle was slightly longer. I caught my first fish with this combo yesterday which was about 3lbs and it handle very nicely. I would compare this rod to a Tourney Special. Bottom line, it was $39! I would recommend this rod to anyone who is trying to save some $$$ while getting a decent rod that should last for awhile. Here are a few pics...

This combo cost less than $100!! ;D very pleased...

Anyone know why rods aren't shown on the Abu website?

http://www.abu-garcia.com/

Curious to where you picked that up at. Nice looking reel for the price.

Wouldn't mind picking one up for a beater rod when I head out into the woods.

Down here in florida you can pick these rods up at Wal-Mart. I bought one probably 4 or 5 years ago a 6'6" MH and I have loved it since the day I bought it. I don't use it much anymore, but only because it is my spinnerbait rod and I don't throw many spinnerbaits, but I did catch two key chain bass on it yesterday throwing a BPS Bleeding Tennessee Shad crankbait.

Where did you get the rod?  I have one from about 3 years ago I got at Walmart, can't find them anywhere now, curious as to where you got one?

i have an older one (maybe10-12 years old) got it at walmart and i love it! i broke off about 3 inches and had a new eye put on, but still to this day it comes with me along with my g-loomis', star, and jm from bps. great rod for a cheap cost.

Where did you get the rod? I have one from about 3 years ago I got at Walmart, can't find them anywhere now, curious as to where you got one?

got it from Wal-Mart...