it's about time somebody besides me recognizes how good they are!!!

I have two Powell Max's and at 140 bucks they are awesome.

Another vote for Powell

If you want optimal performance, you need to decide on which technique will be primary for this rod. As others have said, you are better off going with the more expensive and "technical high-end" for the plastics - very high modulus, extremely light and sensitive.

For cranks, in all honesty, fiberglass works best or at a minimum a composite - high modulus is a waste for cranks. Optimal action for cranks is a slow parabolic curve for hooksets and fighting. For the plastics you want a very fast tip for hook sets so you are getting into the blank's power. Also, the faster tip will give you much more sensitivity for detection the slightest of nibbles - both of which are benefits of high modulus.

BTW, and I am HUGE fan of quantum, but I would choose the St. Croix avids over the quantum rods.    

Eddie

I wouldn't spend that much on a crank rod.  As for a plastics rod I really like my Kistler Magnesium TS...Powell's seem nice too

it's about time somebody besides me recognizes how good they are!!!

I said they were good rods .... but not an IMX.

the second-generation dobyns rods are my favorite but they're probably $20 out of your price range. for my money, i'd buy a used g.loomis IMX which i see regularly between $140-$180...here's one example: http://www.westernbass.com/forum/ads_item.php?id=10144