Looking to upgrade my spinning setup, currently I have a  6'6" Voltaeus MF 2pc. that I use for drop shot and any other light line finesse stuff.  Im looking for a 1pc in the same rating. Split grip would be preferred. Suggestions?

ps. Im picky about how the rod looks too... I prefer a black blank.

Abu Garcia Vendetta..........................79.99

Team Daiwa Pro Series......................79.99

BerkleyLightning Shock......................49.99

There's not much out there under 80.00 for what you specification are.

You should also check out the St. Croix Triumph.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0036484120776a&navCount=1&podId=0036484&parentId=cat20374&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat20374&catalogCode=IK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20374&hasJS=true

shimano clarus. 

i love mine.

This seems to fit all your criteria!

http://www.***.com/descpageDAMSPINROD-DAEX.html

A new brand in the bass fishing world, Damiki has already evoked quite a response with their beautifully crafted fishing rods. The entire series of Angel EX Spinning Rods are 2-piece and feature quality components, including SIC Guides and IPS/ECS Reel Seats. Billed as the entry-level series from Damiki, they were designed to fill the void for a quality 2-piece bass fishing rod at a reasonable price. The spigot joint linking the two pieces together is made to fit precisely, transferring feeling from the tip to the handle, as well as, maintaining optimum curvature when tension is present.

Abu Garcia Vendetta..........................79.99

Team Daiwa Pro Series......................79.99

BerkleyLightning Shock......................49.99

There's not much out there under 80.00 for what you specification are.

There is also the Abu Vengence, Daiwa Tierra, Okuma Guide Select and Reflexion, Shimano Clarus.  A jump in price to say $100 or $120 opens the doors for many more

If you think you can get away with a ML 6'6.  This is a sweet deal:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Daiwa-Tierra-Spin-Rod-TDTR661MLFS-66-1-pc-Med-Light_W0QQitemZ250508218899QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a53741213

Their online store:

http://www.fishfreakonline.com/tedatisprod.html

The Tierra rods are pretty decent.

I just bought a couple of rods in your price range. I got the Vendetta MH 7' and the Falcon Bucco 6'6"M. They are pretty sweet rods I gotta say. They both are sweet looking too.

I have a daiwa tierra casting rod that i use for jigs and it's a very good rod for the price.

im not sure about the Vendetta. i mounted a 2500 series Sol on one tonight and played with it for about half an hour in the store and theyre a heavy rod.

the Falcon Original wouldnt be the worst idea.

id also look at the Shimano Clarus.

St. Croix Mojo only nine bucks more you will not be sorry.

St. Croix Mojo only nine bucks more you will not be sorry.

I have 2 of these and i like them a lot.....Thinking about trying out the Lamiglass Excels (a few $$ more) but i havent heard much about them:

http://www.***.com/descpageRDSLAMIGLAS-LEBSRS.html

But if you can get an HMG for $70 that would be the rod to get !

try not to worry about the rod being black, you can come back!!  :-X

St. Croix Mojo only nine bucks more you will not be sorry.

I have 2 of these and i like them a lot.....Thinking about trying out the Lamiglass Excels (a few $$ more) but i havent heard much about them:

http://www.***.com/descpageRDSLAMIGLAS-LEBSRS.html

But if you can get an HMG for $70 that would be the rod to get !

try not to worry about the rod being black, you can come back!! :-X

OH NO HE DIDN'T   

If you are patient, and keep your eye on the BPS and Cabelas sites, you can often find a great deal on a rod... especially at the end of the season. I've seen $150 rods at half price.

Although, I'm not sure the blank will be black.

Well I'd say the Clarus would be your rod for $70 but it's not black.  It is a brownish color instead.