I held some of the Powell's at the Richmond Fishing Expo, and I gotta say, I'm gonna need to find a technique to buy one for.  ;D

They were so light and balanced, I kept picking the same ones up to hold again.

The Vendettas were also extremely light. I'm soon going to pull the trigger on the 7'3" HXF, although I didn't get to hold that specific model.

Zillions are AMAZING. I really wish I had the money for one, or even a Fuego.

All in all, I was very impressed with a lot of the mid-range priced rods. It seems like companies are taking off in that price range.

Greentop had the Vendettas marked way down during the expo!

they also had Cumaras marked down to $160

i agree.. the Powell's are a lot of bang for your buck.. which ones did u keep going back and holding?

i agree.. the Powell's are a lot of bang for your buck.. which ones did u keep going back and holding?

Every one the booth had.   ;D

Don't forget to throw the new Dobyns Savvy series into that mix. Now at relatively the same price as Powell. Lot of guys have been raving about them after seeing and holding them at the ISE San Mateo show last weekend. Saying they're the best balanced rods out on the market and incredibly light.