... gonna buy myself a new rod for an early gift. Looking to upgrade from a Shimano Clarus spinning rod. Suggestions for an awesome spinning rod in the price range of $100-$150. Thanks in advance!

I love my 6'8" M/XF Powell Max rod. I got it paired with a  Daiwa Fuego 2000 spinning reel and 6 pound P-line fluorocarbon line. By far my favorite set up!.

This is such an opinion based question that you are going so many different suggestions. I recommend just going into a store and just seeing what feels right in your hand. Make sure to at least think about a St. Croix Avid, they are amazing rods in a slightly higher price range.

I love my 6'8" M/XF Powell Max rod. I got it paired with a Daiwa Fuego 2000 spinning reel and 6 pound P-line fluorocarbon line. By far my favorite set up!.

I love my 7'3" M/XF Powell Max spinning. I have a Shimano Sonora on it spooled with 6 lb diameter Samurai braid. My soft plastics and jig rod, and by far my favorite set up as well

Do check out the Powell Max series along with the Avids.

as mentioned rods are such an individual thing. I use Powells for the most part. However Ive recently been using the Abu Garcia Veritas rods($99). They also have the Verdict due out any time and they are even lighter and have the adjustable butt handle($139 I think). Just go into the shop and try a bunch out. Either take a reel or borrow one from the shop so you can get a feel for it. I prefer my own reel so I can line the rod and check the action. Not all actions are created equal.

I'll shamelessly plug the St.Croix Avid and the SHIMANO Crucial.

If you look around the net a bit, you can find Daiwa Cielo 6'3" dropshot rods and Cielo 6'6" MHF Worm/Jig spinning rods for 80 bucks shipped.

The Cielo rods are made from the same blanks as Steez rods, if I recall clearly.

Granted, they're discontinued so I doubt there's going to be a warranty, but 80 bucks for such a nice rod is worth it without the warranty IMO.

Tough to beat the Avid in that price range (it will be right there if TW does a 20% off BF sale). Not too many rods in that range that you won't be pleased with.

The Shimano Clarus Bait caster isn't bad, but IMO the crucial is even better.

If you look around the net a bit, you can find Daiwa Cielo 6'3" dropshot rods and Cielo 6'6" MHF Worm/Jig spinning rods for 80 bucks shipped.

The Cielo rods are made from the same blanks as Steez rods, if I recall clearly.

x2million... I love my Cielo... of course having the custom painted fuego to match the reel seat only ups the awesomeness

Lamiglas Excel 703S at a hundred bucks is hard to beat.  Love mine.