I am looking to set aside one setup strictly for topwaters mostly poppers,sammy's, wakebaits, etc. I'm mostly concerned with the rods you guys prefer  but all insight would be appreciated.

Short M/XF

I use a 6'6" MF rod for this application.

I have a 6'6" M F St Croix premier that I was using but I've been hearing a lot of guys on T.V. saying there using 7ft MH. It seems like that would be to stiff. Is there something I'm missing? What would be the benefits?

Id say 6'6 med/heavy casting with mono or braid

Braid + Topwater = fouled baits.  If you're going to use braid, add a mono (not fluoro) leader, and a somewhat softer, slower rod. 

I use an Avid 6'2" M/XF rod with 10# CXX line.

Longer rod = longer cast... Shorter rod is much easier to walk, at least for me. I also like fast action but I could see why people would like a moderate taper.

I use 12# Big Game for this one or 40# braid on a 6'8 MH F rod.

I use the same exact rod I use for inshore fishing, 7' med 8/17 spinning rod fast tip, 15# braid, mono leader( leader still will wrap around the hooks once in a while, but no big deal)

I have two set-ups for topwater.  7ft MH Fast for my spooks and walking baits,  and 6'6" MH with Med tip for my poppers.  I always use 14lb mono or more with my topwater baits.

Shimano CUC63H -  Cumara Reaction rod w/  20# Braid plus  8ft 12# FC leader.   Love it! 

Shimano CUC63H - Cumara Reaction rod w/ 20# Braid plus 8ft 12# FC leader. Love it!

FC Topwater for the win!

I use an AVC66MM, I use a CUC63M, and I use a G. Loomis TWR802C.

I use a 6' 8" M/XF with 12 to 14lbs mono.

SJ

6' med, fast, I fish an inexpesive shimano (IM-6). MONO-always mono on top.

I've been using a Dobyns 733 for most of my topwater hardbait work.  Great rod.  The length does make working a walking style bait a little different.  It's not a major concern though.  You just learn how to handle the extra length.  I may pick up a shorter 3 power rod from Dobyns to dedicate to my spooks and whatnot.  Been using anywhere from 8 to 12 pound Yo-Zuri Hybrid on that setup.  Works like a charm.

6'6" medium fast spinning rod. I just get much better action with the spinning rod and it it easier on my wrists for "walking" type baits. everything else I use a 6'6" or 7 medium heavy fast action rod.

Short M/XF

X2, I use 17-20lb mono, it seems to float better and my sammies and spooks seem to walk better with the heavy line.  I like the short rod so I can keep the tip down and work the bait without having the tip hit the water or the gunnel of the boat.

Short M/XF

X2, I use 17-20lb mono, it seems to float better and my sammies and spooks seem to walk better with the heavy line. I like the short rod so I can keep the tip down and work the bait without having the tip hit the water or the gunnel of the boat.

KVD said the same thing. He used 17lb in the show I watched.

Been using a avc66mf with 15lb cx with no complaints. Has a soft tip which works great with trebles. 

this is intresting I always thought you wanted a long rod with alot of back bone for topwater like frogs and such. I have a 6' shimano crucial MF that just sits in the closet I thought it was to short for anything really maybe ill slap a reel on there for all my spooks and top water.

For poppers/prop baits/walk the dog I use a 6'6 mh/f with a curado e7.  For frogs/slop I use a 7' h/f with a 50e(just my jig rod that I throw frogs on)  Jig/frog rod has samurai braid on and I use yo-zuri hybrid on my popper/prop bait rod!

this is intresting I always thought you wanted a long rod with alot of back bone for topwater like frogs and such. I have a 6' shimano crucial MF that just sits in the closet I thought it was to short for anything really maybe ill slap a reel on there for all my spooks and top water.

When I think topwater, I think walk-the-dog style baits, prop baits, and poppers.  I use these three lure types in more of an open water situation and I like a shorter rod (6'5" to 6'9") for that application.  When you are talking frogs and toads, I use a much longer and heavier rod, because of the heavy cover and I need the extra power to get the fish out.