I remember bringing this up in a post a while back... I received LOTS of flack for it.
I couldn't/don't understand why people were looking for the cheapest rod (equipment) instead of what was the best rod for them... action, specific for fishing type, area, size of water... & on.
I like buying quality equipment, used.
I can & have fished with a Cabela's 3 Forks (like $47) but I truly enjoy my T&T LPS & my Winston TMF...
both purchased used & each cost me about what a new decent imported rod may cost today...
Ah, it's just my grumpy opinion.
Later,
Peter