I'm wondering if the warranties are significantly different for some rods in the comparison tests ??
That could explain a fair spread in the quality / performance vs price of a given rod.
( Thought about checking warranties out for each rod presented, but since I'm definitely not in the market for another rod, didn't make the effort. )
Also, regarding Clay's post, I'm generally in the same camp - finding good prices on higher quality equipment. BUT some of those close out deals, even if they carry a warranty, don't really guarantee that the company will be around to honor the warranty.
For example - one rod I looked at on Sierra Trading Post looked like a great deal. When I checked the manufacturer's website, they specified that there were NO warrantees on products purchased at discount from mail order / website retailers, such as STP.
Another example - I bought a Powell LTT 7'6" for 3 wt through STP on closeout. A rod that retailed for around $500 and proved to be worth every cent of it for casting and fishing pleasure - picked it up for around $190. But by the time I had a warranty issue with the rod, Powell was no longer able to repair / replace the rod. They did honor the warranty to the extent they could, and provided a replacement that was the best match in their VERY LIMITED line of fly rods, but it was a significantly less expensive rod ( at retail ) and not nearly so good a rod on the water.
I don't know how big an effect warranties have on price overall or on any given rod. I personally would rather buy a quality rod with a limited warranty for something less than a comparable rod with an unlimited lifetime warranty, and take care of it. Others prefer otherwise, and would be well advised to check with the manufacturer before buying.
The fish are always right.