Is there a difference between a low end , middle end, and a high end rod(?) .... I hope so! But if I may venture a guess at your primary question, is the price difference worth it(?) That, my friend, is your discovery and decision. I've got a couple of older IM-6 rods that cast terrific for a $100.00 rod and just fit my casting to a "T" - Have a three hundred dollar rod that was on a special sale (just had to have it); and I don't like it as well, I mean it's O.K., but considering the price difference, it's kinda a disappointment. Since I'm far from one of those top ten percent incomers of the country, I got to watch my spending. And I'm going to buy the best I can afford for what FITS my needs. Now, if I were one of those top 10% folks, why I'd have the very best of everything, probably custom made so I could look down my nose at the regular run of the mill top commercial rod makers ... and same for the reels! Alas, here I am, with what I got, but always looking for a bargain!