Nice article, but most of the manufacturers on the list also make affordable rods. St Croix for example (I own several of their rods)sell good quality rods. Their 8'6" 4wt Avid is $260. The Rio Santo $120. Orvis's Clearwater II rods start at $198. I personally don't think you can buy a bad graphite rod for under $100. I think for the most part the technology is the same. Higher priced rods may have more epensive components and lighter blanks thanthe mid and lower priced models. But the blank itself when cast performs well.

Some people can afford to spend $700 for a fly rod, some can't. That is the beauty of a free market society. And for those that can, I say go ahead. That is why most manufacturers sell high, mid and lower priced fly rods. If anyone is at fault it is the retail outlets both small and big box who may try and push a high dollar rod on someone who is just starting out.

Dave