I'm a budget kind of guy and a pretty average caster. A year of so ago I was lucky enough to win a Helios 2 rod. From the first cast that rod absolutely makes me look a lot better than I am. It doesn't really make me a better fly fisherman, and it doesn't mean I can't have just as much fun with any of my "cheap" rods, but it is a spectacular tool.

Spend what you're comfortable with and enjoy the fishing!

Cliff