My most expensive rod was $140. That is what I use mostly for soft plastics, it is a light Penn rod. I normally dont buy for brands, I look at what I want to spend, then have a hold and play with alot of rods that meet this price cap. The one I like most on the day is the one I buy. I havent had a rod break on me yet (including the old Jarvis Walker Kmart special that caught the biggest bream I have ever seen at about 45cm or so). Just go to some tackle shops ask around, but buy what you are comfortable with..
brad