Without a doubt, Okuma pioneered the inexpensive swimbait rod. Not the "some other blank made in to a swimbait rod" but the true swimbait rod for under $100. Their new lineup is the C3, lime green in the butt section, with an interesting 'tacky' feeling grip.

I got two samples. A 7'11" Heavy and a 7'11" Extra Heavy. The actions are very similar to the originals but the rods are so much lighter. They feel like half the weight when you fish them. I've only played a little with the 7'11" Heavy but can tell it will be my new Slammer rod. Hoping to spend time with the X-heavy soon and will report back.

Retail is around $180. Here's the first fish on the Heavy, a good sign in my book :)

http://www.calfishing.com/gallery/d/23967-2/5-12.jpg