Chris, Some would have you believe that only top quality high-priced gear is worthy of use. Can't tell you how often I've looked at "old-timer" photos of Hemingway and his "grander" marlin (over 1000 lbs) using what is today, run-of-the-mill equipment. A glance at the records books will verify that sizeable fish were caught many years ago using simple equipment. I wouldn't recommend one rod over another. It is truly the fisher holding the rod that matters most.