IFISH, I work at a Big 5 sporting goods store. We've got these "South Bend Intruder" graphite rods on sale right now for $14.99. Sounds like they'd be garbage but I assure you, they're not. They aren't some cheesy painted blank. They have a clear finish, the guides are good quality, the reel seat is graphite and they have cork handles.
I recommend them to anyone on a budget.
Most of our stores will only have a dozen or so, so you may have to hit a few stores to find a wide variety. I haven't seen a flippin' stick yet but somebody's bound to have one.
The sale is on until the 18th I think.

Chris