i'm looking for a 10-11' rod rated for roughly 3/4 - 2 oz. mostly will be throwing topwater and tins from 1-1.5 oz. whats available out there for under $250. the lighter the better

Tsunami Airwave Elite.

Niko, I have a 1321L i need to get back from a member here you can toss around see if you like it.
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Niko, I have a Conoflex Sorcerer that I bought years ago on the other site that is 10 feet, super light, and super whippy. It casts like no other long rod that I've ever used.

I don't know if they even make them anymore (it looks like it was a custom), but I bought it already wrapped.

Rick

I have a 1201L that's great for 1.5oz pencils and tins. Very light tip.
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For blanks, the Lamiglas GSB120-2L (2-piece) is perfect for the lure range mentioned.

This is a very light blank: 4.6 ounces.

The blank retails for $180 (on a popular rod building site) and moderate-level components should be under $70, keeping it within $250.

I have one built with titanium guides, titanium plate seat, no cork tape (just x-flock shrink tubing). It truly is insanely light.

I would bet someone out there has an All star 1265 that they can't barely give away these days. The 1201L is a really nice rod, but if you are gonna throw metal regularly, I would take the 1265 over almost anything for the specs you mentioned. Not sure if you can find one, but it is worth a look. Heck, you might get it for $100 :1poke: