The best 8' rod I've ever owned, or used, bar none, is the Loomis SUR 964S.
It's rated 1/2 to 2 oz. It's not "just" a schoolie rod. Unless you're fishing in a junkyard, it'll handle any fish you hook.
Unless you have two fists made of ham hocks, you'll probably never have to use the warranty.
IMO the extra change would be money well spent
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