We'd need to know what "techniques" you plan on using the rod for .... but, in most cases, you'll likely get a multitude of different opinions on which one is "best".
Personally, I like the ESP line of rods. I use a 5'6" UL for dock shooting, a 6'6" PowerLite for casting, and my 9' PowerJig for jigging & some tightlining. The only downside to ESP rods is if you intend to use slip floats, as they have micro guides (which are not real user friendly with a lot of the bobber stops). I like them because they have fast tip action, rather than the parabolic bend of most IM6 Crappie rods. I took the reel off my 7' Sam Heaton and put it on the 6'6" PowerLite ESP ... as my primary jig casting outfit, just for that very reason. I haven't gone back to the Sam Heaton, since.
I will admit, though, that I was a fieldtester for the ESP rods (through their designer) and did not purchase them. However, I have had friends and site members purchase these rods on my recommendation, and haven't heard any negative remarks concerning them.
You can read about them here : http://esp.norsemenoutdoors.com/ .... and I believe Grizzly Jigs carries some of them, at a slightly lower price. You can also use the "Store locator" function on the Norsemen Outdoors website, to see if any local stores carries ESP. Just be sure the location pop-up says ESP and not just Stowaway (landing nets).
... cp