I used to use the same Berkley's. Now I use the St. Croix Premier series rods, made in the USA in northern Wisconsin, Park Falls. I paid about $100-$120 each. Huge difference in quality and action compared to the Berkley's. The handles are much smaller and make handling the rod easier, plus the rod is lighter. Makes for a pleasant day of casting.
I prefer the 6'6" Premier Spinning series rods; single piece, ultra light, fast action, model PS66ULF and 7' Premier Spinning series rods; single piece medium light, fast action, model PS70MLF. The 6'6" are 2-6 pound line, 1/32-3/32 ounce lure and the 7' is 4-10 pound line, 1/8-1/2 ounce lure. I use Shimano Sedona model SE1000FE on the 6'6" rods and Shimano Sahara model SH2500FE on the 7' rods. Sedona's spooled with 4 pound mono and the Sahara's spooled with 6 pound mono.
No idea how far I can cast them. With a practice plug in the back yard I can underhand flip cast the 6'6" set-up about 100 yards. Typically I use the 6'6" rods for slip bobber crappie fishing and the 7' for walleye fishing.
HOI Crappie Club
Where family and friends come to compete for a little more than bragging rights.
Quick, someone teach me how to fish so I can win this tournament!!!