If you're talking spinning or baitcasting, I can't help. But I've fished the Professional fly rod before and was very pleasantly surprised. It was one of the best fishing fly rods I've ever owned, and reasonably priced compared to other brands of equal performance. They have a great customer service reputation as well. With disigning people like Lefty Kreh onboard, you can't go wrong. I would say they compare to St. Croix, for less $$$.
Where you go is less important than how you take the steps.
But don't forget the Roadrunners