I started out fishing BnM West Points 12'ers.I am fishing some 14' Firecast rods that scottv turned me onto from Grizzly Jig. I still have and use both.I have caught a ton of fish on both.The BnM's were $20 and the others were $19 ea.I use a rear seat 11' Ozark jigging pole. I have never broken the tips off any of these cheaper poles. The 14' Ozark trolling pole that I won at camp I broke twice.These guys on here have the experience to lead you in the right direction as far as crappie fishing is concerned.If you have the money, invest in the best. It will more than likely save you money in the long run.When I first started spidering years ago, I didn't even have any pole holders. Just fanned them out in front of me on the deck and still caught fish.Good luck with your purchase.