Arv

I'll do it for you. Get the Citica.

I find I backlash and lose accuracy when going outside the range. Never feared breaking a rod though.

Braid for the slop. FC for everything else.

1.5

Compre or Carbonlite. Veritas isn't bad either but I don't like the reel seat or the handle.

For around 200 I'd look at a Powell, Duckett, Phenix or St. Croix.

I honestly like my PQ's more than my gen 2 Revo S. I can't speak for the gen 3, but for the price that you can get the PQ's, especially on sale, they're a fantastic reel.

Send it to me.

Haven't handled one but I've mostly heard good things.

150 - 200 on a rod, 100 - 150 on a reel. If I had the money, I'd be throwing out 4-500 on a rod. I think its the most important. But don't forget quality line as well.

spinners/swimjigs/chatterbaits

Yup, everyone's covered it.

Close your eyes and point. Can't go wrong with any of those. For real though, of the rods I only have experience with the M1, but I'm beyond impressed. It's a GREAT deal for the money. Personally, I rank it up with my Dobyns Champion. St. Croix obviously has a proven track record of making outstanding rods so if you don't go with a Phenix, that would be my next suggestion. Of the reels, its a toss up again. Personally, I like my Curado 51E more than my Tournament SS. While they aren't the same reels I feel comfortable comparing them to you're selection. I just like the feel of the Shimano reels up against the Lews. Still, can't go wrong. If I was picking from that list, I'd go Chronarch and M1/Recon and call it a day.

If this is your first casting reel, get some cheap mono and learn to cast. Then, I would recommend 12# Yo Zuri Hybrid. Its a very managable line that has good strength and sensitivity. Its not FC or braid, but you also don't run into some of the problems you might experience with the other types of line. From there, I would try braid, FC, etc. etc. and find out what you like most.

My biggest gripe with the Veritas is the reel seat and the handle. The reel seat kind of digs into your reel a little bit, nothing extreme, but I much prefer a Fuji style seat. Also, the trigger on the handle causes my hands to cramp after fishing for an extended period of time. Thats my experience with the rod. As far as breaking, I've not had any issues, nor do I personally know anyone thats had issues. But I have heard the same reviews as you concerning it snapping. Personally, I would look at a Shimano Compre or BPS Carbonlite if you're going to stick in the $100 range. Still, there are many out there that swear by the Veritas. If you're set on the Chronarch, I would mount it on all the rods you are considering and find out which one you like the most. Pay attention to how well the combo balances as well. With all the current hype about how light gear is, I feel like a nicely balanced rod and reel can get over looked, and to me, thats just as important, if not more important than a super lightweight set up.

x2

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Reel/CarbonLite-Trigger-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/12041705055310/

Get the BPS Pro Qualifier/Carbonlite combo. It'll run you 150-160 I believe. Thats a GREAT combo to start out with. That also leaves you plenty of money for good line and some lures to get you started. I'd suggest a 6:1 gear ratio and a MH/F or M/F rod, depending on the cover you are fishing.

Powell Diesel

Of the rods you listed, I'd get a St. Croix LT. But, like mentioned before, get the highest quality rod you can afford for bottom contact presentations. If cost is no factor I'd be looking for something far beyond a Carbonlite. Check out what G. Loomis and Dobyns have to offer as well.

I've also heard a lot of good things about the *** ***. It may be worth a look as well.

In that range, for a new rod, I'd either go Veritas or Compre. I'd lean towards the Compre because its a lot more comfortable in my hands. I haven't fished a Carbonlite but I also like their handle more than the Veritas. I wouldn't recommend gettting a Mojo for bottom contact presentations. I feel that it lacks a lot of sensitivity. BUT, what I would really urge you to consider is finding something on sale or good used condition. I think there are MUCH better rods out there for bottom contact presentations than what is offered at the 100 dollar mark.

I have a 7'1 MH/F Villain. Its a good rod, not my favorite but thats really only because the reel seat and the grip isn't my favorite, but thats it. If you're deciding between the Villain and the Veritas, definitely go Villain. Its much more sensitive and balances a lot better. At 120 I think its a good deal. I got mine for 110 or 120 and I think it was worth it.

Thats what I will use my M1 for as well. If I was you, I'd go for it. I'm deciding on the MH M1 or a MH Duckett for my next rod if that counts for anything.

What do you plan on using it for? I find that strange regarding the discrepancy between the ratings on the Phenix website and TW. If I recall my M1 has 1/4-1 1/4 on the blank. I would imagine the MH would be more along the lines of the ratings posted on the TW page. When I was testing out the 7'2 H/XF I found it did a decent job casting a 1/4 football head jig with a grub on it so I would guess the MH/F would at least do as good of a job.