Do I really have to spend $100+ for a true fast action medium rod?

[Skeeloco]

Ok so I had a Fenwick HMG spinning rod for a couple of years. Loved it. Problem is they're not as durable as I need them to be. Wrecked a couple of guides, and yesterday broke it in half because I must have gouged the graphite too deep with a razor knife when scraping off epoxy to replace the first guide. Fenwick did offer me a 45% discount on a new rod, however they don't have any medium 7ft 2pc rods in stock until December because I guess they're being redesigned. 

 

I bought a medium Ugly Stik Elite because Ugly stiks are fantastic for the money, however I've only had medium heavies before. They state that the medium is fast action, however this is untrue. The thing bends like a wet noodle. Knew it soon as I pulled out of the box because the way it wobbles around when you jiggle it. Same goes for other spinning rods I've purchased in the $30-$60 range that claim to be fast action. 

 

Being a shore fisherman, someone whom is not capable of taking great care of stuff, and fishing places where big toothies lurk, rods do not tend to last me too long so there's not a lot of sense in me spending more than $50-$60 on a rod. Are there any true fast action mediums out there in this price range? Needing to be 2 piece as well doesn't help my situation a whole lot. I could always up it to medium heavy for added stiffness, but this doesn't really seem necessary for a river bassin rod and my wrist prefers the lighter weight of a medium. I've also managed to wrestle some 10lb hybrid stripers and fairly big pike with my HMG...if it's a true fast action medium you essentially get a bit more power with it. I just absolutely cannot tolerate action less than fast, the rod limpness just causes so many issues with my fishing style.

 

 

[BrianMDTX]

Cabela's and BPS have Fenwick HMX 66M-FS-2 rods for $79.99. Others likely do as well. I have two HMX’s: a 7’ 6” H/F baitcaster and this same 6’ 6” 2-piece M/F spinning. It’s one of my favorite finesse rods. Hasn’t given me a lick of problem yet. 

[Fishingmickey]

I'd check out Berkely's Lighting or Shock rods. I've had a couple in the past that I thought were an excellent value for the money. Also Diawa's Arid series or Shimano's Sellus series are pretty decent rods for little money too. Just not sure what's available in two piece. Good luck in your hunt!

FM

 

P.S. The only two piece I found at TW was the Shimano Clarus.

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-SHIMNORODS.html?from=basres

[Bankc]

I have a Berkley Lighting.  In the medium 2 pc, they're more of a moderate fast.  Probably leaning more towards moderate than fast.  I believe their Shock rods are the same.  

 

The Daiwa Arid X is probably your best bet.  They have a 2 piece M/F at 6'6".  Never used one though.  

 

Honestly, it's going to be hard to beat that deal from Fenwick.  I'd probably just order that and stick with the Ugly Stik you have until it arrives.  

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

What you’re describing is low power not slow action. But the real problem is that there are no industry standards and the specs and labels are subjective. 

[evo2s197]

If you could deal with a one piece, I would consider the Ugly Stik carbons, they are a true fast action and great for the money.