Just looked up the Okuma Krios, if it is $50 brand new, I would jump on it. Even if it's used, it would still be worth a look!

Thankyou everyone for the information, I actually just purchased a used daiwa tatula for $50 on a different forum, from an older gentleman that was kind enough to help a younger angler by giving the deal of the century. But, I would like to keep this post going as there is tons of information and advice being brought up that I'm sure will prove useful to somebody else in the future.

Hi Danny,

I have been reading your posts and the other friends are quite right about the HMX blanks.
I spend most of my weekends trying different types of salt water fishing and i have built my own rod by using a blank from Mudhole.

If you are really looking for a budget material which will 'DO THE JOB" you can have a look at the CRB (custom rod builder brand) IM6- Graphite construction.
It has an amaising parabolic effect with a good sensivity. They are unfortunately1 piece blanks and are sold in kits or blank alone.
I often use the 14-18 pounds rated blank with a cast weight of 1-2oz. Built for spinner reels, i use them to throw swimbaits of 12g to 25g spoons or soft lures. Cast distance varies from 25M to 70M according to the wind direction.

I have been able to catch some young GT's (10-15lb) with them and the blank provides lots of sensations.

I Hope that this info may help you in your query. although my experience is more driven on salt water fishing.

Cheers

Y.