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i use the 36inch ultra light when i m not in the shanty. it is super sensitive and has a great backbone. i also have the 24inch for inside the shack. i caught an 8 and a 6 pound channel cat on the 36 inch a few years ago and that gave the rod a good work out.i have a few friends who have the expensive rods and i can't really tell a lick of difference in them side by side. plus if and when they get broke which is a part of fishing it won't break the bank to replace them.
These rods are sensitive as they're noodle style rods on a glass blank, but they don't have really any backbone, you can pull them in nearly a complete circle. With that said, they are a great option for an affordable panfish rod. It's one of those rods nearly everyone has owned at some point or another. Rods have come a long way though in terms of sensitivity to durability and backbone in a single rod. There's some great off the shelf options in the $30-$40 range nowadays and then you move into some of the elite custom rod builders from there. Now if all you are looking for is a lower dollar, well performing rod, an ice blues will do just fine.