Phenix Maxim series top out at $120. My OFB splurged (relatively speaking) and bought a Phenix Feather. It doesn't seem that he likes it that well...a bit too little power, I gather. Same trip to Sportsman's Warehouse, I bought a Lew's Mach Speed Stick ($80)...the 7' M is more like a MH...lots of power. I like it a lot. Both spinning rods. The Lew's has enough suds for big SM and probably Stripers, if not Strippers.

I'd DS with it, if I wanted to use a jig or Shakyhead on the bottom instead of a sinker. I've got a 2500 Stradic on it, started with 20 lb PP Slick 8 braid + 10 lb FC leader, currently with 8 lb copolymer, but may change to 15 lb 832 braid, probably with a copolymer leader.
We each have a couple of Denali rods, and we are very happy with all four of them...three different models. I have an AttaX series 7' MH trigger stick that I use for Shakyheads, and I do very well with it on straight 10 lb FC. We also have one 13 Fishing rod each...both are seldom used. We're not using them with the right combination of reel/line/bait for the right presentation is all. They're ok, no problems.
I'm actually not sure whether the OP is asking about a spinning rod or baitcaster...just finesse.
