How cheap's cheap? That 7'6"rod above cost me $175, a very fishable 7'-7'6" Fenwick runs around $100, a good Shakespeare Wonder Rod $50-60. Got a Wonder Rod that Colin's reworking that I got @ a garage sale for 15 bucks. Depends a great deal on condition and length, the 6' to 7' rods being the most desirable. Don's gonna kick my ass but don't take as much care and lighter than grass, not as fragile as graphite but heavier.