I suspect that everyone that has a favorite 4 wt will recommend that particular brand. The number of choices is limitless, from fast action graphite to slower, full flex graphite to different glass rods. I personally have an Orvis mid priced rod. It's a great rod and you can cast it all day long. If price is a major consideration, I suggest you have a look at the Echo lineup. They perform very well and have a warranty as well.its hard to beat the price but broken rods will still be out of service for at least a couple of weeks while they ship you a new section. TFO rods. Have an outlet in Calgary , they are competitively priced and are worth checking out too.
If you would like to give my Orvis a try, let me know, I'm always up for a fishing trip.
Murray
oops, I forgot to speak about length of rod. All I can really say is my own personal preference. All of my small stream rods are shorter. I find that it is much easier to do a little bush whacking. The streams are all small as far as width goes and you are not trying to get 60 ft. Casts. A 30 ft cast is all you really need.