I have just set my self up with a 700c alvey and a 12 foot alvey rod to match ,may not be everyones choice but i figure they make the reels so why not get one of there rods ,i also have a couple of 500c reels on a 9 foot rod that i use for smaller stuff of the beach ,i cant be bothered with trying to cast a overhead ,tried to many birdsnests ,just practice i suppose but as pauly said more parts to bugger up alveys are tough as and easy to look after ,even got one in my boat .