Like Chris Bishop, I own a Daiwa Vulcan and I do like it although I've had nothing big on it yet (perhaps tomorrow at Blithfield
Unlike deadbaiting rods, I do believe it to be worthwhile spending a few bob on a lure rod. After all, it's going to be in your hand all day (ooer!!)
Consider these things;
Do you need to cast a long way?
Are you going to be using heavy lures?
Do you need to impart action to your lures or just crank them in?
Are you likely to catch big fish?
Are you really serious about lure fishing or is it just something to do between runs?
All of these things will affect your choice. You can cast further with a long rod but with less accuracy. What's more, a long rod is tiring to use, especially if you're using big lures or if you want to twitch or jerk your lures.
Big fish require a stiff, through actioned rod to get them in easily but this type of rod may not be the best for casting light lures.
Ifyou're not serious about lure fishing then you're likely to buy a cheaper rod and cheaper lures. This in turn will make you less likely to catch which will confirm to you that you were right not to invest too heavily in lure fishing. Spending a few bob on the other hand will make you use the tackle more in order to justify your investment. Thus you will catch more and thus you will confirm to yourself that you were right to spend the money.
It seems you can't lose
Eric