>>1188846That $450 loomis rod? You can build it for about $200 (not counting start up stuff). also rods are usually made with a certain reel in mind. If you have the reel with you when you build the rod you can space the guides to that specific reel. This will give you greater casting accuracy, distance, and more power when fighting the fish. Plus it's really bad ass to catch fish on a rod that you built. Most of all it's just fun.
Granted most of the benefits are pretty small. I mean if the extra 5-10ft of casting distance doesn't matter that much to you, or you don't feel like you have the time, ect... I can't recomend it.
But if it's something you'd be interested in I HIGHLY suggest going to a mud hole class. It's $200 and get to build a rod and you get a lot of the supplies you'll need for future rods included in the class. There's probably $50 worth of ectra stuff you actually need after that (not including blanks and what not).