I do a ton of night fishing and the rod needs to be sensitive so you can feel what's going on. With my GLX for example I can feel the difference between just about everything on the bottom. You can feel the bass pick up light baits off the bottom and drop them etc;

There are several good rods out there that aren't Loomis. It all comes down to personal preference and how often/serious you are about fishing.I fish a lot so I want the best. But for you maybe a lower end rod is perfect for you and what you fish with. I would reccomend trying to fish with new people and ask to try their equipment out and feel the difference for yourself.Then make your decision on if the stout prices are worth it.