Ive just installed some outriggers and due to the layout restrictions on my boat, Ive be given some good advice that Ill need to run short bent butt stand up rods to get the best results, so Ill be offloading the couple of straight butts I have and started looking around for some cheapish options as Im not really keen on spending $500/ $2K a go.

Have been keeping an eye out on here/ gumtree/ ebay etc for some 2nd hand 24 +37kg models (after two of each)but their obviously rare as hell. On my ebay travels I came across these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trolling-Tuna-Rod-Rods-for-Penn-International-Avet-Tiagra-PINNACLE-MARINE-/191208656834?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c84ec8fc2

Now Im usually a sceptic for anything cheap on crapbay (you get what you pay for), but Ive done a bit of googlework on them and the reviews seem surprisingly good:

http://www.thehulltruth.com/sportfishing-charters-forum/212317-pinnacle-marine-rods.html

http://www.thebassbarn.com/forum/6-offshore-fishing-forum/208119-pinnacle-marine-outfitters-custom-rods.html

http://www.swordfishingcentral.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7620

Has only seen one of these rods in the flesh or know anyone who has one?

Im realistic that theyre not going to be in Tiagra rod class, but at that price (cant find anything anywhere for under 350 a rod except those sagimi jobs that seem more like deep drop rods) and with the decent reviews Im thinking they might be worth a crack. Pacific Bay rigging and ALPs guides are both decent enough quality I think.

Apparently the builder (John) does decent discounts for multiple purchases and Im toying with the idea of getting 4, and if anyone else is keen to buy one as well and it could make them cheaper still and split postage accordingly etc. Give me a PM if anyone is interested in looking into it any further...

Alternatively, can anyone recommend a cheapish alternative in short butt 24 +37kg trolling rods? Shame Shimanos discontinued their bent butt backbone models

Also, stay tuned for a couple of decent straight butt 37Kg rods going up for sale soon to release some funds