I've used downriggers for 20 years and hands-down the Tritan "TDR" (Tritan Downrigger Rod) is the best rod for the money. I have broken a wide range of rods and the Tritan's are as tuff as they get while allowing enough flexibility to play a big chinook, frantic coho and yet detect a shaker take. I have used nothing but them in the past 3 years and have yet to break one. I would recommend a higher quality graphite mooching rod when ya got the extra cash.