Keith, I thought they were from White City OR, maybe thats just where they ship 'em from. As for the rods I just bought a 9'6" 6-12 lb (can't remember the model and too lazy to go check) and that is one sweet rod. When I bought mine I compared it to the loomis gl3 with the same specs and I honestly couldn't tell the difference, except that the rogue was nicer looking. But looks and performance are different creatures so who knows how they really compare. I will say the rogue was $130 less and that buys alot of floats and hooks. Good Luck.