We run both a Shimano TDR in Medium action and a Daiwa Heartland in Medium light and they are both great downrigger rods.
The action on the Daiwa is far better than the TDR, but I think the TDR is more forgiving of the abuse newbie throw at it.
I would love to spend serious money on a serious rod, but I have too many hobbies and not enough inome to justify it. For the money of these two rods, you cannot beat the performance in my estimation.