I dont know what they cost, but its not necessary to spend several hundred on a float rod. 10.5 is about as short as I like for float rods. Normal float style rods are medium action as opposed to a fast tip for drift fishing.
My first float rod was suppose to be dual purpose and it was a terrible drift rod. I also decided that baitcasters suck for float rods. Too many variable conditions. For one, standing on a bank in the trees with a long rod gives you no room to load the rod. A lot depends on how far you want to throw and how much weight. I use more weight for deep and turbid waters and longer casts. Also the fixed vs slider bobber. Then braid vs. mono. Big jigs vs. small jigs or eggs. Eggs weigh a lot, but a fast tip will throw the eggs off during the cast. In summer, I knew a guy on the green who used a noodle and 2# test line in the headwaters, (now closed) I have a noodle spinner, but Ive lost more fish on that rod than any other. They dont have the backbone.