Just my 2cents. I have a old Saltist Black Gold STTBG30H matched with an equally old 11' Penn Battalion. It is a work horse and bullet proof. I use it for big drum and sharks. It's not graceful. Hell, you could have a 3 lb. trout on it in ruff surf and not even know it. So, if you're fishing for whiting, go else where. But, if you are targeting large species and have a limited budget, this rod will get it done. I have brought in some huge fish with this rod and I have never once thought it couldn't handle anything I hooked into. Disclaimer: they "upgraded" this rod several years ago, I don't know if they improved it or made it worse. But, if you can pick up an old one on Facebook Market place, I'd recommend it.
Are there better options out there? Of course, but for the money, and for the purpose, this rod gets it done for me.