Also, I am a fan of Shimano Reels but not so much their rods. I currently use a mix of Revos/Daiwa tatulas/and a couple of the new curados.
I have a few rage rods and do really like their grips. The slop and frog feels comfy but i have a 6'8" legend tournament I use for spinning baits and im not sure if it is the reel I have on it or what but it just feels awkward to cast. I have had a couple shimano rods and they were ok, but nothing like the st croixs that I have. I have currados and chronarchs that I use and the combo of the rod and reel, never feel like the fish is in control.
By the way, congrats on the sponsorship