I have glass rods in all price ranges, both vintage and new. Many of the vintage rods are the equal or better than many of the rods today. You would really have a hard time finding rods better than many of the Fenwicks, Phillipsons, Fishers, Hardys, and some of the Berkleys. And there are other very fine vintage rods that I have not mentioned. Some of the new rods, such as Steffens, McFarlands, Barclays, and Livingstons are as good as any rods ever made. Some of the new low to mid priced rods are pretty good, but certainly not better than many of the vintage rods or even as good. The only way to find out is to just obtain one of each, which is what I seemed to have done.
Larry