I too am considering trying ONE higher end rod this year.
A word of advice........Don't go crazy and decide the price range you want to target. Take your time and do your research and handle LOTS of rods. Talk to other people. Make a list of rods you want to look at and again take your time..........Also take the reel you plan to use on the rod.(filled with line) A reel filled with line can change the balance of a rod A LOT.
Find the right rod for YOU and not the rod everybody else wants you to have.