with limited experience, I can't recommend it over anything else, but since it's already mentioned.... I got a RT Axcellerator 2nd hand with an Okuma f/s reel for £80 (I don't 'do' multipliers!!), and to me it's a cracking bit of kit.
I can't cast for toffee, but I can manage over 100 yds easily. It feels stiff to cast, but I could clearly see bites from 10oz dabs in about 20mph winds and a decent tidal flow last time I was out.
You could go the whole hog and spend a wedge big enough to choke a donkey, but I reckon if you're willing to spend that much money, you should buy a boat!!