They are what they are. Maybe the most durable rod out there, although Shimano has one now as well. Not as sensitive as most. What you get with one you give with the other. If you are using the outfit and sensing light bites is key, it would not be my choice.
Having said that, my uncle upgraded his fishing rod about 25 years ago to an ugly stick and using his mitchel reel from the 60s will still out fish the boat sometimes using a giant hook and a rubber core sinker.