I went through the same thing a year ago. Went with Big Jon for a few reasons:
-Mine were used but they still look great. No (well, little) plastic to crack, fade and "grey-out". Machined aluminum is durable.
-Highly modular. Anything breaks (hasn't happened yet) and they are super easy to fix on the water. I always have a few spare parts on board like counter springs and a spare pulley.
-Canadian service and parts distributor in North Bay is excellent
-If you buy them used, you can usually sell them a few years later for the same price you buy them for. Sold my manuals to upgrade to electrics and had this scenario work in my favor.
-Great integrated base, mount,rod holder and cannon ball if you are looking for a compact set-up. http://www.fortune3.com/BigJonSports2011/product.cgi?group=583&product=596
Cons are:
-Fixed boom length (non-telescopic)
-Not the most attractive compared to others when they are new. (white Cannon Digi-Troll Mag 10's are sexy!)
This is the cole's notes version. I did a ton of research and wanted something that would last forever. These should fit the bill...