Another thought on reasonably priced beginning rods is Diamondback's Backwater series. I have their 9' 9wt which is a med-fast blank w/o any flash but has good power and costs $200.00. I've also used a Lamson 3 for several years without incident, although their prices keep creeping up.
Does anyone know anything about the speed/quality of a Sage spey rod 14' 9wt GFL, approx 5 yrs old. I've got a lead to buy one at $250 as a starter rod. I'd appreciate any thoughts.