Yep….. if you’re looking for something to beat on, an Ugly Stick will take about everything you’ve got. But I don’t like the weight of them nor am I fond of the mid to lower strength models. The tip is so flimsy that it really doesn’t aid in anything beyond not breaking. It’s not sensitive enough for feel and a minnow on the end can confuse you on a struggling bait or light biting fish. The stronger models are what I prefer, but they are heavy!
For the mid to lighter strength rods, all I’ve heard about the outdoor specialist stores like Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Gander Mt., Galyans……. I’d go that way if they’re going to replace the rods so readily and easily. They are a real decent rod for the money you pay and the upper grade graphite models won’t make you miss the upper grade brand names too much. I think Galyan’s is a little sparse on their variety but the others are pretty good.
For a cheap spinning reel, you have to remember the issue you’ve mentioned. I could recommend Shimano Sedona’s but their bail isn’t any more guaranteed than anyone elses bail. However, Quantum makes a reel with a bendable, titanium bail, that is magnetically activated for closure, so it has no bail springs to break! I can’t remember the model name but they retail for $69.00. Go to Ebay and do a search on “Quantum”. Somewhere in those search results, you should find the model I’m talking about. I have the Pulse models, which has the same bail mechanics but absent of the titanium wire. I think, by construction and relativity to your example, this is THE reel to check into.
As for a cheap, excellent performing caster, I just came off a weekend of testing the Pinnacle Tara. The brake on the spool was so great that I could cast great distance and never even needed to slide my thumb on the line! I’ve NEVER had a reel that would set up that well. With the wind, against the wind, across the wind, this reel ROCKED! I’ve looked on Ebay to see if there were any available for cheap and as of yesterday, there wasn’t a single Tara to be found! Listen, if Ebay doesn’t have it, it’s a good reel! I saw them at my local WalMart this spring for either $59 or $69….. I can’t recall, but I think they’re sold out now. They never stock too many reels. Anyway, I haven’t tried and tested every caster on the market, but I’ll tell you this……. I’ve tried an awful lot of them and if you want to stay below $80, this one has my vote hands down.
Good luck in your search and don’t be impatient. Shop around and get the best performance/warranty for your dollar! 
. (and after a couple years, if it starts getting worn, just snap it over your leg 
)
rod it’s not a total loss.real repair is also very easy with almost all the manuals online now days, and you can order the parts from them also. If I can help ya in getting set up send me a PM.