Looking for opinion on the Backbone Elite spin 5-8kg (7'6"). Realise it's not top of the line but appreciate opinions. My current is an old Catana 6-8kg. (Which I actually really like)

Well, PTM, the only Shimano rods I've ever had just explode are 2 BBEs I used for softbaiting (each of them at the join, each whilst fighting quite good fish).

That's one reason I'm really happy to stay with the near-enough equivalent Catana 7'3"s. My 2 old purple Catana 732s have seen constant service all their lives in kayak fishing and are as good and usable as when brand new, now about 6 or 7 years ago.

Love my bbe it is my go to softbait rod. It has caught many good fish but none of them being big enough to brag about, hopefully it stays in one piece when that day comes

Very nice for the price, you will be more than happy.

I've seen the top half of a bbe explode on a 25cm snapper lol. A mate accidently put the top half of his bbe on the bottom half of his MWS sb rod... it was pretty funny

Though I'm sure bloody good for trout or salmon?

I have a status and my son has a BBE. I have had the guides fail on the Status. The BBE is a nice rod to use. KF, they are great snapper rods just make sure you get one made for a spinning reel if thats what you are using. Arron has had plenty of decent snapper and some big tope on his, no problems at all dealing to big fish.

No it is definately not too light. I've used much lighter gear for big(ish) snapper. Take a look at softbait rods for example. Over sand 4 or 6 kg mono is plenty, that rod is rated for 8kg line. Rods usually break when they are used incorrectly, once your drag is slipping and a 2kg snapper will do that - then a bigger fish will not be able to bend the rod more will it? It will just take longer runs. Having said that PJay is very experienced and certainly knows what he's doing - sometimes rods do break.

Why too long?

I have an overhead model in 4 - 8kg and have an el cheapo baitcaster reel on it.  I use it fishing with bait and with lures and just love the sensitivity when detecting fishy type interest in shallow and deep water.  The rod is rapidly becoming my out and out favourite and have been having great success with it recently....