Hello Frank,
Well there are tons of rods and rells to choose from, I can tell you I've had the most expensive one the market and have benn well unhappy with em, at the moment my rods are Browning rods "The Carp", 89 each at Bennetts aned they are excellent, I have both the 2 & the 2 models and I would say the latter is the better all rounder of the two.
Reels, there are loads again but you might be better off looking for second hand ones if you don't want to spend loads... Shimano 510's, 610's or perhaps even the older 4500's all good reels to be had at a good price second hand.
Have a look on www.anglinglines.co.uk for used gear they have quite a good range, fast delivery and let you know the true condition of the gear they sell.
Hope this is of some help, Robin.