Well if you were researching the higher end rods you missed probably the best ones out there. Pankl Rods, they seem to be the ultimate in connecting rod technology for sure. Of course at $5K+ a set they had better be There is also the Jager rods but not sure they are even available any longer. A couple of Pro Stock teams tried them til NHRA deemed them not legal for the class. From what I hear from a Comp buddy they were supposed to be very nice.