My last set of new rods I actually dropped in price
I think my NG's were just over £650 for the three and custom built to my specs.
The last rods were RH The Ones and cost a whole lot less, although Rod Hutchinson going back to Italy and out of the U.K. Angling scene meant I got a very good deal.
I think in terms of value many items of tackle have actually dropped in price, although the top manufacturers like Century who insist on staying British built have stayed higher.
If I was looking at casting rods then it would be Century SP's, whereas as an all rounder I would go back to NG's.