mono vs braid and which rod

[cajun bill]

I know this has been discussed numerous times in the past and I did a search and read many of the posts, but just looking for latest info. Circumstances are: I have decided to try changing over from my Curados bait cast reels to spinning reels aka open face reels. My reasons for doing this is that two of my buds use spinning reels and they always out cast me by many yards and never backlash. I have used spinning reels before and they are not bad UNTIL a loop falls off the spool, then it's a b**ch to straighten it out.

Anyway, I recently ordered the new Shimano Stradic FK because the drag is rated at 20# vs. the CI4+ that many here use and I want to see if I can use this reel as an all around reel, i.e. specks to big reds without having to worry about being over or under powered. Now that I'm going to have a super reel, I'm trying to decide two other things (naturally): what rod to use and what line to use? I'm thinking power pro 10-15, but maybe mono is best? Also, I'm not sure about the rod because I've heard that braid will cut into the eyes on most rods. Is there a brand that doesn't happen with? I'm thinking medium so I can still horse in a 2-5 lb. fish without breaking the rod tip? Price range is negotiable cuz I just came into a little "mad money" and it's burning a hole in my pocket.

Any advice will be appreciated. Let the games begin!