Although I am primarily a popper fisherman, I think the ultimate rod should be able to work poppers just as well as stickbaits (just as Brandon mentioned), which for me rules out the fast actioned SP series from Carpenter. I'm not arguing with anyone that this isn't one of the best rods on the market, but it doesn't hold the versatility that some of the other rods have, afterall, we are talking about the 'ultimate' rod - so it should be a bit more versatile in how it can be used.
Given what I just said, finding a rod that has this versatility can be quite difficult, which is why there are so many specialist models available - since I don't think there is a rod out there that is 'ultimate' for all purposes of a GT fisherman, but sure, some do come very close!
To weigh in on this discussion, out of the Japanese rods, I would have to put my hand up for a Fisherman GT Monster 76 R10 for strength, power and castability ideal for poppers (I would also class the SP78UHL not far behind in the same category) and a Fisherman TRSH GT GAME for stickbaits for balance and awesome rod action.
In the more budget category I would be recommending something like a Calstar GF700H or XH (fast) or a Shimano GT Special (slow).
Sorry to go a little off-track but I don?t think the question can be answered any other way.