Hi Mike,
For punching out poppers and getting a good action from them, select a rod with a strong tip to work the poppers effectively. I guess you've realised that already with the little halco's, though the next size up 135 will make this more apparent. If you want to buy a brand, then Saltiga do some nice lighter ones, but you dont have to spend top $'s.
Even some cheaper rods will do the job, though go for something with a higher carbon graphite content.
I have a shimano tcurve bluewater powerspin for the kayak, and it casts small poppers a mile. I have a Caldia Kix 3000 on it and 15lb.
Depending on what your targeting, you may want a larger reel and spool capacity, but for 10lb you could grab a Daiwa Certate or Shimano Twinpower and a suitable rod, and have a ball.
cheers Dave