Without fishing a rod, how can you tell if you'd like it?

[Jigger]

How do you all pick a rod off the rack in say, Bass Pro Shop or Cabelas. I wll shake it (kind of like kicking the tires on a car. Tell's you nothing) and then I'll reach up and bend the tip section which is a little help. I'll then take it home and tie a practice lure on and cast it in the yard which tells me even more but I really don't know how well I like the rod until I fish it.
With a fly rod, most good shops will let you slap a reel on the rod, take it out and throw some line. Which IS a big help in choosing a rod. I've thought about taking a baitcasting reel spooled with line and a practice jig with me to buy a bass rod. I could at least pitch the jig in the store. I've never done it yet, but I'm tempted. So, how do you select a rod you've never used?

Another question: What would you suggest retailers do to help us make the right decision in choosing a rod. Why couldn't they let us cast the rod on the premises?