Sometimes when someone doesn’t like a specific brand it is a lot more than “retail agenda”… Sometimes there is a company that just has really crappy customer service, or they sell crappy equipment or ya just don’t like 'em. Visiting a shop IS the best way to learn but keep in mind if that shop does not sell Orvis they may just offer you the brands they do sell… I personally cannot stand nor will I ever do business with Ross reels but that doesn’t mean there aren’t tons of people who love 'em… It’s the same when you ask someone Ford or Chevy, Nikon or Canon, well of course i am a little baised on that last one 
go cast a bunch of rods and see what fits YOU.
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Tarpon 160os
Since you are a first timer, make sure to get a 9’ moderate action rod and the reel is insignificant. It just holds line. I own rods that cost less than 100 and some over 800. The more expensive rods are better, but a first timer will not be able to recognize the difference. The best thing about the more expensive rods is the lifetime warranty. I am a fan of Sage rods, but I would not go there for a first timer. TFO makes some great starter rods as well as some top of the line quality rods for half the price of sage rods. Line is important too…most people overlook fly line, but you want to adjust your fly line to the action of the rod and if you are primarily tossing weighted flies or weightless flies.
Bass pro shops and reddington has some decent starter combos. I suggest buying something like that and then learning how to cast at home and then on the water. I fly fished for years in the mountains and out west before I ever tried the saltwater scene with flyrod and I will tell you. The saltwater cast is almost always a longer cast and under much more challenging conditions. It is a ton of fun, but you must get a feel for casting and understand that you may not catch too many fish at first. Good luck!
Buy your first setup with economy in mind, see if its your game…if it is, never go cheap again! Warranties, quality, and never being able to blame sub-par equipment for missed opportunities are my opinion, anyway. Look for a good deal on quality, or save for the right rod or reel once your addiction begins! Sage and Scott rods are my preference. Lawson, nautilus, or abel reels for down the road. My 2 cents.