I only have very limited popping experience, but from what I have learned there is no such thing as cheap yet effective popping gear.
Firstly you need a strong reel with strong drag and fast retrieve gear ratio.
Reel: At a bare minimum I would look at a Daiwa Saltist 6500 or a Shimano Saragosa or similar. Either will be around $280. Anything less is likely to get bent or completely destroyed on the first few fish.
Rod: As a minimum a shimano Tcurve GT special or a Daiwa monster mesh popping rod. Around $250-$300.
Line: Around $100
Total ~$650
Disclaimer: I may be wrong and it would be awesome to see something reasonably cheap that works.
Popping is very physically demanding and anything less than what I have listed just won't cast a lure or bloop a lure well, and will have you completely shagged after a few minutes.
A more typical $2000+ combo will be way easier to cast and fish for any period of time than the options I have listed.
I ended up taking the plunge and buying a highish end combo but unfortunately haven't had many opportunities to you use it.
My time will come this coming summer though. :evil: