See Trav, I told you. You just gotta listen to me in the first place. Go try a few out, just like I had said in first place.

Don't go by just the money factor alone. If you find a few in your price range, don't just jump on the brand name you like. Try the rod out (which is hard if you go with a custom built unless you know someone with same rod). Your casting style may not go with the rod you prefer.

I have two 8wts, an older Sage RPL, and a DS896. Both are damned good rods, and both have served me quite well. Both work well with my casting style, and luckily, I got both much cheaper then buying a new low end fly rod.

Hmmmmm, hey sparkey, you have any idea what happens if you return an older RPL that's been snapped? What do they replace it with. I think I may have knicked my rod tip fighting a king around the sled a couple weeks ago. Is fine, but you never know after a knick if it'll break. I have warranty card and all, so I'm set about return. But I know they don't make the RPL's anymore. Plus, I love this rod to death, don't know what I'd do without that rod.