Travis-
Just go to any decent flyshop and they will let you take it out in the parking lot and chuck differnt rods with demo lines.

The DS2 is a great rod at $235 but I would also look at the Scott Alpha 9'6" for a #8 at $265...give or take $15.

The Scott is nice because it is a tad faster and lighter then the DS2...and the Winston Ibis at $295 (#8 9'6") is an absolute canon.

And if you are looking at Sages and do not mind spending an extra $100, take a serious look at the 9'6" #8 VPS which I mentioned prior. 5 years ago this was the ultimate steelhead rod and the VPS/RPL series are still considered by some to be the best casting line of flyrods ever produced.

...and like I said before, go 9'6" as in all situations (except maybe landing fish) the 9'6" offers every possible benefit over a 9'er.

Do end up having to buy 1 rod twice.