Chum,
You've got a good feel my friend.. I feel the same way when I pick up a loomis, it just does something funny to you! There's no doubt in my mind Loomis's are second to none. You will love the 1173, my buddy james has one and it's an awesome rod as well as Loomis's whole line of rods. I've never tried the 1271 like beezer suggested, I for some reason just don't like rods that are over 9'6". No matter the type of rod they just lose sensetivity once you get longer than that, they start to feel like a rubberband. But a 10'6" rod does have it's advantages if you are a diehard bobber dude, being able to mend line like you're flatlining off a 15 foot cliff. I'd rather driftfish with a 9 footer though my 1084 is my favorite, they're long enough to feel everything and short enough to flat bury the hook when needed, and protect line just fine.
Keith
Keith

[ 10-24-2001: Message edited by: stlhdr1 ]