I've heard that Sage's drift and spinning rod blanks aren't all that good and of course you pay a premium price. I've owned a Loomis IMX 1082C and returned it. It didn't have the backbone I thought it should have and at $348 I wanted a rod that I felt good about. I have a GL3 1143 drift rod and I think it's the best drift rod I've ever owned but at $290 it's an expensive rod.Even though I like the rod alot I would not pay that much for a rod again. I have 5 of the TH Custom rods and for my money they are the best thing going. I don't think anyone needs to spend $300 for a rod anymore but that's just my opinion.