Reeltime,
I don't know if I'd ever load my 1025 with 15lb test let alone anything heavier, yes it can handle it but I'd prefer to use my 1021C (8'6" 10-20lb) for 15 and above. As I mentioned before I like the 1025 for bigger fish and heavier water because it is 8'6" and the fact that it is 6" shorter than the 1084C means that you'll have more leverage. It's just like using a 7' stick, you have more leverage as long as you load it with the proper line ie. (12-15lb+). You will lose sensitivity with a rod if you go shorter than 8' or longer than 9' and with rods that are 9'6" and above I believe those rods actually lose sensitivity because with the length you actually have a rod that reverbs and obsorbs the sensitivity in the middle of the rod. I prefer to fish a 9' rod like the 1084 because you have the sensitivity and a bit of backbone, but when it comes to playing a bigger fish or horsing a fish I'd prefer the 1025 because most will load it with heavier line (12lb) as it's rated to do so.
Keith