If you want one good rod that will do almost everything (except kings) go with the best; the G Loomis IMX 1084c . Without a doubt the best steelhead rod ever made. I have fished just about everything and they are all disappointing and feel like you are fishing with a 2X4. Anybody that says otherwise hasn't fished one. Gl2's Gl3's , Rainshadows, St. Croix are going to fall short. I'm sure there are many guys that fish something other than top of the line products that catch a lot of fish but, you posed the question about what is the best.