I am not familiar with the exact rod you are talking about but do fish 10' 6" rods.

They do feel quite abit top heavy.Even if you do not feel it initially your back will tell you if it is not balanced.

Last summer I switched from my favorite regal z3500 to shimano2500 reels.There is quite a weight differance between the two,the 2500 being lighter..My back imediatly started hurting after a couple hours of fishing.This summer I am using an okuma which is again heaviar.I have not had any back problems since.

They also make weighting systems for the but of your pole.

I highly reccomend a long rod.once you get used to it you will wonder how you ever fished without it!