The floats that are on the market today is very extensive. I use the Balsa for many reasons, they are light, they hold weight for casting and I can see the darn things with the fluorescent tops. I did a t.v. show on the Salmon river with PBS, using traditonal float rods made by me and centre pin reels. We used the blasa floats in different conditions and the way the split shot is placed will alter the flaot status on the water and how the bait acts in the depth of the runs and pools. Balsa is the choice for me.