I fished a CP for years... went to the Steelhead series in a similar length rod and it's a world of difference. I recon the mag taper 9'6" would be pretty similar, but I sure enjoy how light and fast the loomis is. It takes a good effort to put light weight and duribility together and make it work, and that costs money to make... and buy. Just ask a backpacker, it's expensive to save a few ounces; but worth every penny at the end of a long day. ~josh