sage build a great rod second to none, only down side when you get into the longer rods they tend to be a little heavier than loomis. If your looking for loomis blanks call some of the local builders. some will sell blanks you might get lucky. As for comparing different rods, its all a matter of preference, some love loomis, or lamie, sage, rainshadow, ect for me its what feels good in my hands, and can I cast it all day without getting tired. do to rods to heavy....