Actually Ive been using a 10 1/2 foot Shakespeare Intrepid for over 10 years for a float rod and it has seen alot of use and abuse without missing a beat, but it is on the light side with a line rating of 6-10 lb, so I thought I would try cheap again in a heavier rated rod , I just dont want to buy a rod that is identical (light) action as the 6-10 lb as I already have. If it truly has the action of an 8-17 lb rod I will give it a go , cause as stated earlier it felt pretty flexy in hand .