I fished the a Homewater 9'6" side drifting rod a few weeks ago. I like the look. It lacked feel, tip, response, and overall balance. It cast like a GL2 or G1000. The reel seat looks cool but I found the locking nut to be uncomfortable and rough on my hands without nitrex gloves. Comparing them to a STR1162 is unfair it's not in the same class for feel, taper, and power/weight ratio. That being said I like it better than the vaunted XMG which I consider over guided, parabolic only in action, and fragile.