Hmmm. This ONE thing sounds interesting indeed.

I have to admit, my Z-axis (11' 7wt) is among my most treasured possessions and the more I use it, the more I love it. Re: the flex issues, I was at first surprised how it loaded to the cork even with moderate sized fish, fish well below what I would expect the upper range of that rod to be capable of moving. At first I was apprehensive about putting a big bend in it, but it seems to be up to the task, even if it does look and feel overloaded when you are yarding in a big 'un.

I think my next fairy wand will be some sort of switch rod in the 9wt category, probably 12' or so? Is there a ONE that fits this bill? I am too lazy to look right now.

As for the evolution of rods and what to call the next best...the rod(s) will have no name, only a symbol.