DD: i heard that too, those rods have a cult following, and lami knows it(the used trade ins always go for higher prices down at their outlet than the run of the mill 96JCs that are a dime a dozen). it's the same blank as the X96LS.

too bad the 8'6" version isn't even available as a blank any more, i like a shorter rod for light tackle in some of the smaller rivers.