All very good points. Most of the rivers I fish are on the medium-smaller size. I currently have a 10' Herzog 8-12 and feel it is a little too much of a noodle for my taste. I have a 13' Rainshadow RX-7 and love the sensitivity and action, I was hoping to find something like this in a drift rod. I most likely will not be targeting native steelies with rod.