to rich for my blood,shimano,berkley are good enough for me got a free baitcast rod from bass pro this season its made of im8 graphite and has been performing sweet with my pfluger president baitcaster.ive held both loomis and st croix rods and they sure feel sweet but like i said to pricey for me.i like to use graphite meatstcks all backbone as so i can really rip the lips off those Bandits.