Absolutely LadyFisher, but my Mothers Day gift is right there..."The Test" a 7' 4 wt glass by Hardy....it is sooooo sweet.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f1...s/IMG_3567.jpg
I have recently built 2 glass rods and have two blanks still to go. My latest build is all black. Black guides, reel seat, wrapping...I call it the "Ace of Spades.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f1...s/100_0012.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f1...s/IMG_3523.jpg
The love for glass, like bamboo has always been there. Can't say I have ever cast "JUNK" glass. Even those $14. Wally World specials are okay except that lack of guides.
I agree that quicker Graphite along with rods that weigh an oz. kind of took the light, and I do have some sweet Graphite full flex rods that are as light as a feather. The thing is, any rod can be a joy if matched with the right reel. You go with a light reel on a heavy tip rod, you are going to hate it. But add some lead core line for backing then the line and try to balance it out. Although the whole thing weighs a lot, balance can make it quite enjoyable.....at least that is my story, and I am sticking to it..;-)