I have a 9'-8wt., a 8'6"-5wt. and a 7'-3wt. The 8wt is a mid-flex, the 5wt. a tip-flex (Fast) and the 3-wt is a full-flex (slowest of the three). The 3-wt is the most fun to fish with, because even a small fish is a battle. I use up to 2X with the 3-wt and it works fine. Last weekend I landed a 2-1/2 lb Smallie with it - WOW, talk about fun!! I've only been flycasting for 4 years and last week I was tossing that baby over 50' to get to an overhang of trees. The two things that I would change in my next 3-wt is to go longer, 7'6" to 8', and go with a fast action rod. The action is really a personal preference. Go with a 3 because you won't feel that much difference with a 4 from your 5.