My first Sage was a $280 Ds2 8'6" 5wt
I would recomend this rod to anybody. Yes a 5wt slt sounds like a rod you would like but I would never buy something that I have not cast. As far as using an expensive rod in the field. I walk for miles all the time with a $2500 Beretta during bird season chasing grouse out of some pretty thick stuff. My theory is enjoy the the fine things if you can afford it, but don't leave them on the mantel. Someone else may feel that a $15,000 is all right to take in the woods. It is all relative.
-Jeff