I've only ever used graphite rods.
I own several, from a 3 piece 8 weight to 7 piece travel rods, to my current favorite, a Winston Boron 9 foot 5 weight 4 piece.

I think I'm going to take the plunge and order a bamboo rod. The rod will be expensive, and I will have to wait 4-5 years to get it delivered, so I can't buy more than one. I am going to have to choose the rod's characteristics, and I want a rod in a specification that will play to the strengths of bamboo.

I'm thinking of a shorter (8 foot or less) rod in a 3 or 4 weight, for use on smaller streams and creeks (which is where I do much of my fishing) for going after smaller and medium sized trout (which is what I normally catch on these streams.)

If you bamboo addicts could only own one bamboo rod, and you were going to be fishing mostly on smaller Western waters, what would you choose? What is the quintessential bamboo rod?

Thanks in advance for your advice.
Kai