Thanks for the input all, quite a range of views and helpful info. Careful telling someone what to do or not to do or right/wrong on subjective matters.

I went ahead with black for looks and possibly to be less spooky. One of them was older, sitting in the shop for awhile, and had a more dull/matte finish.

Off topic, check out the new Orvis Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game reel. It wasn't my pick ahead of time, but after seeing it in person and playing with it while trying rods, one came home. Very sweet reel, was my easiest decision of the day.