Ditto on the TFO Finesse as a real value. I cast a couple and compared it to Orvis' Troutbum/Superfine, Sage SLT and a nice Scott( don't remember model but pricey). Overall I was impressed with the castability of the Finesse compared to these other pricier rods. For a first rod, you will not go wrong and chances are you'll hang on to it for a while. The biggest detractor would be the less than gorgeous facade, lack of a tube and it's dollar value. Get it if you want value.