This brings up an important point. So many times I hear guys talking about selecting a rod that fits your style and casting it first. While I agree that one should know what you are getting into, I think that we should be able to cast any thing with some skill. I definately have a preference for faster rods for the majority of my fishing but stepping out of my routine, I find helpful in keeping that flexible skill set.
I fish many St. Croix rods. The 3 Legend Elites are fast, the Legend Ultra is slower and the Avids seem slower yet. I can fish and do fish them all in a single weekend.