I used a T3 when I had my BIIx in at Winston getting a bead head hit repaired, and it was a nice overall rod. But I found that my BIIx was more responsive and seemed to throw farther than the T3. I however recommend the BIImx, I just bought a 6WT and the darn rod is a cannon in the wind. It still has the responsive feel of the IIx, with the added benefit of being able to slam line through windy conditions.