I have an 11' 7/8wt that I just got this fall with a 2-3 inch butt. For me it helps casting it all day. I keep the butt behind my wrist and it helps to keep it straight on the back cast. I had a crush injury to my casting hand a long time ago and this really does make a difference for me. Using the rod I have without the fighting butt will result in a nasty case of tendinitis by the end of the day.