I believe you'll like your 'boo stick very much. H&I's are getting quite a bit of attention lately and even tho considered "blue collar" rods are really quite good. I have a Cascade, I believe it is, and I like it very much.

I got into bamboo rods about 5 years ago and they're all I fish now. I have 4 in varying weights and lengths and they cover all the fishing I do or am likely to do. Be forewarned, one is never enough. As you've entered the "dark side" of fly fishing may I suggest you try a silk line, if you haven't already. Don't believe all the stories you hear about how maintenance intensive they are. No more to taking care of silk than really taking care of plastic and they last and last and last and last....to say nothing of their presentation qualities.

Vic