Snipping from the original post:


"I thought this is pretty big:.......Perhaps sensing that the economy is not quite what it once was......series of very good decisions...........reach of the masses...........$495 for all freshwater models...........exact same tapering and scrim technology............cut almost $200 off the price..........eliminating a lot of the Ferrari-level jewelry..........Cadillac class..........slightly heavier........akin to the premium models offered by other companies........in time for Christmas.........to offer a little editorial..........still a premium rod........filling in a gap.........great blank design.......... the market certainly agrees...........this is a very intelligent move..........pushing the price envelope..........consolidating technological advances and putting more rods in more hands."

With the exception of Dave's obvious attempts to derail, all the responses are salient to whether it is big, or a good decision, or within the reach of the masses, whether the price delta is warranted, whether it is indeed a great design, or even wanted by John Q Public.

Perhaps if the original post would have simply stated the facts rather than propping up the action and further editorializing, the thread would have been different.

Jim