I have a stream that has no obstructions. NONE. I use an 11' six weight. I can cover so much water from one spot. I wish it were an 11' 4wt. I had a blank sitting around. Just happens to be a 3wt 10'. I put a 1 foot extension on it....but haven't put the guides on yet. Just an experiment. I have another small stream covered with trees. So, I made an 8" temporary grip/reel seat that I can slip on the tip section of this modified 10' footer and fish with the 5' tip section of this 2 piece rod. So I can fish it at 11', or as a 5'. I don't need 6 wt power for my stream. But it is very tippet protecting and love it on my stream. Allows me to sneak up to a cutbank and dapple a fly in, and still be 10' from the stream. On my knees....well......
Jim