The TiCr X is a fast action rod, but not a broomstick, with fairly powerful butt section compared most of the competition in it price range. This applies to all the TiCr X models I have tried. I know a couple of very experienced anglers who after trying the 8wt TiCr X, started using it instead of other 9wt models because it was a bit lighter to cast but had enough muscle in the butt section for really putting the heat on hooked fish. I already had 5 8wt rods when I tried the 8wt TiCrX so I coudn't come up with a reason to buy one.