Great read! The most interesting point is just how much the availability of bamboo affected our sport. I think another sidebar is the VERY affordable chinese made cane rods. They prove that general cane rods "can" be affordable, if folks want them to be. They are cheaper than the entry level glass in many cases.

Fortunately for me I am an addict for the older unsanded Orvis rods. My last one being a purchase on Ebay for $66. Although I can appreciate the higher end rods when I cast them, my druthers for the older rods keep me in the sub$200 area for most of my "new" purchases. :^)

What I find amazing.....is how a company that makes a $150-250 machined alum disc drag fly reel....can't seem to make an honest $100 or less quality click-pawl machined alum reel? Doesn't make sense.