A word of clarification, Holden. Some have said that in "A Cast from the Past", I was comparing old bamboo technology with new graphite technology. While this may be true, the fact remains that bamboo is lower modulus and lower tensile strength than graphite composites. If it wasn't, we might be making stealth fighter planes out of bamboo instead of graphite composites. They would be a hell of a lot cheaper.

But in fairness to all those excellent bamboo craftsmen out there, bamboo rods are better nowadays than in the past. Some builders are even using graphite ferules instead of nickle silver and this helps a lot. But you probably don't see any bamboo in distance casting events.

I fish bamboo on small streams. I love the flavor - like waxed cotton, single malt scotch, and cuban cigars. But on long water or salt - graphite for sure.

Both great tools - just different.

Godspeed,

Bob