First of all welcome to FAOL. Stick around and you'll learn a lot. I started here over 12 years ago and have been unable to leave. I've also met a lot of great folks here. Some on-line and some in person. As far as the A&F rod goes, you could get in touch with Robert Selb. He knows a lot about all kinds of rods and reels, and I've heard only good things about him. If it was my rod, I'd fish it. Here is a link to Robert Selb's website.
http://www.classicflyfisherman.com/
H
ave fun and again, welcome aboard.