Dave,
All I have in the Ion is a 9wt & it's a good rod that I find a little on the heavy side, but then it IS a 9wt. I also have an Echo Edge "84" in a 6wt. That's an 8'4" 6wt & it is an absolute rocket launcher. Probably the best casting rod I own. Try to cast both of those & decide from there. Call me if you want.

Mike