I built a bamboo 8'-0", 6 wt rod several years ago and the first few times I used it, I found myself constantly relocating my grip hand practically to the top of the cork after each cast. It also dawned on me that my hand was fatiguing as the day went on. I decided to place a heavier reel which made a big improvement in my grip position on the cork handle and thus less fatiguing. I think with today's lightweight materials, rod balance is less critical as adjustments in the grip can be made unconsciouly