For a Middle Tn. tailwater fisherman, I can understand the desire to fish "lighter" rods as most of the fish you encounter are not the kinda brutes you find over on east Tn, tails. I just sold my Sage XP 490, and felt that it, or the Sage Z-axis 490 rods would have been ideal for rivers like the Caney. I hated to do it (sell the XP) but I have a very ill, anemic little Chihuahua needed some help. Enjoy your NRX!