The lightspeed is very light, it has a reliable drag system SEALED FROM THE SALT. It is easy to clean and comes with a lifetime warranty. Both St. Croix and TFO make some nice rods, but the TFO's have a tendency to cast better than they should for their price. I have witnessed there service and i think that they make the better rod.
P.S. Talk to someone about the lamson velocity because i have never used it.
Good Luck,
Chris
[This message has been edited by CJR (edited 22 August 2005).]