i only had about $110 to spend on a new fly rod, so i went to a local fly shop, and asked the guy if he could help my find a 5 wt. fly rod blank for about $100. so he said he has a special the only down side is its a 4 piece, and there is no warrinty. but i still liked it and decided to buy it. its a loomis GL2 i got it built, and tested it out today and loved it. it was everything i was looking for. i like that it can cast drys, and also cast streamers and still be in control.