I have the TFO TICR X in 7wt. While I can't tell you about the TICR my X is a rocket launcher. It's took me a while to get used to the casting stroke but in practicing with it I pulled a bunch of line off the reel and executed what is for me a normal double haul and instead of reaching from one side of my yard to the other, the line shot across my yard, my neighbors yard and halfway into the next guy's yard. I was in shock and awe. To me the great thing about this rod is that you can feel everything the line is telling you and it tells you a lot if you care to listen. I haven't had a chance to fish it yet but I can see it'll be a great shad rod. Come on 50 degrees!