I have 3 8.5ft 5wt rods. Stiffest is the StCroix UL, next is the Lamiglass 700 mid-flex. They are both 2pc. I also have a 7pc Flextec which is the softest and bouncyest. The StC casts comforatably to about 60' and the others only slightly less, like 55'. Two weeks ago I used the Flextec at a friendly competition at our casting club where 6wt rods are the norm. I won with 98/100, so I have no doubt it is fine for fishing - I have only used it twice for that. The only con that occurs to me is that the 7pc rod is softer and so would not be so good in the wind at distance. A friend of mine has a 6pc Orvis that doesn't have this issue, so maybe it is the brand/model. Never-the-less, Flextec is fine for putting in the suitcase or backpack for those trips where there will be SOME fishing, but most of the time will be something else - sightseeing or just paddling, paddling.