I had a Sage Launch 5wt and really liked it. Replaced it with an FLI but only because of a defect in that particular Launch (the glue was coming lose adn it would have taken them 6-10 weeks to replace). I would go for the Sage; great rods and you simply cannot beat the lifetime unlimited warranty (it even covers little kids stepping on your fly rod when you are too daft to know not to leave it laying on the ground in a path).

I also have the Orvis Battenkill BBS. So far it has performed without a hitch.

I bought my daughter a Cortland 3 wt and it is a dandy little rod as well. I think I paid about $110 for it and have never regretted the purchase.

Are you going to get over to Beaver's Bend in the Great State of Oklahoma? You should give it a shot when you get set up.