I do believe what fits one's style fits. I cut my eye teeth on an eight footer and if push came to shove and had to settle for only one rod I'd choose the eight. But along the way tried some other lengths (and have more of them then the eights). Do a lot of my fishing setting in a canoe, more so then wading (includes the White River, too!). The niners work best for that canoe (sitting down is all I do - not standing!) - Have tried a 10 footer but did not like how it cast/handled like the 9, and I think I gave it a real try (an eBay customer now owns it).

Bottom line for me is the nine "fits" me for my style of fishing. AND the eight will work, too, if need be!