my fishing partner of 15 years said he bought six last year and they are hands down the best rod for the money. he even tried pawning off his daiwa light and toughs on me because he prefers the b and r rods. he did compare them to loomises and said i have to check them out. he also raved about the owner whom he met while working an expo and the warrantee 50 bucks for a replacement no questions asked for life. i really trust his opinion -- he fishes with loomis rougues kistlers and daiwas and swears by these new rods. i am excited to check em out for myself.