I don't know if this has been mentioned, if so, my mistake.  I got a flyer from Dicks this weekend that said they will have a deal this week that if you buy a W&M Tessera rod you can get a W&M Victory reel for free.  I'm not a big fan of these rods but it seems like a good deal for the whole combo for $90-$100.  Don't know if this is just local but since there's been alot of talk about getting new gear on a budget recently, this would be a good time to do so.  Couldn't hurt to check

I got the same flyer at first I was considering taking advantage of it.  I've been looking at the Blair Wiggins S curve, have seen this rod in action quite a few times, have yet to meet a person that didn't absolutely love it.  The 7'9 25 lb and the 8' 30 lb rod do have my interest but the spit grip and lack of a foregrip leaves me a bit unthrilled, but doable.  The offer includes a free Sabalos reel, the on line reviews are very good but I take on line reviews very lightly.  At face value a 13 oz reel would feel pretty nice on an 8' rod based on gear I already own, but  I would prefer a reel of my choice on that rod of which I'm pretty sure what I want.  Kind of negates it being a "deal" for me, but If get bored today I may just go buy a new toy.

Thanks for the heads up on the deal!  Appreciate it.  I will have to look into it because I do like W&M rods for inshore fishing.

I got that flyer as well. I still think they are over charging for the reel.

I went back this morning, luckily they did not have the rod I was looking for in stock, I really wasn't that hot for it.  My   reaction was no this time than when I initially saw it, the lack of foregrip was not comfortable for the way I hold a rod.  I did notice that the rod has changed slightly from last years model, it may only be cosmetic as the finish was a bit different. 

I got that flyer as well. I still think they are over charging for the reel.

Hahahahahaha!!!!! I don't care who you are, that's funny right there.