anyone able to ring in  on vintage ( pl65) ..Fenwick rods compared to the new HMG ones?.......

The older Fenwick rods are better than the HMG line.  But not by much really and this is in terms of sensitivity and rod strength. I have two HMG rods.  Both MH, one for open water frogging, one for punching.  Both hold up well and have had no problems, but they are not as sensitive as the older ones.  

Compared to the Elite Tech line, I personally love that line.  I think they are just as good, if not better.  I have two for finesse fishing applications and they are comparable to Dobyns and GLoomis lower tier rods.  Not the GLX or NRX lines from GLoomis though, obviously.  But the Elite Tech Fenwick rods are way less expensive and well worth the buy compared to Dobyns and GLoomis in my opinion.  If I could trade my HMG's in for them, I would. 

Dobyns Fury rods are a great buy, I would go that route if your looking to spend around 100-110 dollars. 

ah, Good to know, I have a old fs65, (70's),  I never had a change to directly compare it too the new age rod HMG.

   Thanks for the input !           Kev