For those on a budget, you might want to check these out.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanovoltaeus.html

To make it even better: "In an unprecedented move for the price point Shimano back's their line with a limited lifetime warranty on all rods in the Voltaeus lineup."  

Shoot... I might just get one for the heck of it.  I do need a new trout rod.  

Wow, TT is really in the bag for Shimano.  Considering their reputation as an 'enthusiast' site, their review of a rod like the Voltaeus is quite puzzling.

If you were flown to El Salto and Dream Lake to 'evaluate' Shimano products, you'd probably do whatever they asked

Wow, TT is really in the bag for Shimano.  Considering their reputation as an 'enthusiast' site, their review of a rod like the Voltaeus is quite puzzling.

I wouldn't call having three of the past 36 reviews featuring Shimano as "in the bag."    Also, their reviews run the gamut from budget gear to super high end.  I may not agree with everything they spew, but for the most part they fairly objective.

If you were flown to El Salto and Dream Lake to 'evaluate' Shimano products, you'd probably do whatever they asked

I have to buy their stuff and I'd still do anything they asked.