i casted this rod today. i must say this one the sweetest rods i have ever casted. even though i have been speycastin for about a year. with the lesson i took with way yin it seemed to take my casting to another level. once i casted this rod i had to buy one so i begged my wife to buy one and she gave in. i set this rod up with a sa short head 7/8 i casted this rod 80 ft or 90 ft easy and im only a novice! i can only imagine what a expert caster could do with this gun. im sure i will be able to cast this line to the backing very soon. i know distance may not have alot to do with fishing. but ill tell you its sure a hell of lot of fun. :biggrin: