I cast the Cortland 13' 8/9 at one of Speybum's Day on the River get togethers last fall and was pleasantly surprised at how well it cast considering its low price. The cosmetics are not that great, but it did cast very well.
It is on the fast side of moderate, although considerably slower than the T&T, Loomis GLX, Meiser Highlanders, Sage TCR (a very fast, tip-to-middle action rod 2-hand series), and Loop Green Series. Overall, I thought it a much better rod than the 13' 7/8 St. Croix Imperial that many folks like (St. Croix has since discountinued the Imperial 2-handers and has a new series of 2-hand rods that sell for $350.00). It is a great value for the price.