on the old 7127, try the Rage 420 or 450 to see which you prefer. The 480 is really too much.
Agreed. I have the new version of the 7127 and it is an amazing rod. If you haven't tried the Nextcast 45 5/6 (either FF or WA) it is a VERY powerful combination as Big Tuna suggests. It just fires so straight and the leader and fly do that little wiggle at the end of the cast as the whole thing straightens out in the air. I love it!
I'd say this in regards to the Rage head. 420 if you're throwing some poly leaders or light tips, but 450 if you're fishing a mono leader as I usually would. I think you have to factor in some grains into a Rage head when casting and fishing a poly, especially a floater.
Here's my line-up for that rod - Airflo Compact Scandi 420 (Airflo specifically), NextCast FF or WA 45 5/6 (mine are 460 grains, 40 feet), Rage 420, Rio Skagit Max Short 475. I've tried some Ballistic lines, Rio AFS, etc and nothing fires like the aforementioned lines.
Enjoy that rod, if you ever want to sell it, I'm very interested. I'd like to have an "old" 7127 too.
Fire when ready!