I have the VT2 8139 as well and like it a lot. It's just an all-around meat and potatoes Spey casting tool that can do a lot in the field. It likes short heads, Skagit lines, Scandis, mid-bellies and is fine working long bellies even the extended heads if the grains are right, although you'll strip a little of the fat stuff in when wading deep. No problem lifting and throwing tips around with it. It's a great all-around and as a four-pc it travels well for summer and winter fishing. It has a lot of power for such a light blank.
As an middle of the road / all-arounder it's not a specialized design thus not really distinct for one style or application or another, in other words I'd still choose other rods where the calling fits them as most practitioners will. Although it's a nice all-around Spey tool there is no such thing as a single design for all purposes in flyfishing. Looking at our rod racks, it's obvious we like it that way
For instance you'll get more feedback during the load from a rod designed that way or a snappier underhand response from another likewise, smoother long belly stroke from yet another rod.
I can't imagine myself ever replacing the cherries of the industry like the CND Solstice 13'4" 6/7 on certain rivers and runs whether I am pacific steelheading, GL tribs, or eastern salmon fishing. For covering big water Ian Gordon's 15ft cannon is my next acquisition for such ventures in 2007. But overall if you know how to cast this rod will do a whole lot at a good price point. It wouldn't be a bad rod to start out with either, since that usually includes exploring the spectrum of line designs.
One minor design complaint I have is that they stuck with the old butt design, which used to rub off black stuff on the bottom hand, gets into the cork of the lower handle too. Cleans off with rubbing alchohol and a paper towel easy enough.
I like it enough that it travels with me on most trips, summer or winter fishing. It may not always get first shift but it's always good to have in the wicker and gets its share of line strung thru the guides.
