I bought this rod last July on Alain's recommendation because it fit my budget. I didn't start using it religiously until about mid March of this year and the only complaint I have is the same as BlackLabel said, the rod is heavy especially in the top section, so until you get used to that it does get tiring after about 4 or 5 hours of fishing it. I have no complaints about how it performs while fighting a fish or casting a 2 or three fly setup. Having said that, I now know why these guys buy the top end rods. Alain was kind enough to let me fish with his 11 ft. Loop rod a few weeks ago for about an hour and all I can say is WOW! that is the rod to have for euro-nymphing. I just can't afford it right now but it is on the wish list.