Recommendations for a 3 or 4 piece 12 wt rod?

[mhebenstreit]

Would anyone like to offer a recommendation for a 12 weight rod that i can carry-on an airplane? Current candidates include:
Sage RPLXi 3 piece
Scott STS 3 piece
Thomas and Thomas Horizon 4 piece

Several years ago, when I purchased a 10 weight 4 piece, Loomis got the nod. Its worked out fine and casts well, but seems a little damage prone for a 12 weight. At that time, my impression of the Sage was that it seemed clubby to cast and the T&T seemed excessively fast (ie stiff).

I'd welcome your opinion on the 12 weights.

thanks, mark

[Adam-Albino]

<P><FONT color=black face=Verdana,Geneva size=2>I just finished building a 12 wt on a St. Croix Ultima (sc-4) blank (3-piece). I loved the rod so much, I'm now building the 9wt version for kicks. For the money these rods cant be beat. Crisp Fast action, lightweight, real powerhouse - can really lift.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana size=2>When I was down in the keys this winter, several guides mentioned that they hated the&nbsp;Loomis 12wt. Too "weak" for a 12wt.&nbsp;Most said that the Sage was a better rod - but they all prefered the Loomis in 8-9wts. </FONT></P>
<P><IMG align=baseline alt="" border=0 hspace=0 src="http://photos.netclubs.com/live/photos/v/9/t/2/t2c710a3839h31nr004cfcdhuo/flyman2.gif"></P>

[Slamdance]

Check out the G. Loomis Nautikos. It's a completely different beast than the GLX series, but if you thought the T&T was too stiff, you may have the same impression of the Nautikos. They are also all 3-piecers.

I'd second Adam's recommendation of the St Croix. In my opinion, all their rods are great values in any weight.