Ray, I got back last Wednesday from a trip to Exuma. Brought my tried and true 9W RPLX and a new St. Croix Legend Ultra 8W, both 3 pc. I brought the Sage specifically for sharks on the flats, but didn't connect. (I think next time I have to try doping the fly with scent.) The St. Croix is a totally different tool. It feels and looks very light, but I think it will hold up. I couldn't resist applying heavy thumb pressure to one of the single foot guides, and it went nowhere. The factory stripping guides are a little undersized according to some experts, but I didn't really know it. It was a pleasure for small flies with and without wind, using a floating Wullf Triangle Taper for 8W. Caught bones, cudas, jacks, snappers, groupers three to eight pounds without a hitch. Got attched to a huge something or otjher which ate my yellowtail which ate my clouser and bent the St. Croix totally before releasing the shredded jack, and the rod felt great. I think it's a terrific rod, and I'm hoping
that St. Croix and maybe some others, like Fly Logic and Reddington can compete sufficiently to force the Sages, Loomises, orvises and such to tighten up their margins.