I just finished a 8ft 9in 4 weight Five Rivers Signature V blank ,and found it a great blank for the money.I have built Loomis, Sage ,St Croix ,and others.I have been dissappointed with most blanks other than Sage.This Sig v blank is the real deal.If you like a fast rod ,then you should give this one a try.The Sig V has backbone ,that I found lacking in the St Croix LU, generates good line speed,and shoots line well.I finished this blank for under one hundred bucks ,blank included.[My favorite trout rod is still a 4weight XP,but I like this new one a lot].I have only backyard cast this rod.The real test will come February ,in Arkansas .The manufacturers website is: http://www.dancraftent.com/loadit.html