Our goal was to beat our 3 favourite 9' #5 rods. They were;

• Sage XP
• Loop Cross S1
• Hardy Swift Mk 1 (9' #4 - a #5 nowadays)

The rod had to be schizophrenic. It needed to be a 3 weight one day and a 6 weight another day. Sometimes in the same day. We broke it down. The goals:

• No hingeing between the mid and tip section (what kept the Cross S1 from the top spot)
• Bend into the handle
• Load very short and become a 3 weight when needed
• Cast very long distances with lures when needed
• Feel like a parabolic full flex rod
• Cast into Icelandic winds (this was just for Tom!)
• Protect light tippets
• Handle long heads and distance casting strokes 

Stats

• Weight : 132g
• 4 piece unground natural carbon blank
• K series anti friction strippers
• Balanced full flex action 
• Birds eye maple wood reel seat
• Anodised aluminium reel seat with anti jam threads
• Alignment dots
• Aluminium tube