I find that a lot of factory poles react awkward because they aren't built on the spine of the blank. I have taken the sections of a 2 piece rod and hold them as close to plumb as I can and pushed down on the top and it will reveal the spine of that section. Sometimes it's close others not even close. The west points that I had worked well for me and I think they are a good starting point for someone to try trolling or spider rigging. Being fiberglass, they can take the weight if you run some sinkers for pushing a little quicker, but keep in mind that they will have more bend than some other rods, but it's just nature of the beast. I have bent one over double when I hung up, never broke or splintered. Good rod for the money. Go as long as you can if you're going to spider rig.