they are great for fishing in thick brush . extremly stiff . cuts down the running under the boat problem (a big fish rod) . it feels a little heavy i think because of the stiffness( will tire the wrist because you wrist is coping with no flex ) . mine doubles as a bream buster . some don't like them and I perfer my ss sam heaton's but it's always in the boat when/if I need a heavy action rod .