P
plucas
Comparing an ungly stick to a custom rod is like comparing a pinto to a Ferrari! :lol: Man Ferrari's are expensive cars and my pinto gets me around just fine.
All kidding aside, I have fished with loomis, lamiglas and many other manufacturers and chose rainshadow after fishing with one of their rods down in California. They are great blanks and an excellent company. I would suggest the 9'6" 8-12 lb rod for larger steelhead and small salmon and you could even use the 10'6" 8-12. They have plenty of backbone and are light and sensitive. If you live in the Eugene area I can meet you and let you look at and hold one of my personal rods so you can get a feel of the quality. With a custom rod you are getting higher than factory components and craftsmanship along with a custom to you rod that you will enjoy for life. I may be a little bias but I fished with these rods for years and have been very happy, and I am not easy on rods. Let me know if you have any other questions.
One more thing to add, I do have a 9'6" 8-12 lb casting rod that I am selling for cheap if you were interested. It was used five times last winter as a float and roe rod but with all of the low clear water I ended up using my micro jig rod most of the year. It is my personal rod and has very good fuji guides and reel seat along with the top of the line xst rainshdow blank. If you didn't want to spend as much its an option.