I have had the great good fortune to own a Loomis GLX 11'6" for 8-9 for about three years. I am a steelhead fanatic and fish at least 30 days a year. I own over 30 rods designed for medium game fish like steelies. Nothing I have ever fished compares with the GLX. I can nymph fish all day and with that extra reach, hook and play a half-dozen fish - then, as the sun sets, change over to a floating spey line (450 grain Skagit with a 15 foot floating tip) and skate and swing flies through every imaginable location and hook a half-dozen more. 60 foot casts are a snap. Yeah, these babies aren't free but if you enjoy the flexibility of fishing a variety of methods with one stick - you will love this puppy. In truth, the only rod I like almost as much is another Loomis - my 10' for 8wt. IMX.