I have several rods, like 6-7 and this is one of my favorites! it's not as thick as I would like to have a better grip, but it's light and compact! I can throw it in my trunk and forget about it, until I drive by a lake or river. I think it's best for small rivers or tight spaces on the banks, and it's easy to carry around all day long! I will see how it handles some nice trout! Overall, good value for the money!