I am currently using the Richard Williams Signature Series rods (10-footers) and though there are many rods on the market that are very good, this one is tops. I like the slightly stiffer backbone (but not too stiff). For those of you who use slipfloats and bobber stops, this rod's larger eyes work very well for such a rig. I use these rods most every day and some of my clients are quite tough on them and I haven't broke one yet (knock on wood), so I'd say they are very durable too. I haven't tried Russ's rod yet. Guess I'm going to have to order one in the future to check it out.