My first rod was meant as an all-arounder; I knew I didn't want to learn on something I would use for a specific function. Rod turned out fine and I still use it every trip. It is a bit heavy but great for topwater, square bills. I have since built close to 100 rods and all are much nicer than that first one. But that first one let me learn how it all works and how it goes together. I get better on every one I build, and I would consider the rods I build now much more custom, but that first one holds a special place for me as well.