Great pics Mark, thanks for sharing them. Looks like the blanks change colors or blend like the older Hyuga series rods did or is it just the light? Kinda wish they would have put the keeper above the reel seat rather than between the split grips or just left it off. Other rods I have tried with it in that position annoy me when casting because it pokes my hand. May not be an issue though, just have to wait until I can get one in my hands. Thanks again for the pics and feedback...now the wait until the Classic...ugh