Mike, I agree with you about the bamboo.
7´6 is #4 by a Swedish rod maker, Ulf Löfdal and the other is 8´#5 3 sec. by another Swedish rod maker, Leif Persson. I bought both as used rods, as the 3: rd owner.
My absolute favourite rod is by another Swedish rod maker, Kenneth Boström. A rod called Rackelhane 9´6 #4-6 3 sec. with the top and middle of graphite and the bottom section of bamboo. It is slow with full flex action.
//Harri