I think it’s an as well as, H.
My collection seems to change regularly as I’m lucky enough to get to try all sorts. A bit like the carbon market we are getting to a point where there aren’t many poor glass rods out there. Consequently it’s more about what suits you and the purpose.
My current working collection consists of a Sakura 7’ 3wt, Yomogi 7’3” 4wt, Steffen 7’9” 3/4wt, Steffen 8’ 4/5wt, ijuin Bubble 7’11” 4wt, iconoglass 8’6” 8wt.
The current selection of demos are all from Dusty smith at Livingston rods. They are a 7’, 7’6” and 8’ in a 4wt and 8’ in 5 and 6wts
Other favourites include ijuin Beni 7’5” 4wt, Yomogi 7’3wt, ijuin Hard Para 7’5” 4wt, Epic 370, Epic 476, McFarland Classic 693, 763 and 794, Spruce creek 723 and 794 and the Steffen 8’ 3/4wt. All have their place depending where you are going to use them, most are shortish dryfly rods for presentation and accuracy at ranges up to 60’ mostly at 30’ I tend to pick depending on the size of the river. Although 4wts are a bit of an obsession
I am spoiled , however if it’s blowing a fair wind I will still reach for a 5 or even 6wt carbon