Mike, my first impressions are good, with the 8/9 it was overwhelmed by the line, but when I put your 5/6 switch on it was transformed. On the Tweed there was a blustery upstream wind which didn't help and I had a 5ft fast sinking tip on. I was on the South bank so (because I cant cast left hand up, medical reasons
) i was double speying, the action was good, powerful and light to handle and it covered the water well. I was comparing it to my 12' 6" Echo that I bought your 5/6 for (a cracking combination) and I felt that the Epic could have performed better with a bit more weight in the line. My overall impression is that it has great potential, although I'm not sure how it would deal with a skagit. I will be intrigued to hear what your team think of it.
Cheers,
Graeme