I can't comment on any "blind testing" but I do know this. Last weekend, I was throwing one of my 7' Kistler Heliums(Medium Casting) for about 2 or 3 hours. I picked up a a 7', Medium-fast, Fenwick Techna AV rod to throw a shallow cr/bait that was tied on. It was like "night and day" as far as my perception of the differences and the Techna is a decent, moderately priced rod, but it felt like a pool cue in my hand. No, I'm not exagerating to make a point. There was that much difference in the 'feel'(not just the weight difference) between those two rods. And no, I'm not a tourny guy. I have no sponcers and just fish as a weekender.

Dan