Insofar as a double blind test might be difficult with respect to other brands against Kistlers: Kistler could indeed run tests amongst themselves against say the three different lines it sells. I personally own a Kistler KCBS7. I'm hard pressed to see or feel much of a step up in sensitivity, or fit and finish between it and my $50 Fenwick(I actually think the Fenwick has better guides). Perhaps the LTA's are better, but at another $100 over my Graphite Plus we are talking some major deminishing returns(just my humble opinion). However I would buy another Kistler over a Fenwick for two reasons- one it's an all American made rod, and their service is A+. All this talk of objectivity is fun to talk about, but if you really want me to buy a product- make it here in America and show me you know what service and the customer are all about. Then I'll be your loyal customer.