Geez you must be bored that was like a magazine article. Just Kidding.
I got the 8-6 XH and really like it. It surprised me how much better 6 more inches was compared to my 8ft Shimano. I wish I had an even longer one. The rod collapsing into the handle wasn't a big deal for me when I got the ride but I do like that benefit anyway to fit the rod in the back of my short box truck without sticking out. Paul just kidding about the long post keep them coming we all need message boards stuff to read during the winter.