If you ever get over to central PA, you are more than welcome to demo my rods over on Stoney Crk.

Thanks, it may be a while, I still have my share of exploring to be done locally, in the Poconos.

A conclusion here

I ordered at Cabela the TFO, Sage, St Croix, Redington, Cabela's TQR and was able to test them side by side. I used a Redington Drift 2/3 reel, with 3 wt. DT Scientific Anglers line.

The conditions were not very good, a wind gusting over 20 mph, but somehow found a more quiet spot in the back.

Third grade: the TQR felt somehow hollow, the handle did not have substance. It was also too short but casting was ok.

Second grade: the TFO, Sage and Redington, with the edge going to TFO. Nice rods, loading and casting good, but felt like they had some stiff points, the tapper was not exactly uniform.

The winner: St Croix Avid 793.4. Very fluid in the hand, loads and casts perfectly, you feel like writing on the sky... Very smooth and sweet rod. The handle is also thinner, in line with the "ultralight" scenario. And, topping it off, it's "made in USA".
I did not believe I could tell a difference in rods at my level, but yes, it was there. I had it out this weekend and it handled solid wild browns over 12 inch nicely. Also, stood out ok against the wind.
It only felt over-powered when a monster hit the fly on the Lehigh and took my line across the river, then I wished I had the 5 weight. I lost him soon in the battle though, so if I had kept pressure correctly instead of fumbling with the reel tension, I may have been ok. But man, that reel sounds awesome when peeling line!

good choice. i picked a 6' avid up earlier this year as well....2/3 drift also. it's a great combo.

If I were you, I would be scanning ebay. You could pick-up a used but pratically new Orvis Zero Gravity, TL or any older Sage LL for less and still have a higher quality rod. It takes a little more time and and careful looking, but deals are out there for sure.