Well it finally arrived, the Redington CPS 9wt. I opened up the tube and took it straight out of the bag and straight across the road to the park.
First impression was that this was a rod way above it's price tag. Beautiful fittings and finish.
The cork was more reminiscent of a rod twice the price (the CPS retail well below $500)
I threaded a 9wt striper line through the guides and began doing some slow short casts.
The rod loaded well and felt light and crisp. I gradually increased the amount of line I had in the air without any hint of the rod struggling. This rod handled the full line with ease.
There was none of the dips or kinks in the loops either, the kind of kick often present when rod tips don't cope with the load.
They are a light,fast and Crisp rod that is bound to be a killer when fighting fish too.
The CPS also has that thick walled yet slim lined look to it.
I also cast a floating bonefish taper and an LC13 (28ft) which it handled very well.
I try to remain as unbiased as possible but I must declare that I am sponsored by Sage who also own Redington .
I can honestly say that this is one of the sweetest rods I have cast, at any price .
I love my Xi2 and TCR and will gladly place the CPS in the rod locker beside them.
I have cast almost all the brands of mid ranged rods and can say that this one is a standout.
Thats my opinion, cast one and see what you think!
Cannot wait to bend it on some fish tomorrow.
I will bring the rod to the Sydney Flyfishing get together on Pittwater for all to try,
cheers,
Justin Duggan
.

I'll echo those thoughts - if you have 5wt in the CPS any chance of bringing it along tomorrow - you'll save me a trip up to the mountains on Sunday to have a cast of one ( Morsie has been kind enough to offer me a test drive of his ).

Either way - looking forward to casting the 9wt at the very least.

cheers!

George.