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I just visited the Hexagraph website. Their pitch sounds convincing, but I'm wondering how much of the casting satisfaction comes from the hex shape and solid construction, and how much just comes from a slower action. To my limited experience mind, it seems that a light, modern graphite rod with a medium or slow/medium action would get the same happy results found in the Hexagraph testimonies.
Any thoughts?
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Also, I do realize the bamboo look has great appeal, at a much cheaper cost than real bamboo.

I don't think they are superior to other high end graphite rods by Sage, T&T, or Winston. They are a little slower than some of the more popular fast action rods. I think the solid construction makes them feel tip heavy, but that's my opinion. The grips on the two I tried were a little large, looked out of place on petite rods. They are unique.

In slower rods, the little glass Diamondbacks (don't know if they're still manufactured) feel pretty nice, as does my old Tom Morgan built 6' 2 weight glass rod.

Although it won't win any distance contests, nothing casts like my old Orvis Flea (paid $156 for it in 1975). Too scared to carry it on the stream at current bamboo prices....

JB,
I've never had the privilege of casting with bamboo. It's it truely that sweet of an experience, or mostly a nostalgia issue? I ask that in a good way because I'm more nostalgic than anyone else I know except possibly my pop.

Also, is it worth searching for older bamboo rods that are too young to be considered collectable, but have depriciated some, or do the rods loose some action over the years and it's better to go with new production? Ebay/yard sales could potentially be my best bet because there's no way I can afford a new Orvis.
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I think that for small stream fishing's typical short casting distances nothing beats bamboo. Since I don't need to keep more than a few feet out, the slow action allows a nice slow sidearm roll cast.

Personally I think it's worth the effort to find a nice well cared-for bamboo rod. Orvis is not held in great esteem with the collectors but is a nice casting rod that's usually priced a little more down to earth. The impregnated Orvis rods can be found at reasonable prices from time to time and don't lose much, if any, of their action. They have a soul, if you will, that glass or graphite doesn't have...

I even owned a 5' bamboo spinning rod of all things. Wish I still had that one.

Thanks JB. I'll start watching for good deals.

i built one for a fellow a few years ago using just the blank. the components i used matched a favorite bamboo he already had. i never fished it but he was real happy with it. he said it wasn't as sweet as his other rod but it was still real nice and it looked proper.