I saw on the fenwick website that they are back in the upscale fly rod buisness again. I am looking to get a 9' 8wt for smallies and stripers. Their new top end rods are like 200 bucks compared to a sage that's cheap as it gets for a top end rod. Curious to see how people like them before I pounce.

seal, I haven't looked at the new Fenwick's, but I have a bunch of the old Fenglass fly rods.. Personally, I love 'em.. Most of the new rods are so stiff, it is like using a telephone pole to fly fish.
I have some St. Croix's the Avid, I believe.. They are very nice rods, but about $400. I think if I were you, I would hit a Cabela's or something similar, and see if you can cast some of the roads that interest you.. Several of these shops have done that for me when I was interested in a new rod..

I would take a look at the St. Croix Imperial for just a bit more:
St. Croix Imperial
It fared well in the 8-weight shootout:
2014 8-weight shootout