I had a chance to compare the centurion ($70) to a st croix avid ($160) last fall. Eventhough they are different materials and at different price points, this is what i found. The st croix was lighter and just a tad bit more sensitive (sciii vs im6) but i liked the grip and handle better on the airrus and you can balance them out if needed, unlike the st croix. A better comparison would be the airrus spectra or ultra to the avid since they are about the same price.

From what i have read, experienced, and discussed with ken (I talked to him about this a few months ago), if your rod is perfectly balanced with the reel matched with it, the weight of the rod does not really make a difference. In heavy surf rods, i would say yes but in these rods, you are talking probably less than an ounce difference.

So from the rods I have vs what i have tried, the Airrus rods are a tad bit heavier but once balanced, feel equal to or even lighter than other rods that might be overall lighter but not balanced.

Hope this helps.

Byron