Here's my review for the Okuma 7'11" series

http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/rods/okuma_gs-c-711/index.html
http://www.calfishing.com/files/Images/rods/okuma_gs-c-711/full_handle.jpg

To add your own review comments and rating for this rod, use this link:
http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/comment.html?product_id=1109

I use the "Balancer" on all my rods. Its the rubber end cap that fits over the butt end. You add the lead weights until it matches the rod/reel combo. I put them on the Crucial XH and it makes the rod alot more easy to handle. Now that i've seen the Okuma, that solution looks problematic. The first time I used that Balancer, i asked the guy who showed it to me. "how do you know how much weight to add to the butt end" He replied, "you'll just know". It was the perfect answer, and the same one i give to other guys who are now trying them.