It is more sensitive than the Trophy, am not sure if it is lighter especially being a foot longer, good all round rod for fish 4-20lbs, too long for small streams fishing in the bushes IMO but good for anything from say Capilano to Vedder size water. Very durable, deliberately tried to break mine this fall bending it to the cork holding mid 20s springs in swift water with 20lb leader and failed to break it. As Mr P said cork is on the fat side but you can sand it down, depends on your hands really, I find it OK. Balances good with a heavier / bigger reel ie Islander, Silex, Avon, Okuma. If you are looking for something a bit lighter for smaller water I'd go with the 9 or 10' Trophy XL light mooching / bucktail rod which are about 100 bucks and are sweet Coho / Steely sticks.