Wouldn't know much about any of this marketing BS but do know this, look at the secondary used market what makers stuff was "good" or not. Used entry level ($2-300) offshore made graphite rods are 50-60 bucks used but used lighter line RPL+s still regularly bring 3 to 400 bucks (450 new) and I just watched a good used but now discontinued Sage 389LL bring $565 usd on evilbay, more than new. Y'all tell me, whats the better maker?