I got interested in a "new" glass rod about 10 years ago: a five weight for trout fishing. I researched the hottest new blanks, and hired a semi-pro rod builder in Santa Fe, NM to build it. Then I fished it.....then I sold it. It was beautiful
I got interested in the "new" glass rod revival of about 10 years ago. The blanks were supposed to be slightly faster, with much better feel than 60's and 70's era rods. I did my research, consulted with semi-pro rod builder in Santa Fe about the right blank, had him build the rod to build to my specs, and then fished it quite a bit. It could certainly get the job done, but it could not do one thing better, and did not feel as good to me, as even the most modest carbon rod in the same weight class. The experience was of some interest, but at the end of the day, I could see no reason limit myself. I sold it.
I grew up riding 70's era BMW boxer motorcycles. I even rebuilt an early 80's R100RT, and did so with a few modern touches. Did an Iron Butt ride on that bike (St. Louis to Albuquerque in one day), which was sure handsome. Then I rode a a modern R1200RT. It was stunning how much better that bike was. I promptly bought the new one and sold the rebuild. You can't go home again, with rods or bikes.