The older CGRs are now gone from Cabelas site so they must have cleared out all their inventory. You might find one in a store still, but for now the new models are selling for full retail price.

I'm not being critical of the new CGR (haven't cast one), but for those considering one at full price I think it's also worth considering that, depending on the day and the model, a new Fenwick Fenglass can be purchased for about $40 more. Again, it is not my intent to criticize the CGR line or its fans, just pointing out that the price points of the mentioned brands are now much closer than when the Fenwicks were at full price and the original CGRs were at $60ish.

Looks like they made the stripping guide bigger too. That was always a problem for the heavier weights.

I picked the 6'6" 4wt, because it has the uplocking reel seat. I'm not a fan of rings.

I sent it back. The reel seat was more cheap looking than I could handle.

I find uplocking seats to be an anathema, preferring a footed butt cap and sliding ring for all rods up to 6 wt.

I think every change they've made on the II's is the wrong change lol.

I don't like the gold hardware. On a rod of this price and quality, it's just tacky to throw some fake gold on it lol.
Also, I don't like the reel seat hardware changes at all! I really liked the brushed finish on the old 7/8.

Could be something like these by Pac Bay: http://www.mudhole.com/Pac-Bay-Model-T- ... amic-Rings

These rods are intended to be fished hard, left in a vehicle, caught on brush, etc. I have literally thrown my 3wt up onto rock landings while hiking to another spot when I needed both hands and banged it off more branches than I can remember. My 7/8 has been stepped on multiple times, banged on rocks, etc. Both look like they've been through the ringer because they have. They still fish great.

The CGRs are pretty good and reliable tools, and that's it. All the hardware needs to be is sturdy on rods like these. Don't worry about a cheap rod looking cheap! Just my .02.