Nice write up stsfisher, thanks!
Was in my favorite tackle shop today wiggling some rods, trying my new pin reel on various rods, chatting with the staff. Made some headway on my rod choice.
3106B: wow, beefier than I thought it would be! Looks like it would skip a coho across the surface like a flat rock. Nice rod for when big power is needed but too much for what I'm looking for.
3113LB and 3113M: Liked them both, but not loved them both. With my reel on either rod they felt a bit tip heavy to me. I know this could be compensated for in a custom build with reel seat placement, butt cap weight, and so on. Also, I know it's only 9 inches, but the 11'3 just feels a bit too long. I'd probably get used to it but 10'6 just feels perfect.
Gloomis GL2 1263C-BC. This rod felt VERY nice with my reel on it. Almost weightless. Really really liked the way this rod felt. However it's finished quite cheaply/ugly IMO. The cork and butt look cheaper than the Femwicks, Shimanos, even Okumas! I just was not that impressed with the arse end of the rod.
If I had to buy a rod today, it would have been the Loomis. However for $400ish I can get into a custom Rainshadow, which seems like better bang for my buck.
I know the 1383 is more of a cpin action, but I think I'd be happier with the 1263. For one I'm not a big fan of 11'3, and even less so 11'6. Second from what I have read on this site the 1263 with its faster action would have better hook setting than the 1383, and a bit more power in the butt of the rod. I fished my buddies 1263 built as a pin and I found it quite pleasurable to cast and fish. I only caught a mid sized coho on it, would be nice to test it on a big chum or spring. I trust his opinion and he says it can handle chum and springs, although it does not have the jam of say a 3106B.