Well after much thought I've decided to "pull the pin" on an XST 1263F. 10'6, medium power, 6-12 line rating, fast action. The much loved XST 1383 was definitely considered. However, after wiggling a built one at Dart and Tackle I crossed it off. Surprisingly noodley for it's fast action rating. I think would make a great coho and steelhead rod, but for my preference not enough back bone.
The 1263 is much more what I am looking for. The rod has the identical specs as the 1383, but is lighter by 0.8oz. It feels much different action and power wise compared to the 1383 when you give both a good wiggle. The 1283 with it's thicker butt and a foot shorter feels more like it would "turn heads." I've fished my buddies 1263 pin and found it very light in the hand, no issues casting the fast action. Great hook setting power for such a light rod. I didn't catch anything "big" on it (just a medium coho) however all the reviews of the 1263 on this site say it is more than adequate for springs and chum in the type of water I typically fish.
I don't think you can go wrong with the 1263 or 1383. It all depends on your own cost/benefit checklist.
Looked and wiggled the beefier 1264 (10'6) and 1324 (11'). These are power rods that have a bit more jam than I'm looking for. Would be great for springs in faster water.
I decided against getting a Sage as the 3113LBs and 3113mbs that I put my reel on both felt noticeably tip heavy. The 3106B was way too beefy for my liking, and the 3106LB felt too noodley, although it balanced out quite well with my reel. I love my light Sage CT 2106, but the none of the 3 power pin rods were a great match for what I'm looking for.
Decided against GLoomis as everyone I talked to said if you ever have to make a warranty claim, you will wish you never purchased a Loomis. Also very plain-Jane finishings for such expensive rods! For example the STR 1263C-BC which I quite liked and considered buying retails for $380 +tax. Beside an inexpensive Okuma or Trophy pin rod the Loomis looks out classed. Even my $140 HMX pin rod has a nicer reel seat, nicer cork, and so on. For roughly the same price as this flaccid factory rod I can have a custom build Rainshadow. No brainer! And, from what I am told their warranty is rock solid. Yes I would have to pay to have the rod built again, which would suck, and not a factor with a broken factory rod.
Rainshadow RX8 salmon/steelhead blanks for anyone interested:
http://www.rainshadowrodblanks.com/product-line/rx8-salmonsteelhead-castingspinning/