I first got this rod 2 years ago first and foremost as a casting rod and instantly fell in love with it. Its so user friendly, its not over stiff at all yet it still has awesome power, but to take it in your hand you would swear it was a bass rod as it so slim. I have cast 218 meters with this on the field but its on the beach where I realy rate this, as it can put a bait a long long way and it also has the power to bully fish over medium to rough ground while still giving adaquete bite detection. Its my favorite rod when long casts are needed to find the fish or in big weedy seas where weed is being dragged in and a rod that wont fold up is needed. It doesnt matter if im casting or fishing my M4 evo is always in the bag