I agree, there will definitely be some degree of change. Hall would probably be able to produce the closest thing to the existing stick, but also would probably be the most expensive (still cheaper imho). I would guess that forte could do a blank for quite a bit less, but i'm sure it would have different bend characteristics and weight (since they use an Aluminum T mast as the mandrel), but I'm guessing it would still be pretty close. I've never seen the newer F18 extrusions so have no idea on the weight of those, but you can probably get really close to the carbon stick in terms of weight (my old alum. T mast was pretty close to the current I20 carbon stick in terms of weight).

If they can get the price of a new boat down to the $13K range I think we would all welcome an alum. stick. If it would still be in the $16-17 range probably not so much. It seems when things get over $15K it gets alot harder to justify. Has anyone heard anything from the factory on this?