Guys, for those of you who are thinking of getting a BLC 80/35 for GTs, can I please emphasize that this rod is made for YTKs, not GTs. I wouldn't even really contemplate using a 83/40 for GTs so if you want to do so with an even lighter BLC, I can only say you I would not recommend it and you should do so with great caution. Carpenter have a number of rods which are recommended for stickbaits for GTs. The BLC is not one of them.
Jon is using a level of drag that is obviously suitable for the rod and it is a rod that is keeping him in the sport but you young blokes should be looking for a GT rod.