I'm planning on completing my arsenal of saltwater fly rods with a 12 wt 4 piece travel rod to be used on tarpon and trevally when the opportunity presents itself, and am hoping to go to Christmas Island next year. I have 8,9, and 10 wt rods. Models under consideration include CTS Revo and Affinity salt, Dan Craft FT, and Sage Xi2. Any comments comparing the characteristics of these blanks will be appreciated. Regarding the CTS Revo, I note on the website that models tend to bracket a range (i.e. 10-12 wt and 12-14 wt models...I don't get that), so which would be better for my intended use? I know Dan Craft will be the winner on price, but I am sick of building with matte graphite-color blanks, and do not want to paint a blank myself. Nevertheless, I'm curious what people would say about that blank.

Based on previous threads, my guide layout will be Amtak Titan size 25 and 16 double foot V-frame (NIV) strippers, one size 10 Titan NIF single foot, the rest (including tip-top) size 8 NIF guides. Sound about right, or do I want larger running guides with a 12 wt? I'll be using loop to loop connections with WF fly lines.

By the way, anyone who saw my "fly reel spool diameter" thread from last week please see my follow-up admission of stupidity.

The Sage Xi2 12 is one of the best blanks on the market. Super for big tarpon and giant trevally. The Dan Craft 12 is a great blank that looks even better price wise. Now if you plan to use 20 lb class tippets the CTS Revo 12-14 is the way to go, casts like a 12 but has the butt that can handle 20# test tippets. Remember this, 12wt fly rods will not handle 20# class tippets, without breaking the rod if a fish like a trevally goes deep on you and you have to pump him up.
If you want to know something about Christmas Island feel free to ask, I've spent 3 months fishing there. It's one of my favorite places on earth.

I recently purchased a TFO light bluewater rod after test casting it side by side with a Sage XI2 and a GLoomis CC GLX. The TFO is an awesome casting rod! And, the blank is very inexpensive (and nice looking too, metallic blue).

I hope to give it a good test drive at CI in a few months!