What is a smooth progressive action? How does a smooth progressive taper compare to a medium action? I'm looking at 2 different Thomas and Thomas blanks and I'm not sure what "smooth progressive" means or how it would compare to what I consider medium action? Would it be a faster or slower action? Has anyone out there used or built a T&T "paradigm" or "helix"?

There is no such thing. That's just a marketing term. You won't find that term anywhere within the historical definition of "action."

Now to be easy on the T&T marketing people, you can define "smooth, progressive" action as one that flexes deeper and deeper as more and more load is applied to it. Of course, that's true of most all rods. It's just the nature of how they work.

I highly suggest you read the following short article called "Fly Rod Expertise by The Numbers" - it will help you understand where the marketing people come up with such terms and will allow you to come up with some pretty impressive terms of your own: [www.common-cents.info]

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Brandon, the T&T Helix is a medium fast action rod. The Paradigm is more of a Full Flex rod or slow action. The Horizon is considered a fast action. I have cast all three in the same line weights and lengths. I would compare the Helix to a Orvis T-3 mid flex, the Paradigm to a Winston WT or Scott G series, and the Horizon to the Orvis T-3 tip flex or St Croix Legend. T&T also has a couple of other series, LPS which on are also on par with the Paradigm and a couple of new ones that I haven't played with. A good friend of mine who has a fly shop is a T&T dealer and I have been able to cast and fish a good amount of the trout rods he sells. A bit on the pricey side for my taste, but they do make a quality blank. I my opinion there are blanks that are just as good but cost a lot less. Now keep in mind that my opinion on how fast or slow a blank is might differ from another ones opinion, but I should be pretty close.

Thanks Tom and Bill, both of you are very helpful. I'm actually looking at a winston wt as well and for the price difference, i'll may end up with the wt.
Have you ever used a wt? I'm looking at the 8' 3#.

I have, an 8-6 5wt in the WT. A real nice dry fly rod. Very pleasurable casting rod. They seem pretty true to the weight rating also, meaning you don't need to over or under line them to get them to cast correctly within normal casting ranges.

I'm looking for a dry fly rod that will make delicate presentation at 30 feet or less but can still reach out past 30 if need be. Spring brookie fishing.