Never know til you try. I built a 6-10" mxf for a guy and it blew up on the first outing. I replaced it, but I had this brand new, pristine grip and seat in didn't want to waste. I cut the rod off about 6" in front of the seat and wouldn't you know it, it fit perfectly in the butt of the same blank. I glued it up and it's the fastest XF rod I've ever felt. It's 8' long now. I haven't wrapped it, but I'm betting it's gonna be a great deep water DS rod.