I tried one of Gary Soldati's conventional rigs on Cutty a couple seasons ago as we were having fun with plugs and I was amazed at the casting distance I was achieving with the braid and a 2.5 oz. pencil!
I still think about those casts! NIB I think I will spool one of my 6500 Abu's with braid and give it an honest shake this season!
Having a new conventional rod built too so......give it a shot I guess.....at least part time!