I own the Finesse 2 wt. Only caution is that if you push the rod at all the cast collapses. I have two other ultra rods but in 3 wts both Echos (carbon and shadow II). I have considered getting a Carbon in a 2 wt, but this seems a bit too redundant and the differences really don't justify having two.

I like my Finesse and don't regret purchase, you just have to get used to the action. I still love this rod for small mountain streams.

I don't have either rod in a 2wt but I have a CT 7'6" 3wt and a 1wt Finesse that I built. I love both of them. I got the Finesse for the exact thing you did and I was at home with it right away. I'm using an Orvis HyFlote WF1. I do agree it's a pretty soft rod but just what I wanted.

I built the Finesse because I wasn't thrilled with the factory components and I wanted it lighter; I like the CT components a little better (although I wish they also sold the blanks). The CT 2wt is 7'6", which is OK in a 3wt to me, but I prefer the shorter length of the Finesse in a 2wt. I wanted to go even shorter so I went down to the 1wt but it's not for long casts. Small creeks and smallish flies, leader fishing etc.

The Finesse is the standout for TFO to me and their only series I've found to really be compelled to own. I might even build a couple other weights at some point.

I certainly consider my TFO Sig Series II 2 wt (6 ft) an ultralight rod. It does alright with either a 2 wt line or a 3 wt line, and a big panfish puts a nice bend in it.

Jeremy, I probably don't have enough experience of other rods that are apples to apples with the TFO sticks, though at the rate I'm going I'll soon enough have all of them (oy vey! don't tell my wife ....) -- but I'm interested to know what you don't like about them?

And I am rather shocked that Loomis, who has designed many of their rods, isn't a fan.

I am not thrilled with every TFO I've ever used (for instance the TiCr and TiCrX series), but I really like my 2 wt. for $125 with a lifetime warranty and my BVK 8 and Clouser 8, two rods I use for the same waters but that cast very differently.

It seems to me that once you eliminate the "dogs" the differences (other than finish perhaps) between a $150 carbon fiber rod and a $750 carbon fiber rod are pretty subtle in 2017.

On the other hand, I also can't tell much difference between a Columbia Crest Cab for $9 and Cade's 2012 Estate Cabernet for $90. So it might just be me. ;-)

Gary Loomis was stating that when he joined up with TFO that the rods were not designed all that well, and he's only been involved with designing the spinning and casting rods as far as I'm aware, Lefty gets to play with the fly rods.

Why don't I like TFO rods? Well they just don't cast or perform as well as other rods of like price across the board. An Echo Carbon just casts and fishes better than a Finesse. The St. Croix Premier used to be priced about the same as a Finesse, and its also better.

TFO rods just feel clunky for the most part. The cork usually is pretty bad, the blanks are heavy compared to other makes, and most tend to have a heavier swing weight in hand.

Now I'll admit I've cast many, and even own more expensive and better performing USA made rods, so yes I'm a little biased. These days though the low end market is very competitive, and the rods are better than ever, but TFO is a bit behind the materials and performance curve.

Fair enough. I guess I need to get me one of those Echo Carbons to compare.

Echo Carbon, in my opinion, is a can't miss 2wt. I love mine. Definitely worth your consideration.

I seem to recall some people saying that the CT 2wt was not as medium an action as the CT 3wt for its line weight. But I'm surprised Mike hasn't chimed in because I'm sure he's owned both of them (more than once I think...)

In which case, a Cabela's CGR 2 wt? Really nice rods for the price ($100? I got mine on sale for $59) and just a ton of fun for fish that size.

I like the 7'6" rods. All the other rods I looked at were 8' and over, some were 6'. A 2wt at 8' would be as long as I'd go, and I believe it was the TFO Pro Series II that comes in that length. The Finesse was 7'3", which wouldn't be bad.

As for the CGR rods, I think I'm the only one in this great country that does not like them at all. I had one in the 4/5 weight and I gave it away. Too soft for me. I like a little faster glass rod like my Scott F2 or Steffen's.

And for a ultralight rod, I don't need to spend over $180, and many aren't more than that unless I have a rod made. But why, it's a 2wt for goodness sake. I'm going to be catching small wild trout, not streamer crushing browns. I'm just trying to keep it simple and practical. And if the 2wt CT is how you describe, it's the winner.

I'll go to the fly shop and have one ordered, seems there is an UL epidemic going on and everyone is sold out. Hmmm,...strange.

I must say that I am blessed to live in an area where there are more rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and ponds than a person can fish in a lifetime. Just the Rocky Mount. Nat. Park alone is awesome. But the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area is the true gem. There are areas I fish ( and they are no secret areas either ) where I have not come in contact with any other fisherman. I generally fish for a good 8 hrs. and having a beautiful piece of water in the forest to myself to explore with no one insight is truly paradise on earth. It's dry fly heaven.

I have a Redington 2 wt CT hardly used and thinking about selling it. Too may rods...
Asking $85 for it.