Yep, time for a new rod. If you get the same model again you will have 3 spare pieces for that rod should those pieces get damaged OR upgrade entirely. It sounds like you like the Path but upon casting a 10ft 7wt model I found it to be quite heavy, heavy to the point that I'd probably counter balance it with a literal pound of reel if it were my own rod. I know that 10ft models are typically heavy but this was heavier than it should have been IMO. Comparatively speaking, casting my Douglas DXF 11ft 4wt doesn't feel heavy and has a foot over that 10ft 7wt model. If you like the Path get it again, but I'd probably take another 9ft 5wt over that.
That being said, I think now is the time to upgrade. My personal favorite in this model of rod is the Orvis Helios H3D 9ft 5wt as it has a bunch of desirable qualities that I really like, such as being able to nymph (it does this ok), long distance dries (something I don't do) and can toss light streamers. Due to the qualities of this rod it is now my choice for the Delaware branches for a rod that can toss dries effectively at range and a rod that can do light streamer work if need be. I liked this rod so much that it will be replacing my G. Loomis 4wt 9ft rod at my next outing, although I suspect I will be lawn casting these rods against each other until the end of time, blindly p****** away money on expensive lines just so SEE how said rods cast said line. I know these rods are fairly expensive but those are what's currently in my rotation. I think in some ways the Asquith exceeds the H3 and I'd personally rather wield a Loomis than an Orvis rod, but have chosen the H3 for the time being. I think it's because the H3 is in a higher line wt and thus has more power. Perhaps and Asquith 5wt would Shrek that H3. I just wanted a rod more capable of light streamer work.
Lately I've been really into Douglas as a whole and I find their pricing quite fair. After getting an Upstream 3wt 8ft 6 piece (travel version) I have been having a blast tossing it around my backyard. It has been on an outing to my new favorite bluegill haunt where I was teaching my roommate how to fly fish. he caught 12 bluegill that day but none of them were the "pounders" we typically try and catch there, although the decline in the big ones has left me fishing a more local pond. I was unable to bag any that night in the small window I allotted myself because I was teaching that day so I can't offer up the way a fish would feel on it. I recently acquired a DXF 11ft 4wt off of here from a nice forum member who I am going out for salmon next week. I expect major break-offs on my part. This rod has really impressed me as it has more power and casts better than what I perceived an 11ft 4wt could (I was expecting a noodle). Although I have not put a trout on it yet, a fault of my own, I have been having fun picking up other species on the creeks and took it to a pond on Monday and was surprised by how well it could cast a popper/dropper rig. I carry this rod with me during this time of the year in the event a friend wishes to fish the Schuylkill and my Hardy 2wt 10'2" gathers dust (for now), a rod that was my favorite in 2022. I've just been very satisfied with these two rods. Perhaps there is something in the Douglas lineup that could suit your needs, say a DXF, Upstream, or Sky-G. I will say the Upstream is more of a specialty rod that an all-rounder. It sounds like you are looking for an all-rounder. The Hardy UL line is on sale now and rods can be had for the low low price of $500. I fish a 2wt 10'2" that I have found to be an exceptionally fine nymphing rod, maybe the best nymph rod I own, but that has been laid aside due to the 4wt 11ft I just got. It's not necessarily that the DXF bests the Hardy it's just that the larger creeks/rivers I am fishing it is more beneficial to use the larger and longer rod. I had a UL 4wt 9'2" that was an incredible dry fly rod. I'd like to cast it alongside my Asquith 4wt to see how they stack up in a shootout. I can't even theorize which one would win. Still kicking myself in the teeth for swapping that beautiful and fine casting rod for an ugly H3, but the H3 got traded for my new (new to me) (that rod ended production before I was fly fishing) steelhead stick so I am still satisfied with the trade.
For pennies more than a Path you could have a Fenwick Aetos or a Taylor (forget the name of their $200 model, think it's the Dyanmix). I'd say get the Dynamix. Matt at Taylor knows a lot about taper design and has produced some real gems, rods used by people fully capable of buying whatever rod they wanted. The Aetos is no slouch either and I had a fun time slinging one around last year at about this time when I had forgotten my fly rod and had to borrow one. The rod performed well and was fairly light with both swing weight and overall weight. It casts a half inch Oros indicator with ease. I won't say I was impressed with it but it was a fun rod to use and a rod I'd have no issues with employing myself. My only gripe is that the new versions are an ugly gray color, a color I see used to often on both rods and cars alike. The dark blue color that they offered in the older model was absolutely stunning, a color I have become so fond of that I decided to get a rod in a similar color (SAGE VT2) after I get my car up to date on inspection.
I really think the higher end Korean rods are going to take the market by force. These are incredibly light weight rods.
So there ya go, three different categories (price-wise) to choose from if you decide to get another rod. If you like the Path then fix it or get another. I am of the personal opinion that most other 9ft 5wts would probably provide a better fishing experience so I laid them out for you.
