Vtsalmon, First, I am not an expert in any shape or form. I do like quads, I think they are a little harder to make because the angle is more acute (45deg vs 60deg), but attention to detail and a shape plan iron has helped reducing chipping around the nodes. I do find them a little fast but then again that all depends on the taper from all the rods that I have cast. This was an original a hex taper, so I only did what I normally did on my other quads I have made and that is a .93 to .90 conversion factor through to the butt. I only watch and listen when true rod makers talk about conversion factors and what is better/best. IMO if you like it, you like it. But this will be my first test building a quad and a hex to compare the difference with the original taper. But I probable have about another 30 to 40 hours left in the quad build. I defiantly will not glue anything permanently to the blank until I’m sure I like it; waste not want not! Sorry, I didn't answer your question but I fined them smoother and faster (IMO) on average.