I have introduced my son to the addiction and he goes to college near several trout rivers with Browns, Rainbows and some Brookies. He is looking at one of the Rainshadow Eternity2 blanks in a 5wt. He has wondered if he should build a 6wt. The fish are usually not more than 12 to 14 inches, but there might the occasional big holdover fish (most are the stocked stuff). We are in upstate SC so not big western rivers. The rod would be used mainly for stocked Browns & Rainbows, or occasionally for bream fishing.

The only reason he would want a 6 wgt for the type of fishing he does is if he is planning on casting larger streamers, poppers, or weighted flies. A 5 wgt is a very good all around trout or bream rod.
Norm

X2 on the suggestion above, even throw sink tips to 175 grain on my 5 wts. They might carry 200 grains but I have a 6 wt. also.

Take a serious look at the Bushido Fly blanks.. A 5Wt blank should be just fine, most rods will handle one weight line up or down from their suggested weight.

Marty, I agree with the above posts, I think a 5wt would be sufficient and would still make a great panfish rod. I loved the Eternity2 5wt that I built for a customer, although my experience with it is limited to yard casting. Loads very smooth and has a beautiful presentation. Very accurate. Don't think you'll go wrong with it. I saw a Bushido 4wt that Randy had built at the MRB gathering a month ago and it seemed to have a nice mod-fast smooth tip. I can't say how the Bushido casts against the Eternity2, but I think your comparing apples to oranges as far as feel. Let us know what you decide on and please post pics.