I have the 9'6" BPS Micro Lite Rod with the weight balance kit installed. Without the kit you'll have to keep a constant pull on the rod tip to keep it up out of the water. After 8 or 9 hours of that you'll definatley see why you need the balance kit. It helps the hand, arm, & much more so, the wrist. But give it a shot. If you dont fish long per trip, you may be ok without it.