Thank-you for the replies. With the acolyte is the ultra the softest then the plus and the stiffest the distance? The distance is not to stiff for skimmers etc?
The order you have above is correct...Basically the further distance out you fish the stiffer the rod needs to be to cope with bigger feeders, distances you need the rod to cast, the accuracy/repeatability of your casts and the stiffer/bigger size of quivertip (ounce rating) will need to achieve those things just mentioned....
This has to be balanced against the size of the fish your catching, venue, depth of water, prevailing weather conditions, whether you need to fish with braid to achieve said distance for skimmers, if your venue(s) allow the use of braid or only allowed mono'.....As you can see/appreciate the list is endless....And finally, how deep your pockets are!
It's nightmare/minefield to work through, but it can be done with careful choice and parameters set by yourself on spending and the venues you fish....There is not a one rod scenario that satisfies each and every condition.....Then you've got the reel choice to consider!....That's for another post....
I wish you well with this 'journey' and your fishing results....Be lucky...
