These days my standard rods for the Severn at normal/summer levels have been a pair of Hi S SU (12ft) which are ~1.75lb tc. But when there's a couple of metres of coloured water on I tend to rove with a single rod using large meat or lobs under a 12ft Hi S 'Barbel' @2lb tc. Although there's only supposed to be 4oz difference in test curve between these rods, because their actions are so different (IMO) then the "2lb" rod feels much 'beefier' than the Hi S SU's. To me the Hi S SU's are fine tipped but much more 'through' action, whereas the 2lb 'Barbel' rod, although in no way 'tippy', is more progressive. Overall, I think the 12ft Hi S 'Barbel'' 2lb rod is a joy to use, and
the best all-round barbel rod that I own...maybe akin to a lighter version to my (now redundant, bought for the lower Severn) pair of Hi S Big Water 2.25lb'ers.
N.b... with a nod to Rich, my absolute fave rod for trundling/freelining is undoubtedly my 11ft/1.75lb Torrix
. Again, a very different beast.