I love mine, it is the same as your. 7'2" Med action ex fast. These are meant to be a dropshot rod. But I use it as a pretty much all around rod. I fish from shore or wade most of the time, so I need to be able to cast far. When I had my US Reel supercaster on it with 20lb suffix braid, I could launch a senko a mile. You have to get used to holding the rod though, the butt section of the rod is long. The way I hold the rod, the butt is about at my elbow, so I can feel every move I make in mt forearm and elbow. My only complaint is I would rather have a MH exfast rod, just so I could throw heavier baits. I don't understand how you are hurting your hand with the grip though, Ive never got a blister from a fishing rod, other than saltwater fishing. I think mine is very comfortable really. I could never see using an uglystick over this rod, but thats just me.