I went to buy a 10' Tri Flex Graphite rod at my local shop and my Penn 6500ss won't fit in the reel seat. The store owner was surprised. The other thing is the rods have a black coating over the cork. Is this something new? What rod would you suggest I buy instead, the Triumph will fit the reel with ease but the quality isn't as good. Any suggestions? I don't want to buy another reel but I really have my heart set on the Tri Flex. Thanks Paul