They quit building the shorter version of the MTs, they used to build an 8 ft 3 in, 8 ft 6 in and the 8 ft 9 in they still build today. The 8 ft 9 in versions is in my estimation a bit heavier powered. I've built many, and own a few of the shorter rods and like them very much. My 5 ft tall wife uses the 8 ft 3 in version for general fishing and I built a 8 ft 6 in MT in the Perigee blanks that I gave my dad as his primary rod that he loves and he gets rave reviews due to the color, I used metallic Sulky thread for the wraps that matches the green blank almost exactly.
You're going to like that rod, it does many things well.

We do still build the X 86 MTC we just this last year discontinued it in the graphite handle. We just did not sell enough of them. There was no issues with them at all. I personally prefer the Graphite handles over cork they stay looking better longer and they are more sensitive and look better. She did good.

if i had one wish for xmas.. it would be for you to guys to start building them again!

i have two certified pros that have served me better than any rods i've ever used in my life. an 8'6'' 8-12lb gh and an 8'9'' 10-20 gh. everyone that sees them wants one. i get complements on those two rods every time i go fishing... (3 and sometimes 4 times a week year round with only a few "off season" exceptions).

there's just something about the pairing of that beautyful warm tone of the certified blank with the graphite handle... plus i never have an issue with bait staining the handle.. even with cure laiden nitriles on in down pouring rain i never have an issue with grip and rod holders on the cat have never denied me my fish.

i moved out here about 11yrs ago and after getting settled in i picked up my first at bobs in longview.
i liked it so much i picked up the second a year later. now i'm not gonna lie here, i've put these two threw the ringer. i've dragged them threw hell and back again trecking threw some of the worst terain to find the prize. there's a reason some of us are catching when everyone els is grinding elbows at the local meat-hole. less pressure=more active fish=lots of hatchery cards=)
threw it all though, they've deffinately seen better days. it realy does sadden me to see them in their current condition and even more so now that i want to replace them and i cant because they're not offered anymore.

i have however learned a whole new appreciation for them now that i know i can never get them back.
i hope you guys could reconcider.. you had a great thing going with gh certifieds... i know a lot of guys out there that agree.