I would suggest using the triflex for that application. Both rods can give you the distance, depending how you build it. As for the back bone the triflex will be more sufficient. The Ron Arra has a very good back bone but I would feel more comfortable with the triflex......just in case

thanx rdogpro, thats pretty much what i thought, just needed it confirmed by some one. when you say "it will do the distance depending fow i build it", do you mean guide choice,spacing and wether or not i underwrap the guides? which guides would be best? concept style? i assume less guides should equel more distance, but wont this have an adverse affect on the rods action when playing large fish? i have built a few rods, but always stuck very close to manufacturers spacing suggestions, but i am very open to suggestions....!
thanx
P.S. does the triflex i am interested have a fast enough action to effectively work poppers(halco rooster and the like) ?sorry for all the questions, just want to make an informed decision befor buying and building!

As for the guides, most of my rods I have built are with the SiC guides. Sticking with manufactures specs always a good thing. You want to avoid to many guides if you use a spinning outfit but for conventional, as long as the line does not touch the blank under a large load, then your good to go. What I have heard from folks that build rods all the time, they say to many guides can make a graphite rod stiffer..... maybe its a good thing. I recommend underwraps for the guilds, though, not only it protects the blank surface but it also helps the epoxy curring process.
For the reel seat I use the soft touch seat by Fuji.
Most rods I have used for distance casting has a longer butt section, meaning from the end of the butt to the reel seat. I have gotten more distance with a longer butt section than some of the stock rods out there. But it all in comfort. A longer butt section helps load the rod in distance casting........just my opinion.
I tried using the triflex with poppers (polaris, darters) and have some success. The lure action is very aggressive but try to work the lure with less force, meaning less jerk (polaris). I'm haven't tried other poppers yet but will let you know when I do. Sometimes you have to stick with the lucky lure.

Thanx very much for your advice, i will be using it with a 8000sized shimano spinning reel and 40lb braid.
i too fish with longer butts, much better leverage when applying power to the cast! will probably get this blank in the next month or so(as long as the wife doesnt find out first!)
Thanx again for all your help and advice!

Tight Lines!! Good luck neil777.