The XP was considered fast back in the day. I'd consider it to be nearly medium fast compared to some of the fast stiff sticks that lack soul that are on the market today.

The rod he got is a good choice if he intends to use it for beach fishing.
Fishing the beaches involves making hundreds of casts per day sometimes over a 6-8 hour period while searching for the unicorn.

Nice looking bug by the way.....
SF

Tied this up 2 of these this Saturday more AJ 3/0 should go well with the new rod I picked up about 2 months ago.. 14'3 7/8/9 CND Solstice
Matched up with either a Nextcast Winter Authority 55 7/8 or an older Airflo Steelhead Tactical 8

Some nice flies there Luis. Keep tying like that and you're gonna' have to trade in your polyester buff for a genuine silk ascot!

That's some good bait there, BU.