ive had the big danny triple 3 version , and its definately softer than the black one i own , i think the black ones have slightly more in the tip than the red ttr but think the butt is slightly softer on the black one , both cracking rods , i used to use zziplex for fieldwork but now use the ttr , i do agree that the rod is sometimes a lifeless lump , but do know that the zziplex zeteque is stiffer still