Whit Whittle wrote:
I am looking to purchase a new 5 wt Rod, and have set a budget at no more
than $300...

I am looking at the Scott A2, Sage FLi, Winston IBIS, or St Croix Legend
Ultra...

It doesn't much matter.

If you can't actually test cast all of them (on the water), and you
don't have a existing bias toward one of the brands, and cost isn't
the deciding factor (in which case, buy the cheapest) just put the 4
names in a hat and draw one....

(honestly)

JR