Spey or Switch? Need help

[Hunyak]

Alright, so I got the old man to go to the SR with me in March.

As this is our first time, we need recommendations on rods, weights, length, style.

I understand that a switch is more manageable than a spey and offers more versatility with dead stick nymphing.

I have also thought of just renting rods at Whitakers to sample the different styles and sizes before I invest in one even though its ~$20 /day/rod.

Any input is appreciated, assuming the main target species is steelies.
We would also like to use these rods for stripers if we can find the right setup.

[fishin jimmy]

I think you are going to have to decide what type of casting you will be doing. Do you want the extra length so you can huck the line further on an overhead cast, or do you want it to dap nymphs like Czech nymphing, or do spey casting?

I do double spey's, along with overhead casts with a 6 wt switch. I might be wrong, but I don't think you will suddenly find casts to be easier with a switch. What I like about the spey/switch set ups are their versatility & I don't HAVE to do constant false casting. Suggestion - get a video.

That being said I'd look at an 8 wt TFO or Beulah to do both steelies & stripers. I like the lighter stuff & have used a 5/6 spey for stripers, in addition to my 6 wt switch, but that's just me.