I started with an 8ft 6in, 6wt rod, but I just couldn't cast it. 90% of the streams I fish are very small and 7ft is long enough. I have a 9wt and 10wt saltwater rods if I want a work out!
On thing I like about Orvis is they have an awsome 25 year warranty. If you fall and break the rod they will replace it for free! It doesn't matter no questions asked they will fix or replace your rod for any reason for 25 years!
Good luck!