Free Spirit - The Spirit Specialist Advanced Rod

I have the 11 foot 1 lb 2 oz version. This also feels very stiff for it's claimed TC. I was hoping for a two piece 11 foot rod with a softish action rather like those of good quality feeder rods. Can anyone suggest a two piece 11 foot rod suitable for 4/5 lb test line maximum and soft enough to use hooks down to a size 18? I am reluctant to buy a feeder rod because I don't like the tiny line guides on the quiver tips. My Free Spirit rod will end up being used for barbel - it feels powerful enough to make fuull use of 8 lb test line! The moral being I suppose, try before you buy. I' not buy another rod "blind"