Re: looking for recomendations on a spey set up

I agree, nothing beats getting started out right by someone that knows what they are doing like poppy at Redshed. Be careful, everyone you meet on the river with a spey rod will lead you to believe they are experts.
Personal preference is the real deal, I know plenty of people that like the big rods, I just wouldn't recommend one for a beginner. A delta spey is ideal to begin with and continue with.
This is all my own opinion and may or may not mean anything. The main idea is to have fun and catch some fish.