I have tried the 1201L and the 1201M. If you are fishing any sort of structure and need to control a fish as everyone has said opt for the 1201M. With a 1201L even a teen sized fish will be tough to control in structure.
I find a very good setup to be a 1321M or 1201M and a 9' lami in the L. The reason for this is that if you are fishing the open beach with no structure you can go with the L and launch some lighter stuff (perfect bomber rod). If you are fishing any sort of structure, than the M is your rod as it can help you control a fish and give you a fighting chance. If you hook a 30# bass on an L near a rock and land that fish you better play the lotto that night because you were extremely lucky.
I also like the St. Croix 9' M. Friend has one and I used it a couple of times and was presently suprised.
Billy |