vdragan
Member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2012
- Messages
- 31
Hi, I'm looking to get passed my beginner's 5 wt. fast and stiff Okuma rod and wanted to get something for very light dry fly fishing (#16-#26). I'm from Lehigh Valley, so mostly small spring creeks.
From trying other rods too, a medium or medium-fast action would work good; also a not-so-rigid flex so I can roll cast in tight quarters; around 8 feet and under 250$
I've attached a research sheet I've put together, but the main question is: would the entry level models from Orvis (Clearwater II), Sage (Vantage), Redington (Trout) be a better value than TFO? I understand TFO uses cheaper graphite (can break), not sure about the others. It's difficult since there is no place to carry them all around here (Cabela's has some but not the right weight etc)
I was able to test the TFO Finesse and liked it (though finish is a bit lacking), the LL Bean Pocket Water so and so - too short, Double LL was better but only 4wt, Cabela CGR glass too soft.
I also see Orvis does not mention the flex in the Clearwater, that's not a good sign. The Vantage cork and handle seems higher quality from pictures, not sure if that's an indication for the whole rod.
Did anybody try a few of these 3-wt rods side-by-side? Which would be better casting in the hands of a skillful caster (which I hope to become, being just ok now)?
If you did not fell asleep reading the long post I would appreciate any feedback.
Thank you.
From trying other rods too, a medium or medium-fast action would work good; also a not-so-rigid flex so I can roll cast in tight quarters; around 8 feet and under 250$
I've attached a research sheet I've put together, but the main question is: would the entry level models from Orvis (Clearwater II), Sage (Vantage), Redington (Trout) be a better value than TFO? I understand TFO uses cheaper graphite (can break), not sure about the others. It's difficult since there is no place to carry them all around here (Cabela's has some but not the right weight etc)
I was able to test the TFO Finesse and liked it (though finish is a bit lacking), the LL Bean Pocket Water so and so - too short, Double LL was better but only 4wt, Cabela CGR glass too soft.
I also see Orvis does not mention the flex in the Clearwater, that's not a good sign. The Vantage cork and handle seems higher quality from pictures, not sure if that's an indication for the whole rod.
Did anybody try a few of these 3-wt rods side-by-side? Which would be better casting in the hands of a skillful caster (which I hope to become, being just ok now)?
If you did not fell asleep reading the long post I would appreciate any feedback.
Thank you.