Fishing The Fly Scotland
Index => Tackle Talk => Topic started by: Terry Coging on 12/02/2018 at 18:19
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....and half a century of inexpensive rods later, I am looking for something special :wink
I am going to treat myself to the best, but the best for me may not be the best for anyone else.
The most expensive will be considered along with the others. Most fishing is done on large reservoirs. Boat and bank. Dry's and nymphs mainly, sometimes a lure. I like a crisp action rod and often use a line weight lighter than the rod specification. I like the rod to boss the line - not approved by most but that's my way.
Started my search this w/e at the British Fly Fair show by trying out a couple of Marryat Tactical. A 10' 5 wt and a 10' 4/5 wt.
Both nice smooth rods. The 4/5 was surprisingly the crisper of the two. Should have tried the 5/6 wt.
Arranged to test the new Sage X. Any comments?
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Well worth checking out Steve Parkes' Atom Six website http://www.atomsix.co.uk/rods-prices/ A few years ago I purchased one of his Tachyon rods, never looked back. Built to your own specs & a service that's as good as Mike's for lines. :z16
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Orvis Hydros 3? :z8
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Terry
If you are looking at the top end, you will get lots of opinions. Mine for what its worth is, the Radian is still a better rod than anything else out there, but there are rods that in isolation, that probably feel almost as good for significantly less, just depends what you really want.
I'd head off to the biggest selection you can find to try a few out, if you can. (but it sounds like you have started that already) :z16
Sandy
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Like most things in life, it’s most likely diminishing returns as you go up the price range with rods in the £250 to £400 offering best price / performance ratio.
However, most of us would probably buy a top end rod if we had the money. Sandy is right, in isolation with no side by side test most of these rods will feel good in their own way.
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Thanks for those educated comments guys. The point about trying out rods in isolation is very valid. Where can I try three or four top end rods side by side though? Looked at the Atomsix website - some juicy looking stuff there but I would not buy without a try. There is no 10' #5 listed either.
It's a pity that the Marryat has no fighting butt which is important to me on a ten footer. A ten footer is preferred - just for that extra foot or two of dibble before lifting off.
A mate is going to let me try his 10' #5 Sage One. He swears by it and can outcast everyone in our club with it. Not looking specifically for a distance weapon though.
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Worth looking at the Vision Onki 10'0" #6. Although rated for #6 they will also cast a #5 well.
I purchased one of these rods a few weeks back and considering that I normally use Hardy Jet and Zephrus Sintrix rods have found the performance of this rod to be just unbelievable.
At first it appears to be a bit soft actioned but will easily put out a 20 yard+ cast with just one false cast and very little effort. It casts well in to the wind and at all distances but also bends like a proper fishing rod when playing a fish. I can not fault this rod other than two small exceptions, it doesn't have a keeper ring or line up marks. It does have a fighting Butt.
The other rod that is worth a look is the 9'6" #5 Redington Vice. Quite a tippy rod for a #5 weight but casts well and is user friendly.
Both of these rods are distributed by Guide Flyfishing so there should be no issues with After Sales Service
Roger
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You also have the guys on here who swear by the Epic glass rods (which I want next, albeit I’ve never used one, but it’s going to have to wait anyway) but I think you have to get those imported.
It is indeed difficult to test multiple rods at once, unless you can take a day or two travel to one of the big retailers who have facilities in place to let you try them out.
Read the Yellowstone anglers 5# shootout, they tend to do one every year and offer a fairly comprehensive roundup of mid to top end rods.
https://www.yellowstoneangler.com/gear-review/2017-5-weight-shootout-fly-rod-review-best-5-weight-rod-best-fishing-pole-best-fly-rod-g-loomis-nrx-lp-scott-radian-g-loomis-asquith-t-t-avantt-thomas-and-thomas-avant-edge-by-gary-loomis-orvis-h2-covert-winston-air-sage-x
I fully expect the Helios 3 to come near the top this year.
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....and half a century of inexpensive rods later, I am looking for something special :wink
I am going to treat myself to the best, but the best for me may not be the best for anyone else.
The most expensive will be considered along with the others. Most fishing is done on large reservoirs. Boat and bank. Dry's and nymphs mainly, sometimes a lure. I like a crisp action rod and often use a line weight lighter than the rod specification. I like the rod to boss the line - not approved by most but that's my way.
Started my search this w/e at the British Fly Fair show by trying out a couple of Marryat Tactical. A 10' 5 wt and a 10' 4/5 wt.
Both nice smooth rods. The 4/5 was surprisingly the crisper of the two. Should have tried the 5/6 wt.
Arranged to test the new Sage X. Any comments?
Marryat Tactical Pro really are something special, however so it the Marryat Tactical Bombarde, I fish this in a #7 and can say it's an excellent rod for bank and boat stillwater fishing. Smooth, progressive and light, but has the power to work it if you need to. Not that I am biased :wink but I've a review coming out soon on the Fishing Matters site :z4.
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Some good suggestions there and Steve Parkes rods are very good indeed. I've not tried the new Helios 3, but if it's anywhere near its predecessors that bodes well.
However, as I've seen first hand the amount of work/time/effort that's gone into their development, I'm probably going to have one of these myself https://www.mackenzieflyfishing.com/products/10ft-6-graphene-single-handed-rod which although rated a #6 and one weight over your preferred rating is a belter.
Well, the prototype was..... :wink..... and I've no reason to believe it will be anything less than excellent, I hope to be trying the production model this week :z16
H
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I would go custom. Several very nice blanks out there at a reasonable price.
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Read the Yellowstone anglers 5# shootout, they tend to do one every year and offer a fairly comprehensive roundup of mid to top end rods.
https://www.yellowstoneangler.com/gear-review/2017-5-weight-shootout-fly-rod-review-best-5-weight-rod-best-fishing-pole-best-fly-rod-g-loomis-nrx-lp-scott-radian-g-loomis-asquith-t-t-avantt-thomas-and-thomas-avant-edge-by-gary-loomis-orvis-h2-covert-winston-air-sage-x
Thanks for that mate - very educational .
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very educational .
Just be careful as the extra 1 foot can alter the balance, feel and action of a rod a fair bit from the 9 footers they tested. I was looking at the Helios 3 10 foot 3 weight for bugging. Its a very different rod to the standard 9 foot rod.
However, the Yellowstone shoot outs do bring up some good points about marketing crap, the true cost of rods and finish and fittings.
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Yes Rob, the ten footer is bound to behave differently. As you say, the report highlights some things that are not mentioned in the marketing blurb. Warranties (the small print), finish and value comparisons, etc. The flex test comparisons were quite revealing.
Sure would like to try a G Loomis. Put me off the Sage X a bit but will still try it. Looking forward to hearing how Hamish gets on with the Mackenzie graphene.
I am enjoying buying 'something special' already and can foresee a 'testing trip' or two coming up :z16
The wife just can't understand it. I have a dozen or so fly rods, why do I need another? :z8
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Terry,
She is right, I don't think any of us actually understand it but for me that's not the point. If I was to look at it rationally I would have a far healthier bank balance but would I be happier? Hmm doubt it.
:z18
Steven
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I have a dozen or so fly rods, why do I need another? :z8
Only a dozen? Oh dear. :wink
When I moved 2 years ago the count of all rods was 98. I am currently building another three. A 9 foot 5 weight, a 10 foot 2 weight and a 8 foot glass 4 weight :)
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Now that is simply greedy Rob :lol
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Another vote for the Radian,
I have both 9ft & 10ft in a 5wt and whilst the 9ft is marginally my favourite, I would say the 10ft is the best all rounder.
I use it mainly for nymphs & dries from a boat and for bugging , it’s a very versatile tool indeed and my father (a die hard Hardy lover) traded his zenith 10ft 5wt for one last season.
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Looking forward to hearing how Hamish gets on with the Mackenzie graphene.
Well I nipped in past Scott today (before he heads off to Ireland to a show) and I have a FX1 Graphene 10' #6 and a 10' #7 to play with for a while.
The waggle test (which is just soooo important :wink ) was actually very interesting, can't wait to get 'em strung up for a cast.
If the snow and ice fecks off, maybe tomorrow :z16
H
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More playing tomorrow, but I can say this about the 10' #7.... wow :z16
Haven't cast the #6 yet :roll
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OK.... so I had a proper play with both the 10' #6 and the 10' #7 FX1 rods today.
I would characterise the 10'#6 as mid flex in nature, doesn't feel stiff when casting but in line with FX1 Salmon rods the blank recovery is deeply impressive. Now I could wax lyrical about how good it was in my hands (matched to an SLX) and all those who tried it at the Beauly AC opening today... but I'll stop short of that and simply say I will be having one :z16
I can't fault it.
I don't think it will be too much for three-to-the-pound brownies just like I don't think it will be under-gunned against anything else in UK waters. I think it is the 10' rod I've been looking for in the 5-7 weight class. I tried a couple of other line weights on it and the results were interesting, more on that another time.
The #7wt is astonishing, very different in nature and a fast powerful rod. I really like it..... I want it too .....
Matched to a GT125 I was comfortably (and I do mean comfortably) chucking 35 yards +
Both rods have the same FX1 high grade fittings and a finish which make the rods subtly old school and modern at the same time - job well done :z16
I don't think... actually I know.... I've ever cast better 10' rods.
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Terry,
Since other have been throwing in outside options I'll join in.
For reservoir dries and nymphs I'd like to suggest you have a throw of Paul Arden's sexyloops hot torpedo 9' 4#.
It's an absolute joy to fish with (I have the 6# but will be investing in the 4#) and has more than enough back bone and casting ability to cover what you are wanting it to do.
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So what are these FX1trout rods going to retail at, do we know yet?
Circa £700?
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£650/699at Glasgow Angling Centre.
Stephen - a 10, is preferred for the boat - that extra bit of dibble on lift off.
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Steven,
Wait until your dad buys one and then try before you buy! :z7
I would love one of the #6 but they are wayyyyyyyyyy out of my price range. Hell, my next salmon rod and reel won't reach that!
Still want to try one though! Will you still have one at the end of June H?
Euan
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Terry,
Since other have been throwing in outside options I'll join in.
For reservoir dries and nymphs I'd like to suggest you have a throw of Paul Arden's sexyloops hot torpedo 9' 4#.
It's an absolute joy to fish with (I have the 6# but will be investing in the 4#) and has more than enough back bone and casting ability to cover what you are wanting it to do.
Hi Steven,
I have the very first Hot Torpedo #5 ( serial 001 ) in 'as new' condition :z12
If you, or anybody else would like it ....... I think £500 would be a fair price, although I suspect it's probably worth a good bit more than that.
Cheers
Mike
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Will you still have one at the end of June H?
I will own one by then chum... so yes :z16
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WTF?? Did you sell your son to Madonna???
And is your good lady aware of this fact or should I shut my hole right now?
Euan
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Steven,
Wait until your dad buys one and then try before you buy! :z7
I would love one of the #6 but they are wayyyyyyyyyy out of my price range. Hell, my next salmon rod and reel won't reach that!
Still want to try one though! Will you still have one at the end of June H?
Euan
Who do you think bought my 6# for me :z4 it's at Dad's house. Feel free to swing in past for a shot :z16
Paul is supposed to be sending me a prototype short 3# burn rod. I'll let you know if he ever gets round to it (it is Paul after all :z7) as I think it will be a real gem.
:z18
Steven.
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Hi Steven,
I have the very first Hot Torpedo #5 ( serial 001 ) in 'as new' condition :z12
If you, or anybody else would like it ....... I think £500 would be a fair price, although I suspect it's probably worth a good bit more than that.
Cheers
Mike
The comp 5 is the same blank as the 6 if my memory serves me correctly so would be a very expensive back up for me. I know a certain other Sinclair who may be keen though :wink
:z18
Steven
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WTF?? Did you sell your son to Madonna???
And is your good lady aware of this fact or should I shut my hole right now?
Euan
Funny. No, not to Madonna but the local chimney sweep is very appreciative of Finlays skills :X2
Rachel is aware but is mostly going 'lalalalalalalalalala' and pretending that she didn't marry a complete tackle tart.
H :z7
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Good to see Victorian dad is still alive and well! :z7
In my humble opinion, Rachel has always taken you for a tart, tackle or otherwise. :z7 :z7 :z7
I now know what rod I want when I get back from my "we trip" and I will give you a bell on the way home tomorrow.
Euan
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Hamish - how do you think the FX1 #6 would handle a 5 weight ? Is it a truly light rod?
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It coped fine with a 5 SLX in my hands, but in fairness I think most would prefer a #6 on it :z16
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Received a Mackenzie 10' #6 FX1 today and tried it out on the village green. Used a range of lines = Barrio's GT90 #5, Mallard #5 and #6 and an SLX #6. Also a #6 sinker of questionable provenance. A bit windy so tested in different directions. The rod was not what I expected but I didn't really know what to expect. A difficult rod to categorise, being an easy through action but at the same time very responsive. Always felt in control on all of the lines tried out. I was particularly pleased that it was nice with the 5 weights and at the same time could boss a 6 weight sinker that I have had to use a 7 weight rod with on Saturday. The SLX #6 was brilliant at mid distance and directional change. Having not experienced an SLX before this may have been the line performance as much as the rod. The rod will be used on the Reservoir on Thursday so will have a more realistic view after that. Fist impressions? Yes, it could be something special. ps I used my boat partners Sage One for a while on Saturday. Light and fast but relatively dead compared with the FX1. Just my amateur opinions of course.
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Sounds like you're having plenty of fun trying everything out :z16
Best wishes
Mike
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Used the FX1 #6 today on the wind swept reservoir. First time I have used it properly. The reservoir was very cold and fish almost impossible to find; not in the usual spots for early season, so spent all day going to different places. LH wind, RH wind, into the wind (and hail), so the rod was tested in the hardest and varied conditions. Bit of an enigma this rod. Easy and gentle, but with steel! It is it's versatility that makes this rod something special. Can't wait to try it from the boat. Has the potential to be the ultimate Loch rod :z16.
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just finished my 10ft 5wt on some Hilevel Blackmaster blanks, it is very different from my TFO 5wt, I have used the TFO for everything over the last 3 years, boat and bank, with no issues, I will have to get used to the 10ft rod now, but when I originally bought it I thought it was a 9FT :X1, Derek Roxborough
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Orvis Recon, great rod and not too expensive..
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Mackenzie 6 weight 10' FX1. After a hard season, was it something special? Yes.
This is a very easy rod to use. With my modest skills and ageing limbs it will do just about anything with line weights 5, 6 and 7.
Dries or nymphs on a 5 weight or streamers on a 7 weight ( did just that on Llyn Brenig yesterday). Copes with a 7 weight easily - it just bends a bit more without overloading. This could be said for many rods but with the FX1 there is not a feeling of having to make compromises with the various lines and methods. Fish playing quality is excellent. For the first time in my life I just don't need another general purpose rod.
Negatives? A bit pricey. No keeper ring. Just a personal negative - I don't like aluminium rod tubes. They rattle about too much and I fumble with the screw cap. So my almost £700 rod is now housed in a £50 Shakey condura case = sacrilege :X2