Author Topic: New Rod (Read 789 times)

Daniel Podobed · « **on:** January 02, 2012, 03:53:30 PM »

Those two words alone are making my wallet hurt. I have been doing some research online, and through the search feature on this site. I have a budget of $350-$400 and I still haven't figured out my debate between a 10' 3 weight, a 10' 4 weight, or an 11' 3/4 weight.

Clearly, I have to narrow things down, but I'm hoping you guys can help me, and I can eliminate some needless fiddling time with multiple fly rods.

The only two things it really needs to do well is nymph and throw dry droppers. I have a dedicated dry fly rod at this point and I'm looking to get a 9'6 or 10' 7/8 weight to throw streamers and bass junk.

Where would you start? Keep in mind, that having a decent through lifetime warranty will help me get the courage to spend a little past my budget, if it ends up feeling right when I try it out.

Cabelas CZN
Echo Shadow PE
Grey's Streamflex
Orvis?
Jan Siman?

Any opinions on your experience with this line up, or any other rod under $400 or so I'd appreciate.

Dell Neighbours · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2012, 04:28:44 PM »

If you're going for the echo I would suggest the 10'6" 3 wt...I wouldn't trade mine for anything...

Alain Barthelemy · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2012, 05:37:21 PM »

Daniel:

I recommend the 9.5ft 3-weight Cabela's CZN. It costs $199. If you buy it by Jan. 5, you will immediately save $20. If you don't like the rod, Cabela's accepts everything for refund/exchange, no questions asked. With the $100 you save, you can buy yourself a nice used Lamson LP2 reel on eBay.

This CZN is a great small-medium size stream nymphing tool. It is also a good less than 30ft dry-dropper rod. It is a serious tactical rod, not a joke or a toy, even though it is inexpensive.

Alain

PS I believe the long term trend in the sport will be towards extremely light 10ft rods. I bet that within 5 years, Sage will produce an improved ESN rod using the TXL-F technology blanks. Those rods will be 10ft, but less than 2oz. I believe that Sage is actually looking back to older series to mimic their rod action.

Daniel Podobed · « **Reply #3 on:** January 02, 2012, 09:33:06 PM »

What is the advantage of the 9'6 vs. the 10'?

James Berzsenyi · « **Reply #4 on:** January 02, 2012, 11:04:46 PM »

Daniel,

I doubt I have as much experience as Dell or Alain, but thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. I bought a 10-4 Streamflex XF2 last summer and absolutely love it. Think I gave about $315 (retail). It does everything I need it to; heavy and deep, light and shallow, streamers, etc. And it's really light weight, so no arm fatigue. I have used a CZN 10-4, and liked it as well, maybe a tad heavier than mine, but don't quote me on that. Don't think you can go wrong with any of them.
If you can, try to cast as many as possible, and just see what feels best to you.

Good luck,
Jimmy

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2012, 01:05:22 AM »

D,

I love my 9.5-3wt CZN. Buy another if it broke, but I do not think it's appropriate as a "1 rod workhorse". It just doesn't' have enough backbone.

Paul Bourcq · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2012, 02:35:16 AM »

I own all the rods mentioned below and a few others. I currently fish a 10 foot 3 weight greys. I have fished the Cherokee "pig" comps with fish in the mid 50 cm. Also landed fish on the blue this year over 50cm with no issues. It doesnt have the backbone a zaxis has but a zaxis cant protect 6x-7x like the greys either. I think you will be happy with anything you purchase but my vote goes greys 10 3.

Alain Barthelemy · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2012, 08:31:58 AM »

Re: "What is the advantage of the 9'6 vs. the 10'?"

Advantage of shorter rods: More accurate to cast, easier in tight brush, less tiring to hold arm extended

Disadvantage: Cannot mend as effectively, cannot hold a lot of line off the water

This is one reason why Sage introduced the 99 series. 9' 9" is mid-way between a "short" 9' 6" rod and a "long" 10' rod.

This is all about opinions, so I will give you some more:

- You will have no issues landing large trout with the small CZN. It protects 7X well.
- for $100+ more, you can't go wrong with the Streamflex rods, they are awesome. Excellent value, top-notch repair policy, good build quality. Beef up the handle with my quick fighting butt idea.
- I am one of the few people here that had a bad experience with the Echo. I really dislike that rod and feel strongly about it. It was more tip-heavy than the old TFO Pro 10' 5-weight I had. Extremely heavy, cumbersome and the least accurate long nymphing rod I have ever used. I had long conversations with Pete Erickson and Tim Rajeff about my opinions on this rod and my recommended improvements. I think the main issue is swing weight. What a clunker.
- Orvis: many of the Orvis rods seem too fast for my liking. Your best bet is to go to an Orvis warehouse sale and try a bunch of their irregular rods. They are deep discounted (~50% off) and a great value. There is a store in Norwalk, CT that is excellent.

Pat Brechbill · « **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2012, 10:17:26 AM »

Daniel, I'd throw into consideration the 10' 3 wt BVK as well. Excellent rod with a great tip and enough backbone to land bigger fish. I used this rod almost exclusively at the Gold Cup and and had no problems getting big fish to the net quickly. Was actually very surprised by this fact. My second rod is the CZN which is another great rod, the tip is not quite as good as the BVK in my opinion, but very close.

Daniel Podobed · « **Reply #9 on:** January 03, 2012, 10:22:44 AM »

I appreciate all the info. I didn't even realize that TFO as in the market. I have a good list now. Alain, thank you. It seems that at this point, there are more options of quality rods under $600+ then previous. Which my wallet can definitely appreciate.

Scott Brown · « **Reply #10 on:** January 03, 2012, 12:13:56 PM »

There are a lot of good options and opinions, I will throw mine in for the 4wt Greys Streamflex, awesome rod for $320, wish I could buy a 5wt too....

Albert Mulhall · « **Reply #11 on:** January 03, 2012, 02:24:02 PM »

A rod worth considering Daniel is the Marryat Tactical 10' #3. Smashing rod and much better than the Streamflex imho, I have both and the Marryat is a special rod. I wouldn't change it for the world, I just have the Streamflex as a back up rod now but never use it. I paid €325 for the Marryat so it's around the top end of your budget but worth every cent and is excellent french nymphing with very light tippets.

Jim Frazier · « **Reply #12 on:** January 04, 2012, 08:41:55 PM »

daniel , you now have all the info you need to make your choice , beauty is in the eyes of the beholder !!!!

they must all be good i guess

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #13 on:** January 04, 2012, 08:55:45 PM »

Daniel, I'd recommend that you consider Sage's new ESN (European Style Nymphing) fly rod if you can bite the bullet and increase your spending budget.

It's a superb rod for this style of fly fishing and guarantee that you won't be sorry if you decide to purchase one. Keep in mind that they come with a life-time warranty, so it is an investment that can be passed on to your kids or nephews or nieces - at least that's what I keep telling my wife...

Daniel Podobed · « **Reply #14 on:** January 04, 2012, 09:05:42 PM »

I've heard quite a few people say that particular rod. Hopefully they are at the Somerset fly fishing show, and I'll be able to wiggle it. That lifetime guarantee is something that is crucial with the price tag, but probably well worth it.