Non Traditional Fly Fishing brands discussion

[Gregg]

I'm curious to open up some discussion into non-traditional fly fishing brands that are starting to pop up in the industry, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and see what people's reactions are, and if they think there's a real place for them. I've been fly fishing for a little over 10 years now, and when you talk about gear with people or visit stores it's pretty much always the same handful of brands and products over and over again. I've always really liked the younger, creative brands that pop up on the radar, but I still have a deep respect for the longstanding companies in the game. I really love lines that are made in the US, it's becoming so rare these days I think some credit should be given to the brands who hold strong and produce domestically, but there's plenty of well made overseas lines to talk about also.

In full disclosure, I've worked for or currently work with a couple of these lines, most I'm just a fan of. I'd love to hear people's thoughts, and would be really stoked to hear about some brands you're into that maybe aren't as common, but have a genuine interest or purpose in fly fishing.

This one is definitely not targeting the fly fishing market, but this pocket configuration is hands down the best thing ever. Easiest access, super secure...perfect for fly boxes and tippet. Made in San Francisco, lots of Schoeller Nanosphere and 3X used in the garments...plus they just look rad:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/673/7Vas2V.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/ip7Vas2Vj)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/537/yA85wm.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/exyA85wmj)

I've seen Howler Bros in a few shops, and their fabrics and fits seem dead on. I surf a bunch also and like how they make products for multiple applications, sort of like Patagonia, but a bit more prep looking maybe.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/GN43H6.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/idGN43H6j)

The story on this Coalatree line is one of the coolest ever. Totally organic, performance capable, most made in the US. They have this insane farm in Colorado focused on organic gardening where they donate the produce to the local community...but also have a killer skatepark and unreal fishing. I'm seeing these guys pop up a bunch in skateshops, but a lot of my friends who fly fish wear it on the water and seem really stoked on it.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/907/FcR9oU.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p7FcR9oUj)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/537/C8z9HQ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/exC8z9HQj)

So I work for these guys, but don't want this to be an unrequested ad for them so just going to leave this here with no description.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/540/ysKHqO.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/f0ysKHqOj)

Would especially be interested in hearing about smaller name rod builders, technical outerwear lines, or just cool features you've found on things you own that work well on the water.

[troutless]

I guess the question is, what do you consider a non-traditional brand?

Mostly these days what I pay attention to is the spey scene, which has exploded over the past ten years in the US.

In lines, NextCast has its origins in competition casting. You can't get any more local than Spey-o-rama. It's almost a one-man show, but has garnered enough mindshare that in terms of performance in its category, it's becoming the benchmark. Then you have the Ballistic lines, they have their fans too. Again, one-man show. Both really small in terms of design, sales, marketing, but they don't do their own manufacturing. Gaelforce, similar story. Add in Carron -- designs by same guy who is the principle in Gaelforce -- and you have a fair portion of the high-end long-line category covered by these boutique shops, much of the rest going to Airflo which is not really a widespread brand in the US.

In rods, here again the small custom shops (Meiser, Anderson, Burkheimer) have a lot of mind-share as well as deeper, broader product lines in the spey rod area. These are the guys pushing the boundaries of the sport.

Point being, technology and market thought leadership doesn't necessary equal market share, so when they are skewed, what do you consider 'non-traditional' vs 'longstanding'?