Quest for a new rod

[Mik]

I have been given the green light by the wife to purchase a new fly rod. This is very rare. It has been 10 years since I bought my last rod and I am finding it harder than ever to actually make a decision on what rod I want to buy. I am looking at getting a 6 weight. Should I only go on feel when I am casting it or are there rod companies that are a cut above the others? Any thoughts on a RL Winston, Scott, SAGE or Orvis?

[590Mike]

Don't forget Hardy or Grays

[Larry S]

Mik:
My two cents -- I have St Croix's saltwater 6-wt. Has a small fighting butt section which
I really like. Around $350. Temple Fork has just come out with a new BVK series.
Their 6-wt also has the fighting butt. Around $250. I'm anxious to cast it
for comparisons. Either of these leave you with $250 - 350 off the price of the Sages,
Winstons, etc which are great rods. That will get you a suitable reel and line if
you had that in mind. Might even be enough left over to treat that great wife of your's
to a nice dinner out.
Good luck with your decision,
Larry S

[Darian]

Altho you've limited your choice by naming only high end brands, you haven't given us much info about the intended use for this new rod.... Lots to consider here. Action/length of the rod, grip shape, reel seat, type of fishing that it'll be used for, etc.

You should try to judge a rod by it's casting qualities, first. Go to Kiene's shop or your local shop and test cast some 6 weight rods of differing actions and different lengths. Then make your choice. Happy shopping.

[Scott V]

Mik,
I highly recommend casting the new TFO BVK, it casts like a beauty. And the 6 weight was the one I tried. Plus you can't beat the price or warranty on a TFO rod. I have heard nothing but rave reviews for the TFO BVK rod. I hope to get one soon myself.

[k9mark]

I'm with Scott. I bought a 5wt TFO BVK in January after test casting a bunch of rods. Very pleased with it.

[oldtrout]

If you have to wait ten years to buy a rod...

Wayne makes an outstanding 8'6" 6 wt.

http://beaverheadrods.com/

[LakeFisher]

Should I only go on feel when I am casting it or are there rod companies that are a cut above the others? Any thoughts on a RL Winston, Scott, SAGE or Orvis?

Mik,

There are many variables that come into play when choosing a rod but I'll chime in since I fish 6 wt. rods often. I lake fish w/ intermediate line, floating line w/ indicator and some fast sinking shooting head. And I often fish out of float tube and in windy conditions so I chose Sage XP (discontinued) and G. Loomis GLX both in 9 1/2 feet long and I'm very happy w/ both.

They are both fast, powerful rods w/ GLX having more power in my opinion. I use the XP w/ floating line and GLX w/ sinking lines. GLX has almost unlimited power if timed right and still feels responsive. This is where it gets tricky: one man's magic wand is another man's broom stick. If you're into the action of say Winston BIIx then you may not like this rod. A good caster can make any rod work but for my less than perfect stroke, and my biomechanics, I prefer faster rods.

So list out what's important to you and shop around. I'm sure you can't go wrong by sticking w/ the major fly rod makers you mentioned.

[NVswitch]

I have a 9 1/2 ft 6wt. Sage Z-axis with short fighting but (697-4) and love it. I use this rod for almost everything. great for fishing from a float tube, boat indicator fishing on rivers, etc. it is a do it all type of rod. the extra 6" is a big help and the super light weight makes the 9 1/2 feel like a 9. if the price is an issue, try the VXP in the sage line. new this year.
I also would check out the Orvis rods in 9 1/2 like the top end helios or the next in line Hydros. The newest generation graphite in 9 1/2 ft is a dream length. Mike

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

We got the new TFO 'BVK' series in the 9' #6 - 4 piece with the full wells grip and fighting butt yesterday @ $249.96