I've been looking to buy a new fly rod. The one I am leaning towards now is the GLoomis Eastfork 9 foot 5 weight. Does anyone have an opinion on this rod or a similar one in that same price range?
Never owned a GLoomis rod but I have heard good and bad things about their warranty.
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While i love loomis for their baitcasters and spinning rods. i believe you can get in to a much nicer fly rod for around the same price or cheaper. check out winston (GVX), or temple fork (Lefty Krehl signature models). i own models of both and love them and the warranty on both is rock solid.
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I have never fished a Gloomis but im with chrome junky about TFO. Great rods and they are really hard to beat for the price. I have a 9' 4 wt in their professional series and love it. Great rods.
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TFO's new BVK rods are pretty sweet as well. If you don't mind a faster action rod, they are the way to go! I also have a Ticr and Ticrx and they have been excellent rods. Can be a little bit heavier than other more expensive brands, but like was mentioned, the warranty is hard to pass up. Also, the new BVK line is much lighter weight than their other rods, which is one reason they really stand out.
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still fishing my sage vps. have had it for about 10 years. sweet rod....and again, the warranty with sage is also amazing. UNCONDITIONAL lifetime warranty.
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TFO's Pro series might be decent rods but IMHO they do not compare to the Loomis rod mentioned above.
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have you fished both of them?
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I haven't actually fished them both but I'd say I've cast them both enough to see the difference. My Friend has a couple East Forks and I used to have a few TFO pro series but sold them. I'd take the Loomis rod over the TFO pro series in a heartbeat.
I couldn't get over the ugly sticking out,unfinished looking ferules on them.
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If you can, go to a shop that will let you cast a few rods and see what you like.
I have a St. Croix Imperial 8'6" in a 4 wt that is a reasonably priced rod. It has a good warranty and I really like the it, different people like different rods, so really none of us can choose for you. Go and try a few out.
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I have 3 Redingtons that I really enjoy. They're owned by Sage now and are quite nice for the money. They also have the same warranty as Sage.
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Got to agree with Excal on this. first off, the Loomis is fast, the TFO Pro is at best medium action.
Seems like newbies are drawn to those fast action, not quite sure why, but as cpierce said, go test them out. NO ONE can tell you what rod you should get.
Now with experience, someone could maybe compare two different rods for you.
Oh, and there is just no way on Gods Green Earth, that a $100 rod is going to be as GOOD as a$400. rod. This is not to say you need the high end, the $14. Eagle Claw will catch fish, just saying there is a difference. A nice difference too.
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Thanks for the great info everyone. You are right, I really need to spend some time with the rods and choose what feels best. I have tinkered with them a bit but it's tough to tell until I'm out there actually fishing. Sometimes I think that high price tag makes things appear better than they really are.
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I will agree that NO graphite rod should cost $700., but there is a big difference. The HIGH dollar rods are the ones that do the research and development...that does come at a cost.
Occasionally, the Asians, get word on the new technology and pump out their rendition and on several occasions they are quite nice.
Fish all day with a $100. rod then fish all day with a $700. that is the true test. But, you don't NEED the upper end to catch fish, it may just can make it more easy and more enjoyable.
I know several that bought the Genesis set-up Cabela's offered and they did just fine. It later makes a great back-up.
I am more a believer that the line is more important. With the right line, I can cast a pool stick.
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Is there a specific brand or type of fly line you recommend?
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Been looking at the TFO Lefty Kreh TiCr X 9'5wt and the reviews and product info seem positive. Have any of you used this model? Also, has anyone had a problem with the warranty on their TFO?
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I have...it is a cannon. As fast as they get. Most my friends bought one for casting contest, but have since sold them as there is NO flex in those rods.
They are understandable for big heavy flies and windy days though.
I have had no problem with the TFO warranty, beside the fact I have sent the same rod back three times from it breaking in the same spot all three times. Plus the $30. each shot.
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Not sure that would be the best one to purchase then. I just need one that is a good all around rod I can use in the rivers, creeks, and from my tube. My old Reddington is just not cutting it any more.
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Funny, I didn't picture TFO as a step up from Redington. Don't get me wrong, they are both very nice, and well built, but I look at them both as budget conscious choices.
Have you looked at Echo's? The Asian Winstons are getting great reviews.
A lot here like that TiCr, I just don't see it as a stream rod, and as far as Tube rod, to me anything will work cause you are mobile. Most people cast maybe 30' from a tube, any more and they usually are slapping water behind. Cast that 30' comfortably then kick away.
As far as best to purchase, I say the one that becomes a part of your arm the minute you pick it up. That feels sooooo right, that is the one!
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