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OK, Been searching Ebay and some fishing sites for a deal on a higher end 5wt rod only. Well, the deals are not there and I am getting antsy....
I have been fishing a couple cheap rods with great line and OK reels and I am ready to take a couple more baby steps and get a better rod. I have casted a few that I like but am open to some suggestions as well.
I like the helios by orvis best but the 6-8 bills plus scares the heck out of my financial situation.
I am lucky enough to be coming into a few bucks from a deal with my kid (soon to be 18) and his car and tire situation...enough about that but pay backs are wonderful. [sly]
I am looking for something in the 3 to 5 bill range, I know there is a ton of options and I will want to try them out, but I sure could use some guidance.
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If you like Orvis Helios check out the Orvis Hydros its right in that price range. Sage discontinued there VT2 rods you can get a great deal on them. The Scott A3 is also a great rod but in the end the best rod is one that comfortable to you and your casting style.
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Great info and suggestions:
I may take my own reel/line and check out a couple this weekend.
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I would look at the GREEN. It has been around for ever and a name that speaks class. WINSTON. Look for an LT, a WT, a BIIX. There are deals on these, but the rods are classics.
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FG,
I was hoping to here a suggestion from ya. Thanks for the recommendations. I have a few casts on the winstons thanks to grandpa D and they too are a nice rod and exactly in my wish list.
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If you choose to go the Orvis route, definitely try the lower-priced Hydros. I have fished both the Helios and the Hydros in 4, 6, and 8 wts. You'll be hard-pressed to tell the difference except for price. I actually prefer the Hydros in the 6 and 8 wts. The 4-wt. Helios is feather-light, but still fairly "fast" for a 4-wt.
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[quote Tarponjim]If you choose to go the Orvis route, definitely try the lower-priced Hydros. I have fished both the Helios and the Hydros in 4, 6, and 8 wts. You'll be hard-pressed to tell the difference except for price. I actually prefer the Hydros in the 6 and 8 wts. The 4-wt. Helios is feather-light, but still fairly "fast" for a 4-wt.[/quote]
That is because they are made with the same blanks. I cannot figure out the $200. difference though. Hardware isn't that much.
I guess that is where they lost me.
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Have you looked at the St. Croix Legend Ultra? Can't review the 5wt models, but I just bought a 9' 7wt. and was VERY satisfied and somewhat surprised at the rods quality. There is a shop selling on eBay that has a 9' 5wt for $350 with free fllyline and shipping..
Randy
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you can get the following at this website:
[url "http://www.flyshopcloseouts.com/cpoint201/category.htm?categoryId=18099&catalogStyleId=528"]http://www.flyshopcloseouts.com/cpoint201/category.htm?categoryId=18099&catalogStyleId=528[/url]
Orvis Zero Gravity 6 Weight Fly Rod SAVE 42% When You Buy an Orvis Zero Gravity 9 Foot 6 Inch, 6 Weight, 4-Piece Tip Flex
Cast better, with more accuracy and power, and enjoy fly fishing more than ever. The Zero Gravity Fly Rods make it all possible. Orvis Zero Gravity Fly Rod makes the cast you already have better. The powerful, nimble Zero G gives you unequaled responsiveness and sensitivity to improve your timing and makes it easier to load the fly rod to its full potential for maximum power.
As with all of their premium rods, the Zero G comes with Orvis unconditional 25-year warranty!
Retails for: $675.00
Our Price: $390.99
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I had a Zero Gravity from Orvis a few years ago. It was the only Orvis rod I've ever had that quite frankly sucked. Broke twice when it shouldn't have in short order. Didn't trust it after that. Best thing about it was the second time I got my money back instead of replacement. I've since read other reports of people having similar experiences with their Zero Gravity rods. Spend a bit more and get the Hydros.
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only orvis rod i have ever had issues with is the Hydros. i had 2 of them, made a combined total of 3 casts ( 1 with 1, 2 with the other) and they both broke in the exact same place, about an inch above the cork. i replaced them with Helios's
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I haven't had the Hydros, but I do have a mid flex 6 wt Zero. Had it for about 7 years now with no problems what so ever. I agree with your take on this rod Koch.
In my opinion, it is the best thing that came out of Orvis even though it like the TL series was merely an experiment.
Plus again, mine is the 7.5 mid flex.
Most my rods are 10 years old and better. The ONLY time I have had to return any rod was the Winston LT tip broke, the ferrule on the Sage SLT, and the T3 wore out, my 10 foot TFO Pro., three times and broke in the same spot all three times...that is it. Out of 50 or better rods and years, that is it.
If you could even score a Winston WT. Made by one of the fishing masters, timeless, and beautiful.
Anytime you wanna try one, give a shout. We can meet at a pond or something.
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i have a 4 weight Winston Santonelli gave me for xmas [  ]
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Wow Wow and Wow, way awesome info folks and thanks so much for the guidance and info.
I realy want to save up a bit more now and get the helios, It has great reviews and I have casted one a couple times and love it.
Bank time for the 5 bills in the pocket and wait it out for a little longer and get what i realy want.
Again thanks to all, great feedback.
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Glad to hear you decided. Bet you'll be plenty happy with it. Be sure and give a report when you start putting it through its paces.
Been upgrading my fly fishing gear some in the last year and have been amazed at where rod, reel, and line technology is at. Much of my equipment was well over 30 years old.
Good luck with it!
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It sounds like you have decided already but I was just going to say it might be worth tossing Winstons new GVX series or the new Sage vxp. I have thrown both and they are both awesome rods. They both retail in that 5 bills area.
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Well....great reports and advice. Thank you to all for the support and suggestions to try.
I went to Anglers den Saturday and my friend who works there took me out to chunk everything in the store to figure out what worked for me. We casted everything in the store from rods out of my price to the lower end OK rods.
Well, I stewed in my head, money, castability, my fishing needs and ability, warranty, and etc...and ended up buying the sage vantage in the 9' 2 piece 5wt. After my purchase I went to a couple local community ponds and WOW what a diffence in my my casting ability... I love the feel of the bite, the easy stroke to cast, and the backbone when I needed it. Great rod and I hope to have many years of enjoyment with it.
Again, Thanks to all of you for your input.
Fish1on
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From being set on the Helios to getting the Vantage? That's quite the variance!
If any lesson is to be learned it is that the price tag associated with a rod means jack squat! [ ]
(the Helios is a very nice stick though)
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Agree.. I was ready to drop 8 bills or more but that vantage fit me. Now it is time to work it.
Took it to bed after its maiden trip...make sure it was safe. Lol
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