Castwell,
I got this from the Classic Forum and it's on the same Topic!To answer your Question on why I'm againest Chinese rods is because I could Purchase a Elkhorn Rod for $600 but the Rod will have no Value!So I'm losing more than what I Gain.I could more than like get a 2 Tip Bamboo Rod from a good Maker for $650-$700!Not much more than the Elkhorn.
Anyway here's what a Fellow Bamboo Fly Fisher Wrote!It sums it all up!
IMHO, the problems with Chinese rods can be summed up in 3 words: POOR QUALITY CONTROL. And those three words apply to
selection of cane
non-cane materials
consistency of taper
construction methods
construction practices
finishing methods
finishing practices
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In other words, these rods are (perhaps) one step up from the post WWII Japanese rods, but in the same lineage, and their "worthy" successors.
