I own Sage and Orvis rods. I've been fortunate to get good deals on the rods and only paid full retail for one of the Orvis rods. Someone mentioned Gary Borger talking about how low end rods are so much better than they used to be and I agree 100%.

I purchased two LL Bean 7' 5wt outfits for my kids last year for $75 each. The reel seats... crappy, the cork a little thick for small hands, and the graphite reels were nothing to be desired. BUT, those suckers can cast a line!!! Being 7 footers they are only good out to 50' (something my kids won't have to worry about anytime soon).

I am really impressed with them. The line that came with the rods is designed for beginner's and I think that has a lot to do with how the rod's cast. I firmly believe a good line perfectly matched to a rod makes a world of difference.

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