I want to be a great roll caster

[john_in]

I experimented with all kinds of rods and lines. My conclusion is that it doesn't matter that much, as long as you get the roll cast right.
I use 8'5 long medium fast rod and regular fly line.

You can roll cast with any length rod and the appropriate line for that rod. All depends on how far you want to roll cast and how big (wind resistance) and heavy the fly is going to be. If your timing is correct, you should be able to roll cast farther with a longer rod (think spey fishers and their very long rods) and a heavier rod/line combination will handle larger and heavier flies. But, just how far do you want to roll cast? There comes a time when normal casting will get you out there a whole heck of a lot farther than a roll cast. The roll cast is a very specific type of cast used mostly in very specific situations.

Go with what you have, learn the timing and technique, then you will be able to make a good roll cast with almost any rod.

Larry ---sagefisher---