George Anderson's 5 weight rod shootout results

[Byron haugh]

Anderson's newest 5 wt. rod shootout results are in.
Pretty comprehensive review of the rods.

http://www.yellowstoneangler.com/ind...oop-optistream

[lastchance]

I think this is a kind of subjective test result because rods feel different in different hands. It's kind of a personal preference, don't you think?

[NJTroutbum]

They always do a great review. Very thorough and gives a good perspective on what is out there in that class of performance. I enjoy the reviews every year, but unfortunate for me they never include a rod I will buy. I'm a progressive/glass guy, and the only rods I have over 8 feet are bass rods. While I can appreciate the products, it's purely out of curiosity. Would love to see them do a 7-8' 4/5wt small stream review with DT lines review. Then they would really have my attention.

[Marco]

Kinda reminda me of a BEST PIZZA contest where some included anchovies.

Mark

[redietz]

Kinda reminda me of a BEST PIZZA contest where some included anchovies.

Mark

Only some? How could it possibly be BEST PIZZA if doesn't include anchovies?

[Kaboom1]

"A comparison of this year’s best five-weight fly rods"

That's the first line below the picture. Best in who's opinion? Kind of subjective right from the start in my mind.

Brad

[Byron haugh]

Brad, Did you read the entire explanation of the criteria used and, where appropriate, the objective data used.......swing weights, warranties, etc.

How would you rate a whole bunch of fly rods concerning casting accuracy at 25' and 45' other than having a number of professionals try them and rate them?

Obviously, there is a lot of subjectivity. But, I have not seen a better attempt to provide good information on a whole lot of fly rods. Certainly better than asking a shop owner who only carries a few rod lines, in my opinion, that is.

[okflyfisher]

i always read it with interest although it is unlikely i will ever need a new rod. i think it is always amazing how well some of the inexpensive rods fair. Thanks for posting it Byron

[Byron haugh]

Yes, I too enjoy reading about the news and best......About 4 years ago, the "new" Hardy Zenith won. Based on the rating in their rod comparisons, I bought one. Have not been disappointed! It's a great rod. Like so many things we use, they only get better and better!

[scuba steve]

I always like these shoot outs just so I can see what other fly fishermen think of rods. My one big wish is that they used more than just that one line. I had a 9' 4wt Zenith before the 5 weight won the shoot out that year. I tried the line they used ( i think it was a GPX that year) on a 5 weight ( one of the shops guide rods) it was OK but when I put a RIO gold on it Boom it was a whole lot better. I too am happy that they test some of the less expensive rods that are out there. not everyone can drop $600-$800 on a fly rod, from what I see at the shop most people are hesitant to drop $400-$500 on a rod. Earlier this fall I cast both the Redington Hydrogen ( a clear case where a different line would have been a better choice) and the Fenwick Aetos they are both goo rods for the money. I also cast the Zephyrus and Wraith rods and got much the same feelings as were written about. If you have the $$ and are headed to special place were long casts needed the Wraith is the 1 rod to get. You can chuck a bunch of line and accurately to boot. as was said above - rods are one of the more "personal" parts of FF equipment so your mileage may vary.

steve