My teenage daughter asked me to teach her to cast
a fly rod, so I ordered a Redington Crosswater
Fly Rod from Bob Marriott's (http//:www.bobmarriotts.com).
Redington Fly Rods have a reputation for being a good
fly rod, without the pocket gouging price tag. The
Crosswater series is the only Redington fly rod
without a bulletproof guarantee, but it does have
a manufacturing defect warrantee.
Redington Crosswater Series is available in 2 and 4
piece fly rods and either as an outfit or just the
fly rod. The rods range from a 7'7" 3/4 wt through 9',
7/8 wt., priced from $59.00 to $79.00.
The split weight (wt) designation on fly rods usually
means, the "Double Taper Line/Weight Forward Line,"
recommendations of the manufacturer.
It is very hard to beat these prices for a fly rod from
a company with a great reputation. I bought the Rod Only
8' 0" 5/6 wt 2-Piece. I use a Cortland 333 5 wt Double
Taper (DT), and a Cortland 333 6 wt Weight Forward (WF)
on it.
The Crosswater surprised me from the second I pulled
it out of the double tube it was mailed in by Bob
Marriotts. There it was in a sturdy rod bag that
will protect even the best of rods.
The guides are basic, considering the price, I did not
expect anything exotic. The thread wraps were excellent
showing the same care that is given rods of higher cost.
The rod finish was very good, no blemishes, a nice
brown color and the darker brown thread wraps are
quite attractive.
The cork handle is very nice solid cork with a tapered
cigar shape fitting the hand very well.
The reel seat is man-made material, up-locking, with
one nut for securing, but the reel foot fits very
firmly and tight on the real seat. I believe the angler
will not have to worry about losing a reel at an
inappropriate moment.
The ferrules are properly fitted just as higher priced
rods would be.
What really surprised me; once I got the rod and reel
assembled, walking the fly line through the guides,
is how light this 8' 0" 5/6 weight is. Doing some
lawn casting, the fly rod surprised me again. This
is a progressive action rod, but the casting with
both lines ( DT 5 wt and WF 6 wt) was responsive
and very crisp. The action is almost a quick action
fly rod, its lightness and casting action, reminds
me of my Gatti Fly Rod.
I cannot think of a better bargain, without sacrifice
of quality or action for the price paid, which ever
Redington Crosswater you decide upon.
The 4-Piece Redington Crosswater is a good quality fly
rod or outfit where traveling and space is an issue.
The 2-Piece Redington Crosswater are equally of good
quality, whether for a beginner or as a backup fly rod
or outfit.
Again these Fly Rods do not carry an unlimited warrantee,
but for the price, the Crosswater is a very good investment.
~Parnelli
Redington Tackle Co.
Phone: 1-866-498-7243 or (206)-780-5465
12715 Miller Rd. NE #101
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
U.S.A.
|
