I am in the market for a 3 wgt rod and have managed to get 4 loaner rods from a fly shop for a side by side comparison. Besides the obvious “feel” we all talk about, do any of you have any suggestions as to the most effective/thorough way to compare these rods? ie, what would you do to run these through their paces?
I’ll be taking them to the Catskills next weekend for a few days, so it should be an excellent time to test them.
The 4 that I have chosen to test are:
Winston Ibis
Winston LT
Sage SLT
Sage TXL
All are between 7’6" and 7"10". The loaner reel is a Sage 3200 with their Quiet Taper WF 3 wgt line.
It was suggested to me that I consider a 4 weight instead. My only other rod is a Winston LT 5 weight. My thought is that there may not be that much difference between the 5 wgt and the 4, so go with the 3 wgt to really enjoy catching those typically small trout in those small streams. Any thoughts on the topic?
Definitely get a 3 and not a 4 - you’re right, between a 4 and a 5 is not a great difference, but you’ll love the three for smaller fish, and it’s not unheard of to get a larger fish on a 3.
I just got the SLT for three, mine is 8’9" though. Can’t really say which you might like, they’re all great rods. The SLT feels very classy and elegant to cast, I think it will become my favorite in time.
First of all, we all should be so fortunate to have a fly shop that will loan rods (plural!) to a potential buyer, and not just for an afternoon of casting but a full weekend of fishing. (There’s a big difference between test-casting and really fishing!) When you make your decision, maybe you’d consider giving these guys a plug in the “Sound Off” section.
Anyway, the only thing I can add is to suggest trying different kinds of flies and see how each one works (weighted streamers and bushy dries can push the envelope on light rods) See how accurate each one is for you by casting under overhanging limbs or tight to a log jam. And see if you can borrow a different line - often when a rod doesn’t cast well for me, a different taper or brand of line makes all the difference.
[This message has been edited by GrsdLnr (edited 08 May 2005).]
What I first did was contact both Sage and Winston and told them none of the fly shops in my area stock the rods I’m interested in. And, since the best way to compare rods is side by side, I asked if the have a loaner program. They said “yes”, as long as they had the loaner rods I was interested in in-stock. But, I had to arrange the loaners through a dealer.
So, these rods are really from the manufacturer, not the fly shop. Most fly shops not only cannot afford a complete inventory of all rod models, but they cannot afford to loan out their inventory and have them actually be fished with because what customer would want to buy basically a new rod that has been “used”?
I located a dealer about 80 miles away who handles both brands, told them I already spoke through email with both manufacturers and to see if they could obtain the rods I am interested in. A few days later everything was arranged and I picked them up, including a reel, this past Saturday, with the understanding that I would have them for two weeks total. Pick them up this weekend, fish with them in the Catskills next weekend, and return them the following weekend. I’ll try to find some time to do some lawn casting practice in between as well.
Of course, you have to realize the only way a shop will do something like this is with a security deposit. They took my credit card number to hold (no charge to it)as security. I have about $1800.00 worth of product. You’ve gotta give up something to get something in return. Certainly fair, I think.
If a longer length is an option, I would try the Sage VPS Light in the 8’9" 3wt config. The blank they for that series is the same as their older light line series, which has quite a cult following. When you cast it, go ahead and throw some long ones. It has a suprisingly powerful butt section.
If you can get one to try, I recommend trying the 8’ 3wt in the Scott E2 series. They have been getting rave reviews as the one of best trout rods Scott has ever produced.
Of those you originally listed, I would be willing to bet you will pick the Winston LT 7’9" 3wt. That is one sweet little rod.
As usual, JC is right and his point is the most important one here.
I’m not certain what line I will be putting on it. The loaner reel came with that WF line from Sage, and I know that is the one they recommend. Especially for the TXL!
Even if it isn’t the line I end up with, at least there will be that consistency when using the same reel and line with each rod. I am assuming (a mistake?) that whatever rod I pick, if I chose a different line, the results should be pretty consistent - shouldn’t they? What I mean is, if I really liked one specific rod, wouldn’t I probably end up choosing the same rod had I been using a different line to test with?
I’m going to quess from the tone of your post that you recommend a DT?
If so, may I ask why? I’m open to all suggestions.
BigCliff,
I haven’t heard anything about the Scott E2. Anything on the web you can direct me to to read about it, other than Scott’s web site? Other forums?
As you stated, although I haven’t cast them yet, my agrees is that I will probably buy the Winston LT because I’m known for buying the most expensive in everything I buy. I have heard a LOT of great things about the Sage TXL though. And, I couldn’t resist seeing what the Ibis is like with its big price difference.
Tough one. If you test the bunch on a WF and change lines (profiles) afterwards, there could be a difference. I don’t use many light rods (I’m more in the 7-10’s) so I’m not sure if the difference will be noticable. As you mentionned though, consitency is the key when trying stuff side by side.
You have a neat opportunity to test 'em side by side, and that’s 10000x more than most of us.
DT’s vs WF … No, I’m not recommending DT over WF. All depends on YOUR casting “style” matched to the rod/reel/combo you choose.
PERSONALLY, I use DT lines. Then again, I fish open waters ('am looking maybe to try a Spey soon). I typically cast over 60% of the line on most lies, so the DT has a chance to roll out properly.
Further, I roll cast 30-40% of the time so the DT is more pleasant. I have serveral “Steelhead tapers” too. These are typically WF with a “long belly” so you can control the line (mend etc) more easily. They also roll cast fairly well.
My grilfriend on the #8 on my homewaters … To give you an idea of the sort of water I fish.
Have fun choosing (won’t be you r last rod anyway )
Ralph,there is a difference in a 3 and 4 weight,i own several of each,the four will have more ability to throw larger flies and can be just as delicate for the smaller flies.One thing is for sure,pick the right rod for you and enjoy your choice,if you choose wrong and try and sell it,the market will eat you alive and you will loose big $ on the purchase.Think smartly my friend…
Thanks for all this info and links, guys. I really appreciate it.
Sounds like the E2 is a sweet rod. I doubt I’ll be able to get one before this weekend, but nothing prevents me from trying one out when I get done with these. I think I’m going to have my hands full with testing the 4 rods I already have.
One of the days that I’m in the Catskills I have a guide who is the lead instructor at the Joan Wulff Fly fishing school as well. I’m certain he’ll be able to help with opinions of the rods as well. This trip should really be fun!
“I’m certain he’ll be able to help with opinions of the rods as well.”
He’ll be able to help with descriptions of the rods, but your opinion is what matters. Actually the most help he can give you is to stand there and tell you which rod you cast best with. Whether that rod is his favorite doesn’t matter.
If you really want to get an objective test, blindfold yourself, get him to extend the same amount of line on each rod, and let him keep track of which one you liked best. This will show you whether it is the label or the rod that makes you a Winston fan too!
Most certainly! I am fully aware the only opinion that really matters is mine in the end. I just mentioned him only because he will be another fine resource available to me during fishing/testing.
“Actually the most help he can give you is to stand there and tell you which rod you cast best with.”
I think the above statement alone is really important, to me at least. What we “feel” like we’re doing while casting may be totally different than what we “look” like what we’re doing, or SHOULD be doing. I attended the Wulff School and I thought I was doing GREAT - until they videotaped us and I saw what I looked like. Not a pretty sight!
“If you really want to get an objective test, blindfold yourself, get him to extend the same amount of line on each rod, and let him keep track of which one you liked best. This will show you whether it is the label or the rod that makes you a Winston fan too!”
Also at the school they had a session where you got to try about a dozen different rods one after another for a few minutes each. When I walked away from that, the only rods that felt good to me were the Sage, Winston and Scott. At that point I had already purchased my Winston, so I felt good about that. I would have felt lousy had I preferred another rod. Fortunately, I did some comparison shopping before buying the Winston. But, it’s generally tough doing side by side comparisons because most fly shops don’t have the inventory you would like to try. That’s why I feel so fortunate now. I have more of an idea of what I’m looking for, as well as most of the rods I’m interested in all at the same time.
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