Orvis T3

FAOL Community Fly Anglers Online
1

I was wondering if anyone here fishes an Orvis T3. Mainly mid flex 4wt. I’m looking at them for trout rods since I have a gift card coming. I like to fish MO & OK tailwater fisheries and some in RMNP, CO. I’m starting to fish a little more with dry flies now too.

I had a 5wt TLS PowerMatrix tip flex but it seemed too bulky. Even compared to my old St.Croix Avid. I’ve always liked the looks of the T3 and they seem lighter in hand. Probably will cast one when I can get to Dallas but wanted to hear from an owner/user.

2

I’ve never used the T3 trout rods, but own an 8wt fast action that is a wonderful rod for saltwater fishing. Nicely built and very light.

3

The rod you are questioning is probably the best that Orvis makes. A very popular rod. I borrowed one once and absolutly loved it. It does not compare with the Power Matrix, much lighter and crisper.

4

FG,
What wt., length and flex did you use?

5

It was the Mid-Flex 8.5 4pc 8 1/2’. I really like the 8.0 and the 7.0 flex also. I have the 4pc 9’ 6wt Tip Flex T3 which is great for big bugs and windy days, but I recently bought the Zero 9’ 6wt 7.5 cause I heard the Zero was a stiff rod so I went with the softer flex and the flex is fantastic.
I wish now that I had gotten the T3 in a mid flex, but then I like boo and glass now also. (Not saying that these are close to a full flex, but rather that I have slowed down my cast because of Glass and boo)

6

from what i hear about them, you will like it

7

Don’t know if I want a 9’ or 8.5, 4wt or 5wt. Think I would like the mid flex though. Too many decisions!

8

i would go with the 9’, more versatility.
and probably the 4wt.
my opinion only

9

Take the ‘Card’ out in a dog bed and some sweaters. Sell the sweaters on Ebay, use some of the money to buy a dog and the rest for a used rod (from Ebay, perhaps a “T3” ?)

Oh ya, almost forgot, bust the rod and send it in for a new one, :slight_smile:

And too, see if you can get a lab pup, great dogs…

10

Great rod in the flex your talking about. I tried the T3 in a 9.5 Tip Flex and it was just too stiff. The rod didn’t have much or any FEEL… I like to be able to feel the rod load and the tip Flex didn’t allow that. Sent it back to Orvis and settled for a 8’6" Zero G in a Mid Flex 6.5 and I absolutely LOVE the rod. It weighs 2 3/4 ounces in a 5 weight. It weighs less than the T3 in a 4 weight so I was very happy. Also has great feel. Now I didn’t try the T3 in a Mid Flex but I bet it’s nice!

11

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

12

John

I have an Orvis T3 that I love. It’s a 2-piece, 5wt, 8’6", mid-flex. I’ve had it for 5 years and it’s my favorite rod. Perfect for the type of fishing I do - dry fly trout fishing on mid size rivers. By the way, I slipped in the Deerfield River last year and broke the rod in half right at the handle. I shipped it back to Orvis and had a new rod in less than a week. So the service from them was excellent.