I will be buying a 6wt rod and was wondering if anyone has experience with the TLS series? I am replacing a Scott S3. I want a 9’ 4-pc. that is medium-fast or has a progressive action. I will be looking at the Clearwater II, the TFP PRO series, and the Sage VT2, all of which I have cast and liked. Right now Orvis is offering 25% off the TLS during their “Rod Swap” so I figured I’d ask. Thanks for any info.
i have cast it. i personally do not like it at all. but… it is one of orvis’ all time best selling rods so somebody must like it!. i do not agree with their statement that it has a crisp action , it feels downright mushy to me. i think you should cast it and if you like it …buy it! it is all about how YOU like it. orvis also has one of the best waranties in the business. and i have one of the worst casts in the business!!!
ive got a 9 foot, 6wt, tip flex , saltwater, tls. found it pretty much useless untill i put a 7wt line on it and slowed it down to my speed, now i love it. my nephew has a 5wt midflex which he really likes.
If it was me I would get the T3 by orvis instead I think it is more tip sensitive and you can feel a hole lot more with it. I also would look at the TFO rods for the money they can not be beat.
I have a 10 wt tip flex that I use for pike and musky and really like it. But if you have cast the other rods and like them it would seem prudent to go with a rod you have already tried.
Rick
I agree with mnklagoon’s assessment of ‘mushy’.
Just got back from the fly shop. I did a side-by-side with the TFO Pro, the Sage FLi, and Orvis’ TLS & Clearwater II. All were 9’, 4 pc, 6 wts & I was casting a 6 wt Bass Taper.
mnklagoon & gutbomb - I totally agree with your mushy comments on the TLS. It also felt heavy, almost unbalanced. It kind of wobbled in my hand. The guys at the shop told me that it is the only Orvis series that hasn’t had a makeover.
The other 3 rods were all very close, and the TFO is a very nice rod, but it came in 3rd. The Sage was great, but the II, with the tip flex really sang for me. It may not have the “punch” of the Scott it’s replacing, but I will be able to throw good sized flies for SM and still feel comfortable using it for Steelies. The Scott just felt too fragile for me. Also, I found the difference between the old Clearwaters and the II’s to be amazing.
Again I was reminded that it is so important to cast the rod yourself with the line that you will be using. Thanks all for your feedback.
raw,
if you can find one, try out the wright and mcgill “essentials” they run about 195 and really are a treat. beautiful finish !
I LOVE THEM! Hows that. I have a Tip Flex T3, and a 7.5 Zero. I got the Zero because I had a awesome “TL” (the $600. version) in a 9’ 6" 7.5 6 wt. and it was definitely my mojo rod. I caught my BIGGEST and the most fish with that rod. It was stolen out of my van.
I still have the 9’6" Power Matrix (Pro Guide actually) 6wt. in a 9.5. I have never found this rod to be mushy.
I do fish glass though and the Winston JWF is my favorite.
I also have a BIIX so I do know the different action.
I find the TLS a light comfortable rod and I would definitely go for it over the Clearwater (not saying the clearwater isn’t great) but as mention CRISPER on the TLS)
Cast is the bottom line. As you can see, some love them:rolleyes:
Some don’t, just like all the rods out there
I own a TLS 9’ 8# Mid flex 7.0 2pc and I like it alot. I can use it for fresh & salt water. I’m thinking of getting one in a 5#. I also like the fact that it’s made in the good old USA! Just like footware. One style/size does not fit all.
I used to sell wine. My only rule was this - if you like it, then it is a good wine. Fly rods are exactly the same. One person’s “mushy” is another person’s perfect action. I fish 4 different weight rods, by 4 different manufacturers, in 3 different price ranges. I love the way each one feels when it’s doing it’s job and I’ll bet big money that no other person would like those 4 particular rods.
My Uncle Mort once told me - As the lady said when she kissed the cow, “everyone to their own taste.” Uncle Mort was a strange guy.