OK,
I’ve settled on a couple rods that I’m considering. I am looking at medium to medium-fast action rods. I want one in the 7’6" to 8’ range and in 3 weight.
Here are the ones I’ve been looking at.
Winston WT / IM 6
Winston BIIt
Sage SLT
Orvis Superfine Trout Bum
Scott G2
TFO Finnesse
Of these, I’ve test cast the Orvis and the Winston BIIt. I have not cast the Sage but with the fire sales going on with that rod being discontinued, the prices are quite attractive. Of course the IM6 Winston is no longer made, but there are a number of them floating around.
So, for those who have cast different examples, what’s your opinion of these rods? What about the Sage SLT? I know they call it medium fast action, but how does it compare to the others.
I have a Scott G2 9’ 5wt and really like it’s action to give a baseline of the kind of rod I like.
I’m not really interested in bamboo yet.
So, let the comments fly. I got the go ahead from the Chief Financial Officer (aka the wife) to get my 3wt.
I have a Battenkill Bar Stock II reel on the way to go with my new short 3 weight.
Oh by the way, this rod will be used on small streams which have substantial canopy and streamside vegitation. for both trout and some bluegill/pumpkinseeds and smallmouth bass (not going after lunkers with this outfit).
I could have sworn I wrote this post but I didn’t. I’m on the same wavelength but I’m somewhat reluctant in spending another $600+ on a 3 wt. I would’nt be using it as much but would enjoy it when I did(10% of my fishing time). I have entertained the WT but I’m having concerns about Winston right now. The SLT is a bargain right now so I’m inclined to look at it seriously and cast one. The Orvis and Scotts would be ideal as well but then both are over $500+ so I’ll be following the responses you get here. I got my Waterworks Velocity setup last week so the rod is all I’m waiting to get.
My opinion. Those other two rods simply are not even in the same class as the Sage. There is no way to compare them. I make it my job to cast as many rods, reels, lines, etc. as possible. I do not get to them all, but many. From that I form my opinions.
Let me say that I feel that Sage rods are more highly developed and give more of everything wanted for the money spent. I personally know the team who does the designing and actually many of the production folks too. The Sage is far above the Winston and Orvis any and every time. Again, just my opinion and why I do not own any Orvis rods nor Winston rods and why they are not sponsors here either. I continue to cast their products at the shows though.
For all that vegetation in the way I do not think I would spend a lot of money for a magnificent rod. I would buy a 6’-6" 2piece 2wt blank and build it. Overline it with a 3wt line and you are in business. The last 2wt blank I purchased was $20. The tippet is the weakest link of the set up. You don’t even need a 3wt for what you described. I’ve been catching smallmouth bass all summer on the 2wt.
See if you can find a Diamondglass 7’6’ 3wt to cast. That’s my present small stream rod and I couldn’t be happier. The feel of catching a fish on it has to be felt to be believed. It’s as smooth as butter and roll cast like you wouldn’t believe.
Just a thought, and it cost half of what some of the rods you’re considering.
Last year I cast about a dozen 3wts of between 7 1/2 and 8 1/2 feet. I was looking for the ideal small stream “Smoky Mountain” rod. I already owned a Sage, didn’t want another (just wanted to branch out).
I could not make the Winston rods work. Period. I tried a couple of WT’s and a BIIx, and I could not cast them to save my life. Winston was out.
The Scott G2 was out, but it felt odd to me. I can’t describe it any other way. Kind of damped, like I couldn’t really feel the rod.
The TFO also felt damped, and really paled in comparison to the St. Croix Avid I cast alongside it.
As I said, I didn’t want a Sage but I went to the shop to try a TXL. Didn’t like the TXL but the 7 1/2’ 3wt SLT was an absolute joy. I did not buy it though, because the shop offered me a killer deal on a 2pc 8’ XP 3wt.
I’ve been fighting that XP for a year now. Now that the SLT’s are discontinued, I went back to that fly shop. They had one SLT left - the 7 1/2’ 3wt. I should say MY 3wt. I tried to resist, but my will faded yesterday.
I fished it for the first time this morning, along with my Battenkill Bar Stock II. FANTASTIC combo.
ok, this just my opinion…(coming from someone who enjoys a nice slow to medium action)…Steffen I just think you should cast as many rods as possible Steffen without listening to what others say Steffen and go with what has the best feel to you Steffen and maybe think about not just a graphite rod, but perhaps venturing into the world of glass Steffen or even bamboo (just got my first bamboo rod and words cannot describe how nice it is)…
basically, if you’re not so set on a medium-fast to fast action stick and if your’e not set on a graphite stick, check out some of the glass builders out there. Now, my Steffen rod isn’t a 3 wt., it’s a 5/6, but it has more “feel” than any 3 wt. I’ve ever owned or cast (a fair amount). there are other builders out there but, outside of my bamboo, my Steffen is far and away the finest casting rod I’ve ever owned…the thing has got some serious backbone too…
once again, just my opinion…probably different than 90% of the fly anglers out there but it works…
Why overline a 2wt? And why overline any rod? It just my opinion, but overlining seems to destroy my casting. Just trying to understand what purpose it would serve.
Go with the Sage, you can’t go wrong. Even with it going out of production, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get it repaired when and if you break it. They will be able to repair it for a long time and when they finally can’t, then you can upgrade for a fraction of the cost.
If you have dealers near you, you’re best off trying out as many models on your list as possible to find what works for you…given that list of primarily premium rods. Since I have never seen you cast and have little else to go on, I wouldn’t feel right telling you one rod on your list is better than all others. You location on the learning curve and your adapatability are things only you know.
I don’t know what your impressions of the BIIt are, but I would hope you would at least cast the WT. It’s a different animal than the BIIt and has been around for years. (The “IM6” rods built in the last 10 yrs or so are technically the same as the WT). Even if you don’t have the opportunity to try one out now and end up purchasing something else, try to make a point to cast the WT when the chance arises.
You mention your G2 is a baseline, but does that mean you don’t like it enough to have it duplicated in a lighter rod? Or that you like it but are looking for something slightly different? If you genuinely like the G2 (the whole package…action, company, cosmetics, etc…), then maybe you’ve found a series that really works for you and deserves more consideration.
Lots of people like the SLT, and lots have been sold. They’re a major manufacturer that has made some great rods. There will be no shortage of recommendations. Again, get your hands on one to try one out, if possible, rather than buying blind. You might really like…you might really not like. If it’s the latter, that great price won’t seem as special.
If you’re not in a rush, you might find some great possibilities posted in the coming week/months on the “for sale” board here. Then again, if you’ve got the means (and the authorization) to get a spankin’ new, top shelf rod, then I’m not about to discourage you. Have a blast shopping, and I do hope you end up with the best rod for you.
Bugsy,
I wish we had a few more dealers close by. There are a couple within a couple hours drive from home, but they do not have a large selection. Also, I’m kind of hoping to pick up one pre-owned to save a few bucks and going to a fly shop and test driving their rods with no intention of buying just does not feel 100% to me. I have done it a couple times and I always walk away wondering if it was OK.
I mentioned the G2. I have a 9’ 5wt G2 and like the way it casts. It fits my style nicely. It isn’t much to look at. I can’t comment about the company as I’ve never used their service. I bought the rod used so it has no warranty. I do like the rod very much, but honestly was looking for something a little different just because I’m a tinkerer. I may not be quite as bad as some guys, but I’m sure I’ll buy and sell a lot of rods before I leave this Earth.
When I cast the Winston BIIt, I thought it was a very nice rod. It cast well the fit and finish were excellent, but just something about it didn’t make me want to buy it. I sure did not think it was the end all and be all of fly rod existance. Unfortunately, the closest Winston dealer is about 3 hour drive from here.
I have a good real coming (thanks to one of the Fourm members…). I’m just trying to decide on the rod.
Fibreblass is something I’ve never really considered. I have an old (30+ years) fibreglass rod, but it was a cheap one when I bought it. I’m sure a high end glass rod will be much betterthan the one I have.
I maintain that if you’re looking to save a few bucks, get a “fire sale” Sage SLT. It will still come with a warranty.
If you’re looking to save a few more bucks, pick up a St. Croix Avid 7’ 9" 4pc. Should run you right around $200. I liked that rod, too. Not as much as the SLT, but certainly (IMHO) better than the TFO finesse, 3wt G2, or Winston WT.
What 92 is saying about the St Croix Avid is true. The company brought down the highest technology to the lowest line of rods. What a great idea. They are just dandy and cast very well.
Saving a few bucks is far less important to me than getting a good rod that will last me a lifetime (or until I sell it for something else, which ever comes first).
The closeout prices on the SLT’s out there are quite attractive, but I’d be willing to spend more (or less) on the right rod. Based on what I’m reading here and my personal casting with some of the other rods, I’m leaning toward the Sage.
I have one of the import series St. Croix (I think they call it the Imperial or Prestige, something like that) and really do not like it all that well. It’s a decent rod in 8’6" 5wt, but it cannot hold a candle to my Scott.
As much as I like that Scott rod, for some reason, I’m not looking for another. I cannot put my finger on it as I like the rod, but want something different this time around.
I really wanted to like the Winston BIIt but it just did not ring my bell.
One benefit of the closeout prices on the Sage SLT is if I end up not liking it that much, I can list it here or on Ebay and sell it for not a whole lot less than I paid for it so I see the risk as being far lower than paying full retail on a rod sight unseen.
