So I had an unfortunate leaving my rod on top of the van incident last Thursday, and need to replace my Orvis Streamline 8.5’ 5 wt. I’d like something comparable in price, and am interested in the TFO Lefty Kreh Signature Series. Do any of you have experience with these rods? Also is their warranty as good as they say it is? Cabela’s has it for $110 and I have a coupon for $30 off any purchase over $100, so the price is right. I am interested in the 9’ 5 wt, and this will be my only fly rod.
The Signature series are often overlooked in favor of the more expensive Pro series. If you do not need a 4pc rod, the Signature series is an excellent rod for the price. TFO service is excellent if needed. I never have needed it, but the few people I know that have have reported back with the highest praise.
I have the Axiom series and have really put it through the wringer. On my last day of fishing in MT this summer, I broke the tip off. As soon as I got home, I packaged it up and sent it to TFO. 2 weeks later, I was good to go. You can’t get much better than that.
I’ve never cast the Orvis, so I don’t know how it compares in terms of action, etc., but the TFO is a good solid rod for the money. I haven’t had to use the warranty myself, but the few I know who have have had nothing but great things to say about the service. Not much here that hasn’t been said already in this thread, but at least it’s another bit of confirmation for you.
Thanks for all the input. I wiggled one yesterday afternoon at Sportsmans Warehouse and liked it, and they get good reviews on the Cabela’s website. It seems a bit lighter than my Orvis Streamline, and has a hook keeper. The Orvis rod did not which was annoying, and something I didn’t even notice until after I bought the rod. I’m headed to Cabela’s after work to pick one up.
Best bang for the buck out there. I’ve had one for several years…one turned into three… and I’ve also driven off with them on my roof. Sent in the smashed bits with the specified cash on more than one occation and got a new rods.
It’s still a favorite.
i have a pro and TiCr series rods, 3 & 5 wts, respectively. i have had to use the warranty and yes it is as good as advertised. my cousin has a sig series and loves it and he also had to use the warranty - twice. new rod returned in less than 2 weeks.
Like my 8’ Pro a lot. Have used the warranty to replace a broken tip, one week it was back. Does anyone have any experience with the Finesse series? Looking for a future small water trout rod.
Brandon,
I have the EXACT 5wt you are considering. I expected it to be my “loaner” rod for friends, but it has become MY “go-to” 5wt. It is a FANTASTIC value! I have not had to use the warranty, but I have never yet heard a complaint.
Buy it! You will not regret it.
Mike
i bought an 8’6" 6-wt last week and tried it out yesterday and all i can say is i love it, it is taking some getting used to, it is a big step from a 20 dollar rod i had but when i learn the rod it will be great.
I did buy the rod, but ended up taking it back to Cabela’s and exchanging it for a Three Forks 8.5’ 5wt 4 piece. The TFO rod did cast nice, but I was not impressed with the reel seat and cork grip. It just seemed to be cheaper than the Three Forks. Plus the Cabela’s rod is a 4 piece, cast nicer (to me) and was less money. I have no doubt that the TFO rod is good quality and would work for me, but for the cost it was hard to turn down the Three Forks. Also it was highly recommended to me by the guy working in the fly shop whose advice I have learned to listen to. Recommending a less expensive rod gets my attention. And the money I saved I can put towards a Three Forks 7.5’ 3 wt.