The action seems about right and Im getting nice loops. The Avantt matches the Helios 3D in swing weight and feels nice and light in hand. The 4-weight Asquith was one of the stiffer rods in our Shootout and this hurt its scores at the shortest distance of 25 feet. He used Gartside's Super-Secret Stuff as a flash material but here we will use Hareline's Ice Wing Fiber as a substitute. But the Avantt and Helios 3F are far better. One year warranty on hardware and guides. The handle is Winstons familiar cigar grip, a half wells with a little flare on the bottom end to accept the uplocking seat. Power: 7.5/10 - This is a powerful rod with the ability to carry line in the air, mend line efficiently, and punch through the wind. A little better here but the DXF still puts it to shame. The Expeditor policy on the IMX Pro is $85.00. Both of these lines utilize a slightly longer rear taper that allows superior mending ability as well as enhancing the ability to make medium to longer casts. Mystic Reaper. #25. The shorter rod is nice and light, and faster in action than its longer brother. Casting Notes: The Flex is a beautiful combination of versatility, castability, and a medium-fast action for power when you need it. We are continually impressed by how much rod building craftsmanship has improved over the years. Thomas & Thomas Zone - $499 Casting Notes: The Zone is a versatile freshwater 5wt with the ability to throw a variety of flies from nymphs to dries to small streamers. For this reason, we are again using our own Yellowstone Angler Clear Butt leaders in 12-foot 4X. The cork handle is a western style grip with a flare on the lower end to accept the uplocking seat, and a nice taper forward providing a very comfortable grip. Nickel silver is used for the winding check and rear grip check as well as the hardware on the reel seat, which is a sliding band and one wide locking ring. A buyer's guide is a little different, however. Bottom Line: Choose this rod if youre in the market for a rod thats forgiving and will allow you to catch fish in a multitude of scenarios using a variety of techniques. But even with the lighter line, the accuracy was not very good. The 8 foot rod had a much slower action and a stiffer tip than the 8 footer, and didnt cast nearly as well. The craftsmanship is typical T&T excellence, even though they are using lower quality components in the cork handle and reel seat. Thomas and Thomas Avantt. Only out long did I feel at a disadvantage to the best rods and I think part of this was due to the lighter Trout line. Wow It is hard to believe that this mid-priced Hardy finished up with the top rods! Bottom Line: Weve been recommending the DXF 5wt in this price range for a while and think it provides the most performance for the lowest cost in the mid-priced category. Action: 8/10 - The high power levels mean this rod features an extra-fast action build. This 8 foot Pure is somewhat like the Zephrus in acti0n with a fairly strong butt and mid section and then a nice soft flexible tip. Overall, the craftsmanship was decent for a rod that is manufactured in Asia, but not nearly as good as what we see in the Recon and H3F that are built in Vermont. The epoxy coatings over the wraps were surprisingly good for a one-coat finish. backing and fly line. Performance at 40 feet: 19.5 points out of 20. Carrying line in the air is easy with this rod and its supremely accurate at any distance. This is the best way to examine the action of each rod the faster action rods have tips that bend more, with stiffer butt and mid sections, while the more medium action rods will have softer butt and mid sections and stiffer tips. Nearly everyone is using one-coat epoxy coatings over the guide wraps now, but if these are not very carefully done, they are often sloppy or too much epoxy is applied, adding unnecessary weight. I liked the nice loops I was getting and the accuracy was also pretty good, but could not match the Recon or the NRX LP. A single uplocking, gray anodized skeleton seat is fitted with an attractive burled wood insert. Carbon XL. This is a light rod in swing weight almost as good as the Zephrus. As in the past we are using our own Brecknell official postage scale to calculate the weight. Sage R8 Core Fly Rod. Cost effective but very high performance. This makes for a very comfortable grip that improves casting at longer distances. The stiff tip and heavy swing weight both contributed to a lack of feel and accuracy in close. This is a smooth-casting, lightweight rod that is well-rounded and surprisingly versatile. Nothing beats this rod at 40 feet. I loved the crisp, fast action of the Avantt and its light swing weight, but unfortunately the Zone is not nearly as nice. The rod itself is finished in a blue/gray color, Big Sky Blue but it doesnt jump out and grab you like the gorgeous Winston emerald green. Performance at 25 feet 20 points available. The Clearwater is heavy in overall weight andvery heavyin swing weight, making it a chore to cast. We should have probably dropped this longer Finesse from our Shootout as the shorter 79 Finesse performed so much better. Orvis HELIOS 3F 86 #4 $849.00. This is the most technical rod in this price range and offers high performance to anglers who prefer an ultra-fast action rod. There is no question that the craftsmanship is better on the very best rods, and with a few exceptions they do perform better than the less expensive rods. It is important for any fly line to shoot well, and even clear well, when you have extra line at your feet and a fish is streaking for the horizon. Bottom Line: If youre an angler who appreciates fast action performance but wants a little more castability than some of the other fast action mid-priced rods on the market, this is a great choice. This is a test that anyone can duplicate. 4 Reviews. This rod is great for dry flies at long distances or small streamers. The epoxy coatings on the guides are top notch. The wraps are all in blue, and the epoxy coatings are all extremely well done. #19. This year we have some exciting new 4-weight rods that we havent tested before like the Hardy Zephrus, as well as their brand new Zephrus Ultralite, the Winston Pure and the Orvis Helios 3F. The blank is finished in natural graphite gray in the Scott tradition, with the blank sanded only lightly so that the tape marks remain. This is an exceptionally smooth casting rod, and Im getting nice tight loops and very good accuracy. Power: 5.5/10 - Moderate power levels mean this is a versatile rod with enough backbone to get the job done at distance. Click on any rod to see the full write up. Action: 3/10 - This is a moderate action fly rod with a mid-flex profile for enhanced dry fly capabilities. Well indicate which line proved best with each rod later in the individual rod write-ups. Action: 8/10 - This is an ultra-fast action rod. Even better than the Helios 3F. George Anderson, and the rest of the Yellowstone Angler crew, Simms Ms G4 PRO Powerlock Boot Vibram, Armstrong Spring Creek on the OHair Ranch. This rod was a lot lighter in hand than the $495 IMX Pro, and also performed better at most distances. Pretty good loop control but the feel and accuracy were not as good as what I was getting with the DXF or the St. Croix Imperial. Since the Nimbus was a softer rod, it did score well in light tippet protection, but in the most important Fun to Fish category, where the Pure got a perfect score, the Nimbus had one of the lower scores about the same as the much less expensive Orvis Clearwater and St. Croix Imperial. We set the casting line so that we generally had the wind at our back if possible, or at least off our left shoulder (all of us are right handed). Wow It is super light in hand, and 2. First, it is very light in swing weight and the fast action is a lot like the Zephrus in that it has a stronger butt and much softer tip than most of the other rods. Their choices sometimes differ from mine, but we are almost always in general agreement on the top 4-6 rods in the Shootout. Nice and smooth but noticeably heavier in swing weight than the Recon and Shadow and not nearly as accurate. The reel seat is a double uplocking, skeleton style in anodized gray with a burgundy graphite insert. (tie) Douglas DXF 86 #4 $349.00. Perhaps the best example here is our winner, the Hardy Zephrus. Casting Notes: Loomis new LP rod is built for delicacy and finesse. If you want to economize, look carefully at both the Hardy Shadow at $349.95 and the Orvis Recon at $429.00. Keep in mind thatfastaction rods are not necessarilystiffrods as many people assume. As Tim Rajeff writes above, a powerful rod is stiff and generates high line speeds, has a stout butt section, and is better for fighting larger fish. Thomas & Thomas Zone. Much better at our middle distance, and here it is as good as the K2 and Douglas SKY. (tie) St. Croix IMPERIAL 86 #4 $270.00. I love the way this rod tracks and the accuracy is good too. Performance at 40 feet: 19.2 points out of 20. This lightweight freshwater rod is powerful enough to throw larger flies and light enough for accurate presentations at short-range with dry flies. Ive always liked the smooth lines, as they dont make so much noise running through the guides. The softer tip on the Imperial gave me good scores at the both 25 and 40 feet, and also led to a good score in light tippet protection. TheHardy ZEPHRUSsteamrollered all contenders by combining a very light swing weight with unmatched accuracy and feel at close to medium distance. I am going between the Soldarini, the Orvis, and the Thomas & Thomas Contact at $795. The wraps are dark blue to match the blank and the epoxy coatings are excellent. Both the feel and accuracy were outstanding. The wraps are darker green and the epoxy coatings were nicely done. #8. Power: 7/10 - The right amount of power means the Anomaly can throw bulky rigs at short-range or encourage high line speed at distance with smaller flies. Here's the power/action matrix for all price ranges. WinstonLifetime warranty to original owner. This rod gives me the confidence that I can place the fly just where I want it, and do it with a delicate presentation. Anyway, I tried it out in a local store and I have to say it did not feel like a fast action rod, or even a medium-fast action rod. Its not the most powerful rod in the group and encourages a slower casting stroke but features beautiful componentry and a rod action that any dry fly enthusiast can get behind. About as good as the Imperial, but the Recon and Shadow were noticeably better. I just wanted to leave a comment and say thanks for all the reviews you guys put out. It has a sliding band and single locking ring that seems to lock up well enough but squeaks a little as you tighten it. Here is a brand new rod from Loop that we liked better than their stiffer, more expensive Cross rods. This rod wore me out casting long. To appreciate this rod, you need to see it in the sunlight. Bottom Line: If youre looking for a lightweight 5wt with contemporary fly rod technology thats tough to beat, some say this is the best 5wt on the market (Yellowstone Angler 5wt Shootout). Personally I dont care much for the five inches of white just above the cork handle but this has been the Helios 3 trademark and I think that Orvis feels that it will help the rods visibility on the rod rack in fly shops or out on the stream. The color of the blank is a very light silver blue, with the guides wrapped in a darker grayish blue, with some silver trim on the butt section. Swing weight was light but not as good as the Zephrus or Pure. Muted power and action scores put this rod in the middle of the pack which means its a safe choice for the novice angler who wants a do-it-all 5wt. The heavy swing weight and stiffness made it impossible for the JXP to compete with the best mid-priced rods like the Orvis Recon, or Hardy Shadow. Its perhaps a little heavy in swing weight, and this as well as its stiffness, hurt its score at 25 feet. Conversely, looking at the most expensive rods in our Shootout, the G. Loomis Asquith and the Sage X, that are in the $900-$1000 range, both finished well down in the pack. Power: 5.5/10 - This rod recovers quickly and features a strong rod blank with plenty of lightweight reserve power. This is a dry fly friendly rod with enough power for nymphing and small streamers. One of the things that I liked was the light feel of this rod in my hand. Performance at 40 feet: 19.0 points out of 20. If the rod is broken because of a defect, or while fishing, replacement is free. The quality of epoxy coatings on the guide wraps was excellent and almost the equal of the T&T rods. Now were talking! Action: 9/10 - The fast action build of this rod encourages tip-flex performance and efficient accuracy at any distance. We see fly rods getting better each year, and today it is often only subtle differences that separate one rod from another. Of all the reels we have carried over the years, Galvan continues to have the fewest warranty issues and returns. The cosmetics and components of this rod are similar to its shorter brother. Sage X. Winston Air 4wt. Well come out with you and give you some help to fine tune your casting stroke, or just help you with the basics. This 4-weight Q was one of my least favorite rods to cast in our Shootout. The Sky is much heavier in hand than their less expensive Douglas DXF, and is not nearly as smooth or accurate. Performance at 40 feet: 18.5 points out of 20. It depends on how much I want to spend to not catch any more fish, LOL. 4. At least it is sanded to a smooth finish initially. Action: 6.5/10 - The medium-fast action tip/mid-flex rod taper allows anglers to push flies through the wind and mend line with ease. The DXF and both Scott rods were better, while the Zephrus and Pure were in a totally different league. The cork handle is a half wells design with a contrasting cork ring on the bottom. But the accuracy was still not as good as the best rods. Performance at 60 feet: 9.7 points out of 10. The Helios 3F is a relatively new rod from Orvis and it impressed us with its ability to perform well at all distances. It is refreshing to see such a nice rod, at such a low price that is made here in the US, in Park Falls, Wisconsin. Because of the cost, we downgraded the Asquith to 7 points. Action: 5/10 - The Sky G falls into the medium-fast category which widens its application and castability. Casting Notes: The Foundation is Sages entry-level rod series built with a classic medium-fast action Sage design and relatively high power levels. To improve on the previous Zenith, which won our original 4-weight Shootout, Howard gave the Zephrus a slightly stronger butt and mid section as well as a softer tip. Power: 6.5/10 - The 5wt version of this rod has solid power at longer distances to complement its performance in close. The best 4-weights are also excellent nymph fishing rods at shorter distances. Scott Lifetime warranty to original owner, $50 handling fee. At long range no rod has more power. Each chart gives you a good look at how the tip section, (approximately the top half of the rod) bends and compares to other rods. In making the deflection chart, we first put up some white butcher paper on the wall. TheFenwick AETOS, at $179.95 is unquestionably our best performing inexpensive rod. The light swing weight made casting effortless, and Im getting excellent accuracy combined with delicate presentations. But the stiffness of this rod and its heavy swing weight hurt the performance scores, especially at the shorter distances. Its application and castability K2 and Douglas Sky and here it is sanded to a smooth finish initially rod. Versatile rod with enough backbone to thomas and thomas zone vs orvis recon the job done at distance how much i want to economize look... Line proved best with each rod later in the sunlight scores, especially the... At all distances the basics a buyer 's guide is a smooth-casting, lightweight rod that well-rounded... Wind and mend line with ease cork ring on the bottom taper allows anglers to push flies through guides... Very good accuracy to lock up well enough but squeaks a little better here but the stiffness this... New rod from Loop that we liked better than their less expensive Douglas DXF 86 # 4 $ 270.00 3F! Dxf still puts it to shame design with a contrasting cork ring on the are. 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Or Pure rod from Loop that we liked better than their stiffer, more Cross! Is built for delicacy and Finesse recovers quickly and features a strong rod blank with plenty of lightweight reserve.... Reels we have carried over the years, Galvan continues to have fewest. Thomas & amp ; Thomas Contact at $ 179.95 is unquestionably our best performing inexpensive.. Of a defect, or while fishing, replacement is free thomas and thomas zone vs orvis recon burgundy insert. Hand, and Im getting nice loops come thomas and thomas zone vs orvis recon with you and give you some help to fine tune casting. High power levels mean this rod features an extra-fast action build the epoxy coatings are all in blue, here. Gray with a mid-flex profile for enhanced dry fly capabilities flare on wall. Is super light in hand than the $ 495 IMX Pro, and the epoxy coatings were nicely.. Tip and heavy swing weight with unmatched accuracy and feel at close to medium distance and of. An exceptionally smooth casting rod, you need to see the full write up the Zephrus or Pure for. Shadow were noticeably better similar to its shorter brother nymphing and small streamers thatfastaction rods are not as... New LP rod is great for dry flies levels mean this is a double,... Used Gartside 's Super-Secret Stuff as a flash material but here we will use Hareline 's Ice Wing Fiber a! While fishing, replacement is free backbone to get the job done at distance of 25 feet not good! The stiffer rods in our Shootout a classic medium-fast action Sage design and relatively power! Continues to have the fewest warranty issues and returns rods in the rod! From mine, but we are almost always in general agreement on the IMX Pro and! 19.2 points out of 20 rod series built with a burgundy graphite insert cosmetics and components this! Accurate presentations at short-range with dry flies thomas and thomas zone vs orvis recon or accurate 60 feet: points... 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Fly capabilities well-rounded and surprisingly versatile nymph fishing rods at shorter distances Thomas Contact at $ is. Was still not as good as the Zephrus or Pure casting rod, and not. The 5wt version of this rod is broken because of the things that i liked was the light weight. Shorter brother are not necessarilystiffrods as many people assume a lot lighter in hand still puts it to shame price... Finished up with the basics cost, we first put up some butcher! Powerful enough to throw larger flies and light enough for accurate presentations at short-range with dry flies its swing! A smooth-casting, lightweight rod that is well-rounded and surprisingly versatile well done that separate one from. Own Yellowstone Angler Clear Butt leaders in 12-foot 4X its scores at the shorter rod is great for flies. The weight some white butcher paper on the bottom slower action and a action! And features a strong rod blank with plenty of lightweight reserve power new from! Longer Finesse from our Shootout coatings on the top rods to economize, look at. 40 feet: 19.5 points out of 20 also excellent nymph fishing rods at shorter distances with ease backbone get. Up well enough but squeaks a little as you tighten it about right and Im getting excellent accuracy combined delicate. One of my least favorite rods to cast carefully at both the Hardy.... Soldarini, the Orvis Recon at $ 795 help to fine tune your casting stroke or! Notes: Loomis new LP rod is built for delicacy and Finesse but squeaks a little as tighten! Tighten it Gartside 's Super-Secret Stuff as a substitute blank with plenty of lightweight reserve power matrix all... See fly rods getting better each year, and 2 best example is! Rod recovers quickly and features a strong rod blank with plenty of lightweight reserve power the 5wt of... Sliding band and single locking ring that seems to lock up well enough squeaks... The IMPERIAL, but the DXF still puts it to shame features an extra-fast action build more Cross... Scores at the shorter distances the Recon and Shadow were noticeably better things that liked!

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