Diamondback Flyrods

[achja]

I have a LL Bean Double L 6wt rod, and I like it better than any other rods I own or have tried. I know Diamondback makes rods for LL Bean. Does anybody else out there own a Diamondback (or LLB) rod? I am considering purchasing a blank for a 3/4wt travel rod I plan to make some time this summer.

[James Buice]

I have a DB Classic Trout in a 7' 3/4wt. It's an OK rod, but I much prefer the Sage LL for that type of rod. Actually thinking of getting rid of the DB and getting another LL in 5' 6" for small streams. Not saying DB makes a poor rod, it's just not my favorite.

James

[achja]

JB,

Let me know if (when) you decide to part with your Classic Trout... I'd be interested.

achja

[WDN FLY]

Loomis also madesom rods for Bean. Make sure the one you like is a D.B.

[achja]

WDN:

I got disconnected right after I emailed you about the "trout chat". I installed AOL Instant Messenger, but it looks like I missed you... (My ID is NGTO achja.

How can I tell who made the blank on my LLBean rod?

[The Ole Man]

achja
Probably can't tell. These retailers swap around from maker to maker all the time. But- I thought a Diamondback trademark was the diamond shaped pattern of the graphite wraps within the blank? BTW-Cortland recently bought Diamondback. Don't know if that is good or bad.

[achja]

Great, just great. I don't care too much for Cortland (sorry WDN). No specific reason, though. Most likely, I'm just going to purchase my blank from David Edens. I really liked the 7' 3/4wt I tried out at the fling. No discernable diamonds in the wrap on my rod. I'm guessing the rod is about 5 years old.

[James Buice]

The Diamonback trademark design is the diamond braid on their blanks. It's really pretty. Their lower end rods (Backwater and All American) do not have the pattern, just sanded blanks. It's my understanding that DB is now going to be offered through all Cortland dealers w. "Pro Shop" status. Guess it's good for folks looking for one since I only know of 2 dealers who have them in GA.

James

[Owl]

Watch it Mr. Meredith ! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif Cortland could kick Orvis' butt anyday........ok, well maybe not , but Cortland makes some good stuff and gives beginners and those of us not making 50K a year a starting point ! I guess I like my new Orvis rod, but I do't see all that much difference in it and a Cortland or Hobbs Creek ( BPS). Maybe I will with time........I sure feel snobby taking it out of the plastic tube and rod-sack ! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif

Owl

[achja]

Mr Amber,

I bet you're afraid to even fish with that Orvis rod. You probably just hold it and dream that you're on the Madison... http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/biggrin.gif

I'd sooner spent $100 on a used $350 rod than $100 on a new $100 rod... I have no tangible reason to discount Cortland, I just don't like them. Kinda like Georgia. I didn't attend either school, but I'll be rooting for Tech!

[The Professor]

I was e-mailing with a friend about the Diamondback's. My impression was that they have had a lot of problems with the ferrules cracking with use. A lot of people do not hold them the highest regards. I do think that there are better rods on the market for comparable money.

[Banker In Space]

achja

Try talking with Bill down in Byron at Cane River. He will probably be able to help you find a good blank. Have you been down there yet? If not, email me and we will go during lunch one day. (bo.drinkard@firstlibertybank.com)

[achja]

BIS,

I'm a regular at Cane River. I haven't talked much with them about rod building, although Mark said I'd be able to use some of their equipment when I'm ready. We have to get together one of these days to fish.

achja

[WDN FLY]

NO offence taken, Most of Cortland's stuff I wouldn't give $.02 for. They make real nice lines, especially for the money.

Owl, What's the big deal? The guys I fish with all have at least one Orvis rod. I build my own so I'm spoiled but Orvis is good stuff and it's meant to be fished with. Pull it out and be prowd that you made a good investment in your fishing pleasure. It's soooo much more fun to fish with nice equipment. I've been on the other end and it's hard to concentrate on the "task" at hand when you're fighting with your equipment. Pull excallibur with confidence my friend.

[Gator]

I have a DB 8'/4 wt. I have had it for 3 yrs with no complaints. It came with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Don't know how the Cortland buy out will affect that. Not real excited about the Cortland thing.

[cocoon]

I am a huge fan of DiamondBack myself. I got mine well over a year ago. This was after it was already bought by Cortland. It was my first rod and is still the only one I use.

It is by far one of the best deals on the market. 160 bucks and an UNCONDITIONAL lifetime warranty. And who cares who makes it or whose blank it's made on. Try it before you buy it. If you can't do that, make sure it can be returned. If you can't do that, learn to use the thing.

The only problem I have with mine is that it's 9' and it's a wee bit big for small water. Looks like I'll be getting another DB. Anyone have one they want to get rid of? I'm interested.

Cocoon

[J A Smith]

Achja,
I figured I'd relay my recent good experience with Diamondback. I have a 9' 5/6 built by DB as the house brand rod for the Fly Rod Shop in Stowe, VT. It had performed well for me for 8 years until a brain fart last winter encouraged me to snap the last ferrule. I made some phone calls, to the FRS, DB, and then Cortland. I admitted I wasn't even sure this rod was covered under the lifetime warranty, and offered to pay for the repair, but they said to send it back anyway and they would take a look and see if it could be repaired. I sent it out and three weeks later it was back as good as new. No questions, no problems, no charge. I called the factory to make sure this was correct, and gist of their response was we're happy you are fishing with our rod and just want that to continue.
My .02 worth,
John

[astewart]

I have been reading the posts about Diamondback Rods and felt compelled to post. I built a rod about three years ago on a DB 8.5 Classic Trout 5/6. I build a pretty decent rod (this wasn't my first)using name brand components. In fact I could buy a rod for about the same money but I like to choose my grip, seat, and etc. The rod did work very well until a day last August on Slough Creek. I was having a much better day than usual, for me at least. During normal casting the ferrule broke. Had rods back at the vehicle but that didn't help the situation. I sent the rod to DB upon returning home. Now I realize that rod/blank mfg.'s don't want to warranty custome rods. This rod didn't break because of any workmanship or use problems. They sent it back to me with a butt blank and my tip section sawed off at the ferrule. This was unacceptable as I couldn't do much with it short of buying new grip, seat, not to mention time. I e-mailed and wrote the company (DB) and was sent a return letter of excuses why they couldn't help me. I think part of my disappointment is that I spent a couple of years in customer service with the company I work for and you make the customer happy, whatever it takes. I cannot recommend the Diamondback because of this.
Alvin