Best fly rod under $300 [Archive]

James Buice

11-25-05, 11:38 AM

I'd take a look at the Sage FLi series or the Scott A2 series. Both models cast as well as any rod I've picked up under $400. The St. Croix rods are also quite nice for the price range. Best thing to do is head down and cast several rods, then make up your mind.

I wouldn't give you a nickel for a TFO or any of these new 'inexpensive' rods made overseas. These companies have taken cheap blanks and, through smart marketing, created a demand for an inferior product. I like to know a certain amount of quality control goes into my flyrod. A lifetime warranty does me no good if I'm in the middle of British Columbia holding a broken rod with no way to get a replacement before my trip is over.

Come on in,
James

TheEndlessEnigma

11-25-05, 12:59 PM

bar none .... made completely in USA as well ..... oh and i have one for sale ... (shameless plug) .... just moving up to a 5 weight

The Ole Man

11-25-05, 01:33 PM

James==Do you know if Winston went overseas for the new Winston "Vapour" blank ?? I heard somewhere on the web that was what they were doing. Just wondering.

James Buice

11-25-05, 05:18 PM

As much as I hate to say it, but they did. Winston went overseas for both of their two 'new' rods. The later Ibis rods were also stamped Made in China on the reelseats. To my knowledge, we're not going to carry either.

Jimmy Harris

11-25-05, 09:01 PM

"I wouldn't give you a nickel for a TFO or any of these new 'inexpensive' rods made overseas. These companies have taken cheap blanks and, through smart marketing, created a demand for an inferior product. I like to know a certain amount of quality control goes into my flyrod. A lifetime warranty does me no good if I'm in the middle of British Columbia holding a broken rod with no way to get a replacement before my trip is over."

Amen, James!

TigerDude

11-26-05, 11:41 AM

I like to know a certain amount of quality control goes into my flyrod. I hate to say it, but Asian quality control is generally as good or better than U.S. quality control. That said, I have no specific knowledge on how QC is done at the U.S (or Asian) plants, other than the Sage piece on "Made in America" didn't show anyone measuring anything.

Skilled craftsmen making stuff is no guarantee of good quality (see Porche in the 80's).

S.Trutta

11-26-05, 01:44 PM

I own several high end rods, including a cane rod that costs more than I'd like to admit. I have fished rods from all the top makers and am a big fan of Winston and Sage. However, I recently wanted to get a slightly less expensive 4 piece travel rod, and immediately thought to get the Winston IBIS. Upon recieving it I was so dissapointed in its wimpy feel and lack of attention to detail that I decided to sell it. I wound up buying one of the new TFO TiCrX rods and can honestly say it throws and handles as well as any of the higher end models I've ever fished. I have also found similiar results for the St. Croix rods and now own a few of them. Although these less expensive rod companies lack the bells and whistles of the big makers, they can more than hold their own on the water. I am certainly not putting down the high end rod companies and will continue to buy and enjoy their products when needed, but when one is looking to get a less expensive rod i think the sage's and winston's are the wrong way to go because alot of that $300 price tag is the name. When you get a St. Croix or TFO, your paying all the money for the rod and nothing for the name. My point of view on this issue is fish what you can afford and what you will enjoy. If you have the money then certainly go out and get a sweet sage or winston, you won't be dissapointed. I enjoy a beautiful rod as much as anyone, and cherish the nice rods that I own and fish, but its also very refreshing to know that you can spend under $300 dollars and get a rod that fishes great and will last you forever.

Rich

Rusty Fowler

11-27-05, 10:45 PM

My centiments exactly, S. Trutta. With the amount of rods that I have it would be an embarrassing amount of money if they were all high end. I do, however, like my high end sticks. I like the TFO professional, too. I've got 2 and I just ordered another one. No problems yet.

BTW, There's no way I would go to Canada without a few back up rods (insert rolling eyes here.) Thats my reasoning anyway, is there anyone here that would only take one rod on an expensive fishing trip?

James Buice

11-28-05, 01:14 PM

Guys, we seem to have gotten in a side channel here; the question posed was a good rod for under $300. Given the information I have, I suggested the better rod makers (i.e. Scott, Sage, and St. Croix) which are rods I've used, been to the factories, seen the process, and know first hand the quality control of these companies. As a retailer, I could carry TFO rods or any other rod in the biz. So could Jimmy up at Unicoi. So could a lot of shops. The bottom line is we're looking to provide a certain amount of quality, both in service and product. The Asian rods (and some US brands for that matter) just do not mesh well with our business ethics and sense of quality.

BTW:Never said I'd only take a singe rod on any long distance (or local) fishing trip, just illustrating the point that anybody can offer a lifetime warranty on their product, but you use it less with the good sticks (and you know the better companies will be around years down the road to honor that warranty).

Tight Lines,
James Buice

S.Trutta

11-28-05, 02:15 PM

My point is....if you have $300 to spend on a rod, that money is better spent on a St. Croix or a TFO rather than a Winston, Scott, Sage, etc. The big companies make high quality rods that come with a high quality price tage, but are worth every penny. They have just recently started making much lower priced versions to compete with the very succesful small companies like st. croix and TFO. Bottomline, $250 on a TFO, all going towards the rod/components. $250 on a winston, sage, etc. and you might get $150 worth of rod and $100 because of the name associated with it. Many of the big name guys are having their lower end rods made elsewhere, and the quality and precision that goes in to their top end models is left out of the cheaper rods. If you want a Winston, Sage, Scott, T&T, or any of the other famous makers, then get one of their high end rods and you'll be thrilled. if you are looked for a less expensive rod then look to the lower companies and buy their top end rods, which are the same price as the big guys cheap stuff. Its a matter of opinion, but I have tried some low end Loomis, Winston, and Sage stuff and those rods can not compare to my TFO TiCrX or St. Croix Legend Ultra. Anyone else agree?

Rich

PPuckett

11-28-05, 02:39 PM

(INSERT ROLLING EYES HERE)??.....ok??

Just spend what you can on a rod...fish it, it is a fishing tool....not a fashion show on the river. Cast them before you buy, and you will have full confidence in the rod. I like St. Croix's rods well before I like TFO. Sage FLi is a great rods as well. I still fish my Berkley fiberglass rod every now and then...who cares. Just buy what you can and go fishing.

Dont make it a contest of how many rods you have (INSERT ROLLING EYES HERE).......yea

Fire Walker

11-28-05, 10:22 PM

I agree with Rich. I have thrown all the rods as well and love the TiCr and the TiCrX. I recently broke the TiCr and sent it in to the rod Dept for repair. After speaking with Rick Pope about the urgency of needing the rod back he overnighted me a brand new rod.
Now I realize this isnt about foreign trade so I not going to go there but I will say that the level of service I received from TFO was incredible. I broke three St. Croix Legend Ultras and they all took as much as a 3 weeks to get back to me and when they did my 9 foot five weight was an 8 1/2 foot five weight. I broke a Powell and it took six weeks for them to get it back to me.
I can cast with the best of them and have a fairly good understanding of casting dynamics as well as rod construction. With that said, Hands Down the TiCrX cast better than all the rods I threw in the same class. Now this is just my opinion .
I was however offended to hear you James) make the comment about the overseas market.:( There was an article in Outside a few months ago about the Backpacking industry and how much the overseas market was a part of there success. There quality far exceeds that of the High end companies here in the States. Now I love my country and want to keep the jobs here just as much as the next guy but these people are amazingly creative and take just as much pride in the final product as the folks at Sage or Orvis. Let us not forget that the world is full of great talent and skill and it makes great business sense to use the overseas market to further the sport. Hear again not trying to start an import/export war just reminding the Outdoor Retailer to look at the big picture;) Hears to ya boys Keep those loops tight and the smiles big,Luke

Fish Gazer

11-28-05, 10:49 PM

Has anyone noticed on Ebay all the Sage rods on sale from China? Whats up with that? Could they be knock offs? Oh and..... I have a TFO TiCRX 8 wgt I broke the tip on the second day out....it kinda ruined my excitement about the rod.

Jeff

Gillseeker

11-28-05, 10:52 PM

I like to see discussion about foreign trade. I discuss this everyday with General Motors and the fact of the matter is that there is a lot of junk brought into this country from China. However, there are some products that are as good if not better. I just got into flyfishing and I'm the type of guy that does a lot of research about the products I buy. After careful research and surfing dozens of review websites AND after doing an analysis of my budget (I make an above average income but I have an above average amount of mouths to feed :p ) I purchased a TFO Sig series 4wt 8ft rod. I made it out of the shop with rod, reel and line for $168. I have talked to several people, one of which will remain nameless but I have seen him catch mega trout at Smithgall Woods with this same rig and he loves the rod.

I get so pissed off when I hear someone B*&%$ about our economy while driving a Lexus but I have to admit that Lexus makes a great car. Same thing with rods. I would like to have a Winston or a Sage but dollar for dollar all of the research I have done tells me that TFO makes a pretty nice rod for the money. I'm sure the Chinese Winstons are great rods as well. At 168 bucks I can buy one for me and one for my son and have some change left for gas money to Smithgall Woods!!

That's just my uneducated, lack of experienced opinion.

Let the flaming begin!!

Dan :cool:

Rusty Fowler

11-29-05, 12:01 AM

James,
I'm just kidding around, man...I know you wouldn't.

James Buice

11-29-05, 02:38 AM

I know you were kidding, Rusty. No worries. Funny how the text looks heated but if we were all in a room talking, we'd be slapping each other on the back laughing. I always look at this board like we're all friends with differing opinions on occasion, but all buddies in the end.

Jimmy Harris

11-29-05, 10:47 AM

I, too, like the way this discussion has progressed. My original post was simply to agree with James on the marketing of inferior products as if they were the greatest thing to hit the market. I personally think I've got about as much business telling you which rod to use as I have in telling you who should be your spouse. I always suggest you try them all out first and then decide. Without going into too much detail, we don't carry some rods and reels that are getting a lot of attention right now because we don't think their idea of ethics meshes with ours. Not trying to be pious; just noting differences. Some of the new foreign rods are pretty darn good. Winston and St. Croix rods come to mind first. A lot of them, I personally don't have much use for. I think there are good rods made in the USA that compete price-wise with some of the more popular imports right now and they certainly are high quality.

I don't begrudge anyone who purchases a rod or reel which we choose not to stock. I do, however, think it is our responsibility to give our customers the full picture so they can make an informed decision. I know Firewalker likes his TF rods and I think that's great. However, Luke can outcast about 95% of the anglers out there and he looks for a rod that helps him get more distance. That's what everyone should be looking for; a rod that enhances their skills, not one that makes it more difficult. Just be aware that what you see ain't always what you get in the world of marketing.

bonedog

11-29-05, 10:55 AM

"I personally think I've got about as much business telling you which rod to use as I have in telling you who should be your spouse. I always suggest you try them all out first and then decide."

Sooo, where do I sign up to try all the women out :)
bd

Fire Walker

11-29-05, 11:57 AM

You hit the nail on the head Jimmy. You've made a great point. Casting style is the main thing to consider when making a rod purchase. I like em fast. Where as most of the guys like a medium/fast rod.
A long time ago Brian Stout sat me down and taught me the difference between rods. He explained that its not about price but more importantly action and timing. He put me in a St.Croix Avid and sent me on my way. Over the years I have progressed to faster rods. Just my style. I like throwing big flies and I feel that presenting them with a fast rod is easier. Now on the flip side Steve(Knot Trying) throws medium action rods with sink tip lines and the same size streamers. When I offered to let him try the rod he didnt like it. He could not generate the line speed necessary to load the rod. There ya go Case and Point. I too share James admiration for this type of conversation. I enjoy talking to a bunch of guys ,who are at the top of there game, about the ins and outs of the industry. Thanks Gents,Luke

Rusty Fowler

11-29-05, 02:17 PM

I agree, James:).

Jimmy Harris

11-29-05, 02:32 PM

Bonedog,

That's funny! I didn't realize how I had worded that. Sounds like a good idea though.

spinboy

11-29-05, 02:50 PM

Try the personals for that line of women. You'll probably find the selection equivalent to Big Lots' selection of fly rods.

bonedog

11-29-05, 04:07 PM

Just joking around, Jimmy. By the way, thanks again for fixing my Battenkill Disc drag a couple of weeks ago.
bd

PS Lighten up, Spinboy

S.Trutta

11-29-05, 04:54 PM

I cant say how happy i am that I joined NGTO. Everyone I've spoken to and met has been very nice and great company. I too thoroughly enjoy discussions of this type, especially with extremely knowledgable anglers such as yourselfs. I consider myself to be a very knowledgable angler who has been around the sport for quite sometime considering I'm only 22, but I have learned so much in the past few months from discussions such as these.

Jimmy, What do you recommend in the way of a 5wt sink tip? I'll be throwing the line on a TFO TiCrX, Bauer MacKenzie Reel. I dont think I'll use it that much, but when I have an extra spool and i dont own any sink tips. Would you recommend an intermediate or a straight sink tip? Ill be using it many on some of the bigger DH streams and for big browns and summer steelhead in michigan. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Rich

Fire Walker

11-29-05, 09:03 PM

Give this one a try. Iam pretty sure it will take care of what your looking for.
http://www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/scianglers/sinking_tip_lines_ms-fresh.jhtml#streamer

Jimmy Harris

11-30-05, 09:10 AM

I can't argue with Luke's suggestion. Be hard to beat.

Fish Gazer

11-30-05, 03:36 PM

Makes me wonder, but the Sage Fly rods which were on sale last week on Ebay, and stated they were from China, are now gone. Did anyone else notice that, or do I need to increase my meds? ;) I like to check/dream about buying a five wgt LL is how I noticed.

Thanks

Jeff

River rat

11-30-05, 06:30 PM

After casting several rods(thanks Fish Hawk), I have decided on the Sage Fli.
I did not cast a TFO, nor would I purchase one. My fly rod of choice has always been Scott(S3, 2 Alpha's). I have had to call on their customer service once, and it was a good experience. I support Scott because they are made in the USA and I believe in their products. I hope Sage will provide me with the satisfaction that I have had from Scott and Ross Reels. Jim

Gillseeker

11-30-05, 07:01 PM

I'm budget minded and with 7 kids, I just don't think I will ever be able to hang with you guys as far as the amount of time you guys get to fish and the places you can go. I have a nice Winston bamboo rod that is a hand-me-down from Pops and I have an Orvis HLS 3wt. I needed a 4wt and the TFO seemed like a good choice. If I had a bit more money I'm sure I would have purchased a Scott or a Sage because those are good rods that I had heard of before. Until I really started looking into a new 4wt I had never even heard of TFO. I did do lots of research, though and the warranty is as good as it gets. Fly Rod and Reel magazine did a write up on the TFO line and gave it a pretty good rating. I'm sure there is money trading hands for a good write-up but also the mag has to keep some of it's integrity and wouldn't promote a junkie rod. I mean, c'mon guys, we're talking about an $85 rod. It is what it is. And let's not forget how this post got started: a guy wants a cheap, but good rod to start fishing. We all know what happens now. He catches a trout and then goes broke buying Scott, Sage, and Winston!! :D

Again, I'm just a big ol' noob. But I'm closer to his point of view than most of you. Just getting started fishing and don't want to burn the magnetic strip off the old AMEX just yet. I see that for me just over the horizon.

You jokers are the best source of information in Georgia for trout fishing as far as I'm concerned. I need NGTO like a pig needs slop. I'm addicted and I get so much out of this site and this message board. Please please please keep this up.
I appreciate everything you guys do and say.

Dan

S.Trutta

12-01-05, 11:07 AM

I have a Sage and a Winston, but have never owned a scott. ive only fished one once a few years back and cant remember too much about it. I am looking to get a 8 ft 4wt and was wondering which models you prefer. Do they have any rods that are not super quick, id like a medium to a medium fast action. Also, what their warranty like? Scott for some reason has never been a company that i've looked into much and i really havent been around their rods very often. Just wondering what advise you have?

Thanks,
Rich

James Buice

12-01-05, 11:18 AM

Hey Rich,
You'd like the new G2 rods; softer action and my next trout rod...seriously. They're great fishing tools. As for customer service, Scott is as good as Sage; you can call the company, talk to Moose, and get a first hand account of where your rod is, get any questions answered you may have, and have a great conversation with a nice fellow to boot. Those guys at Scott LIVE flyfishing.

Saw your photos, nice steelhead. Did u live in Oregon for a bit?

James

S.Trutta

12-01-05, 03:05 PM

Hey James, thanks for the heads up on the G2's, ive been looking at the Scott webpage and was reading about them, they sound perfect for what i'm looking for. I definetely think I'll give one a try as soon as I'm ready to buy one, which hopefully won't be too long :) As for the pictures, the ones labeled the Rogue River are from Michigan. My parents live in Kalamazoo and the Rogue is a beautiful stream about an hour north of there. It is not very well known, especially compared to the Muskegon, Manistee, and Pere Marquette, and often gets confused for the Rogue River out on the west coast. I'll be up there for Christmas and will fish both the Rogue and the PM. It's cold as can be this time of year, but nothing warms you up and shaes the ice out of your guides like a rampaging 10lb buck jerking the rod out of your hands.

Rich

duluthgator

12-02-05, 11:04 AM