Fly Rods$$$????

[Rebeleye]

Just wondering if anyone can offer some insight as to why fly rods are so expensive???

I'm interested in buying one. But, I'm sure just like everything else you get what you pay for.

thanks all

[A Fly Angler]

There's a lot of ways you can look at this. The really nice high end rods are made from high modulus graphite and usually have some sort of 25 year/unlimited guarantee if you ever break it. So, in an essence you are paying for the name on it and the insurance policy that goes with it. Is it possible to buy a nice low $ rod? Yes. The Cabela's Three Forks series is pretty nice, and a good rod. Is the Sage XP a nice rod? Yes, it's a sweet rod. The difference is a Cabela's rod is $50, and the Sage is $530. . I own a variety of rods from graphite to bamboo in a variety of prices. To each his own. I can say that there IS a difference in the feel and casting of a low end rod versus a middle to high end rod.

It's no different than any piece of gear outdoorsmen buy. Price and value mean different things to different people.

[ice_shack]

That's not completely true. There are a lot of reasonable price rods out there that perform like the high buck ones. If your new to the sport it would be a while before you could tell the difference anyway. I bought a three forks combo from Cabelas a few years ago for like $65 bucks including the line and it's a pretty nice rod for the money. I don't use it much anymore cause I've built a few nicer ones since then. St. Coix makes a pretty nice entry level rod combo also.

[A Fly Angler]

I disagree. There's a huge difference between high end (high modulus) rods that are more pricey than a Three Forks. St. Croix's nice especially the UL, the rest aren't the UL in speed. I wouldn't recommend a high line speed for a beginner. Moderate/fast would be a good place to start. I don't disagree that most beginners cannot tell the difference. I thought the question was why some fly rods are expensive. Why is a Porsche more expensive than a Yugo? They are both cars.

[WxGuy]

My first fly rod was a Coast-to-Coast model, that cost me about $15. It worked.

My second fly rod was a Browning Midas that probably cost as much as the hardware store fly rod. It also caught fish, and I was able to learn how to cast with both rods. Neither rod was so bad that it drove me to frustration, and I don't think any low-end, cheap rod will do any less than it is supposed to. Which IMO is to get you fishing and able to cast. I think you'll find that a good fly line is more important on a cheap rod than the rod itself.

After realizing how much I enjoyed fly fishing I've moved up to a Loomis IMX 4 wt and a Rainshadow 3 wt. Both are good middle-of-the-road rods and so far I love 'em. I have definitely felt the difference casting compared to my low-end Browning.

I recommend, if you're just getting started, buy an affordable combo (Redington and Scientific Anglers make good ones, but the Redingtons are getting hard to find) and learn the basics. When you're ready, move up to a better rod if you so desire.

I agree with Angler...there is a difference between high and low priced rods. Price is usually a reflection of quality. There are a few lower-priced rods out there that are high quality.

[Rebeleye]

Question for A Fly Angler,

When you say "high line speed" are you referring to the test or thickness of the line you're casting? Or, is it something other than what I just mentioned. Is this even worth trying to explain...LOL

Bare with me, this is all very new to me.

Thanks

[turiprap]

"Line speed" probably relates most closely to what you might call "action" in a spinning or casting rod. It has to do with the shape of the curve that the rod takes under load.

Fly rods cost a lot and fly rods cost very little. I see that St. Croix Tournament series rods for spinning and baitcasting sell for $200 and more. There are very nice fly rods for less than that, including rods from St. Croix's Avid series. To a certain extent, you do get what you pay for, usually in terms of lightness in the hand, warranty and finish, but the improvements can be pretty incremental for a big jump in price.

You can get a much better explanation of both fly rod action and pricing strategies by visiting a fly shop where they will be happy to lead you through this.

[JP Z]

Rebeleye,

If you can make it I would highly recommend hitting the Great Waters Fly Expo at the Sheraton in Bloomington this weekend. There you can get some real hands on help with selecting a rod.

[Lynno62]

Does anyone have any more info on this expo that was mentioned? Thanks,Lynn

To answer my own question, It is at the Sherton in Bloominton friday thru Sunday, WWW://greatwaters2005.com

will give a list a presentions. Sounds good, now what is a person to do, that or the sports show or both?

I did a Google search to find it.

[ice_shack]

Fly Angler

You misunderstood what I was saying. By no means is a 3forks rod as good as a high end rod. But there are many high modules rods for less than $200 that would stand up to any high end Orvis rod.

I was just rambling on about a 3forks being a good low priced rod.

[Rebeleye]

Saturday we're going to the Northwest Sportshow. Thanks for the heads up on the expo jpz. I'm gonna try and talk everyone into going there as well.

Have a good weekend all.

[magicstix]

Yes there is a difference between low and high end rods. are you just trying this out or jumping in? if jumping in spend the extra money you'll be much happier in the long run. I would look at a rod 8'to 8'-6" 5WT moderate/fast action[$100-$150 range], the reel you could get by with as little as $25, all it does is hold line for the most part,flyline $50-$65 WF5F. I went inexpensive at first and wish I would have spent the big bucks upfront. also take some casting lessons, comm. ed. offers a class real soon here that is great, its taught at whitewater SP, and don't forget the 5th annaul trout days lots of great info there. visit a quality fly shop they will agree. this is all based on your fishing s.e. minn area.on combos try and stay above the $200 range. happy fishin'

[Z-man2002]

is the fly fishing expo in bloomington on sunday too? whats the cost and what time does it run from?

thanks,

Z-man2002

[WxGuy]

Hey Z-Man...

It is open on Sunday from 9:30am-5:00pm. Today is 9-5. Daily admission is $10/adult, $5/students, and free for kids under 12.

It's at the Sheraton Bloomington Minneapolis South Hotel (long name idn't it?) in Bloomington.