Is there any other rod I should go cast?

[Sasha]

So I am in the market for a new 7wt. I have messed around with some different rods and have narrowed down the selection to these three: 1. Orvis Helios 10' 7wt 2. Winston Boron IIIx 10' 7wt and 3. Sage TCX 10' 7wt. I want the rod mostly for large bulls, single hand steelhead and for still waters. Before I pull the trigger is there anything else I should go cast?

[duckdog]

Sasha, you may want to try the orvis hydros. from what I understand it is the same blank as the Helios so it should be close to the helios but the cost is about 200 less. I have not tried one yet but I have tried a Helios and I want one BAD. I do have a Zero G . and love it.
Mike.

[Sasha]

Sasha, you may want to try the orvis hydros. from what I understand it is the same blank as the Helios so it should be close to the helios but the cost is about 200 less. I have not tried one yet but I have tried a Helios and I want one BAD. I do have a Zero G . and love it.
Mike.

Here is I heard about the Hydros (from the Orvis shop)..... That they used the same technology as they did with the Helios; but that it is not the same blank. I do suppose I should cast it as saving $$$ is a good thing. I wish I could find a 10' 7wt Zero Gravity; I own a 5wt Zero Gravity and love that rod.

That 10' Winston B3x is also a sweet rod. It made the list but the TCX is sitting in a close 3rd right now. What I really wish I could test is what they each feel like with a nice fish on

[planettrout]

Ugly, crappy warranty...a lot of people like it :

http://www.gloomis.com/publish/content/ ... lhead.html

PT/TB

[NorcalBob]

Sasha is correct, the Hydros is NOT the same blank as the Helios. And after choice #1 of yours (10' #7 Helios) all I have to say is, why would you want any thing else?
It's my most used rod in my quiver and nothing else comes even close!
And I actually even own a 10' #7 Z-Axis to compare it to!
And I do have a 10' #7 Zero Gravity, it's nice but doesn't compare to the Helios.

[FlyinFish]

I think Bill has the 10' 7wt Winston. At least he has A 10' 7wt Winston. That thing loaded up really nice, casted effortlessly and had a whole bucket load of backbone. Felt a little heavy, but boy was it worth it to be able to launch casts and to have some pulling power on the right kind in the surf. I don't have much to compare it to, but that was a sweet stick...

[beachbum]

I think Bill has the 10' 7wt Winston. At least he has A 10' 7wt Winston. That thing loaded up really nice, casted effortlessly and had a whole bucket load of backbone. Felt a little heavy, but boy was it worth it to be able to launch casts and to have some pulling power on the right kind in the surf. I don't have much to compare it to, but that was a sweet stick...

That's a Winston Vapor, which they don't make anymore. It's a good inexpensive workhorse for sure. I also have the Loomis NRX 10 ft 9 wt that I got for Atlantic Salmon. It's a cannon, and am looking forward to playing a big fish with it. When they say fast action, they seriously mean fast action though. It sure lays out some line. It's too early to say how well that I like it, but I like it so far. I am hoping to try it on some big leopards to test it's fighting ability.

[Ming Moua]

Sasha, I have cast the TCX 7wt. That rod is super fast and will handle bass bugs and poppers like bread and butter. If I had the $ for it I would get it in a heart beat. BUt its nice to try out the other rods you have in mind too.

Ming

[RiverRat]

Sage 99 maybe? It looks like your looking for the latest and greatest but I'm taking my old Sage RPL+696 and RPL7100 to my grave. They have remarkable resale value on the NorCal and PacNW fishing forums with the steelheaders.

Nice to see the long rods finally catching on

shane

[tycaster]

Echo Ion. I don't have one, but was thinking about an 8 wt a while ago and as far as bang for your buck, this rod seemed like a good option. Designed by Tim Rajeff and all of the reviews I read seemed pretty glowing.

[briansII]

Sounds like a great lineup of rods. While I have very little experience with 10' rods, but I have heard good things about this rod. Not one you read about often.

http://www.gloomis.com/publish/content/ ... n_glx.html

briansII

[unskunkable]

I hear Scott really lays it down...

[unskunkable]

I hear Scott really lays it down...

[Sasha]

Thanks for the other ideas, I am going to try to cast a few more. Well except for that new Loomis. It might cast and fish like a dream; but that thing is too F'n ugly for me to even consider

[Rockstar Fisherman]

. I want the rod mostly for large bulls

If I ever get a chance to come up there you better take me for a bull adventure, and I wont plan on catching one, but just hope I will.

I've thrown 2 big rods before, some 8wt, and my 7wt A-5 Albright rod. I must say I love the Albright rod, it's on sale right now for $164. Their 5wt rated very well in a cast off and I love my 7wt. * I throw a 525gr. shooting head with it just fine though I'm told by many not to do so.

Mike