Rod recommendations

[s_kavert]

I am finally ready to invest in a new rod and reel, and could use some recommendations from some of you who have cast them. I have settled on the Ross evo LT 2 for the reel, but need help with the rod. Being budget conscious, the two rods I'm looking at are a Sage Flight and TFO BVK, both 9' 5wt. Any opinions or either? I like the price tag on the TFO but have always wanted a Sage rod.

Thanks in advance! Sorry if this topic has been covered before.

[Wildman]

I would guess the question bears asking....Where will you use this rod the most? Small creeks with close canopy....open rivers like the Upper Owens...lakes? I'm not coordinated enough to fish a 9' rod in our local creeks....I get tangled enough with my 7'9". I am sure someone will be able to help you.

[unskunkable]

If you like the price of the TFO but want a Sage look at the Sage Vantage. I like that rod a lot for the money.

[s_kavert]

I'll mainly use this rod on open rivers. Little Truckee, Yuba, East Carson, etc.

I like the Sage Vantage too, but I think I am looking for something with a faster action.

[WanderingBlues]

The Winston Passport bested the TFO in the Yellowstone Anglers shootout and is $199.00. That was a 5wt shootout.

[k9mark]

I was in the market this year for a new rod myself. I went to an ISE Sportsman Show in Sacramento in January. I test cast about 20 rods. Out of all of them I choose the BVK in 9' 5wt 4pc and haven't looked back since. Go test cast the rods your looking at and see for yourself. I'll bet you go for the BVK.

[209er]

Cast the ones you have chosen, don't listen to anyone. CAUTION!!!!! Do not cast top drawer stuff, you may like 'em. But then again like me, I don't know squat but buy top drawer stuff regardless. Why?? 'Cause I don't know any better!! Lately bought two Winston BIIXs('cause they were cheap!) and a new BIIIX 'cause I'm stupid. 209er

[Pete]

Stanbery won't push his custom builds he just listed in the For Sale section, but I will . Check em out: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5552 They blow the off the shelf rods out of the water. If I wasn't a Bamboo junkie, that Winston would be mine .

Pete

[s_kavert]

Cast the ones you have chosen, don't listen to anyone. CAUTION!!!!! Do not cast top drawer stuff, you may like 'em. But then again like me, I don't know squat but buy top drawer stuff regardless. Why?? 'Cause I don't know any better!! Lately bought two Winston BIIXs('cause they were cheap!) and a new BIIIX 'cause I'm stupid. 209er

Sounds familiar!

Thanks for all the input!!

[stanbery]

Stanbery won't push his custom builds he just listed in the For Sale section, but I will . Check em out: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5552 They blow the off the shelf rods out of the water. If I wasn't a Bamboo junkie, that Winston would be mine .

Pete

Pete

Thanks

Jon

[briansII]

I'll mainly use this rod on open rivers. Little Truckee, Yuba, East Carson, etc.

I like the Sage Vantage too, but I think I am looking for something with a faster action.

Sorry I don't have any personal experience with these rods. Since both are brand new models, it might take a while before they build a solid reputation. What I will say is, I _think_ the BVK will be a faster rod than the Flight. From my experiences, Sage's descriptions of their rods are close, but IMHO, the rods are not always as "fast' as they make them sound. Nothing in the Flight's description, makes me think they are a fast action rod. I'm talking about a truly fast/stiff rod. When TFO says "fast action", you can bet it is.

briansII

[s_kavert]

I'll mainly use this rod on open rivers. Little Truckee, Yuba, East Carson, etc.

I like the Sage Vantage too, but I think I am looking for something with a faster action.

Sorry I don't have any personal experience with these rods. Since both are brand new models, it might take a while before they build a solid reputation. What I will say is, I _think_ the BVK will be a faster rod than the Flight. From my experiences, Sage's descriptions of their rods are close, but IMHO, the rods are not always as "fast' as they make them sound. Nothing in the Flight's description, makes me think they are a fast action rod. I'm talking about a truly fast/stiff rod. When TFO says "fast action", you can bet it is.

briansII

Great info. Thank you!!!

[Baughb]

Isn't Ross now selling an inexpensive but quality rod now? Don't know if you can check it out at your local shop but, I plan on looking into it myself. Also, I've cast the access rods by orvis... I know, I know but, it is a good rod, it is pretty darn fast, has a nice feel, not too expensive and Orvis has great warranties and service. No, I don't work there or even get discounts.

Bob

[hip]

I'll mainly use this rod on open rivers. Little Truckee, Yuba, East Carson, etc.

I like the Sage Vantage too, but I think I am looking for something with a faster action.

Sorry I don't have any personal experience with these rods. Since both are brand new models, it might take a while before they build a solid reputation. What I will say is, I _think_ the BVK will be a faster rod than the Flight. From my experiences, Sage's descriptions of their rods are close, but IMHO, the rods are not always as "fast' as they make them sound. Nothing in the Flight's description, makes me think they are a fast action rod. I'm talking about a truly fast/stiff rod. When TFO says "fast action", you can bet it is.

briansII

I casted a 6 wt version of the flight with a 240 grain shooting head and it performed nicely from a normal cast to punching it pretty hard with a double haul.
I don't know if it is as fast as your typical TFO TICr canon I would have to cast them side by side but it was up to the task with the 240 head.

I have not been able to cast a BVK I had one in my hand but that was about it.
From my understanding I thought they were slower then a Ticr.
I know one thing about TFO's from owning them.

One of the best warranty and customer service in the business especially replacing broken rods.

My perspective is from a salt water one. Roll casting, mending and all the other things you do with a rod working a river should be taken into account.

The TICR series would not be the best choice to fish a stream but the BVK if it is slower then the TICr's could be a nice rod.
The price is right. jon