Buying a new rod and would like some advice...

[Jut17]

Whats up fellas? I am looking to buy a new outfit and would love any input that you have on the rods I'm considering. This will only be my 2nd flyrod, and I have been using a TFO series one rod in a 5-6 weight for a couple years. I fish medium streams most such as yellow creek, spring, yellow breeches, WB Octararo,etc. I am looking for a good all round rod and in the medium/fast range. I am looking to spend 150-250 on a rod that I will outfit with an orvis battenkill reel and cortland WFF 444. I am considering a 4 or 5 weight rod.
The rods I am considering are cabelas L-tech, LST, and PT+. TFo finesse, and professional. St Croix Avid series. Maybe even G Loomis GL3 for 300 from FFP fly shop in state college. I know that the PT+ and finesse are slower rods that are great for clear water dry fly action. Problem I have is that the rods on cabelas website dont have the flex value on them like orvis does 3-9. I guess that I ideally want a mid flex in 6.5-7.5. The L-tech seems to be described as a powerful fast rod with the LST as more of a medium. I am leaning towards the LST or Avid and would like to try them out too. Any advice to help narrow my search would be great cause I dont think i can test all these rods. I am trying to get the best quality rod for the money I spend. I havent gotten the bug to buy a ton of equipment and stick with something I like. Ive heard good things about the quality and price of cabelas rods and even read some rave reviews for the avid on this site. thanks for any suggestions.

 

[jayL]

The GL3 is the ultimate rod in its price range, IMO. 9'5wt GL3 is what I'd choose if I had to pick one rod for PA fishing. It's a hair undergunned for the largest rivers like the D and out west... but for any average PA fishing situation, it can't be beat for the price IMHO.

It's fast and powerful enough to do what I need it to do, but it's got a bit of midrange action character. I don't know how it does it.

 

[Heritage-Angler]

Best bet would be to go to FFP and cast some rods. Our tastes in rods may be different than yours.

My pick for the $300/under range - Sage Flight series. Newer technology than the rods you listed, nicer hardware. But I'm a Sage fan...

If he's there, Dennis is the guy you want to work with - he's an excellent caster, and knows his rods.

 

[bam]

St. Croix would be my choice for around 200, but if you want the best on your list, go with the Loomis. Since you already have a 5-6wt I'd go with an 8.5 ft 4 wt.

 

[bikerfish]

test cast all the rods you can, then decide what one you like best, don't worry about the brand. the fish don't care one bit!

 

[Bruno]

ebay a used one - St Croix legend ultra

 

[jdaddy]

Check PM. Sent you info on LST w/ Orvis BLA I am getting rid of. Even if you are not interested you are more than welcome to try out the LST in real world conditions.