Cabelas CGR Review

[NJTroutbum]

There has been a lot said about the Cabelas CGR rod line on the internet since its 1st Generation introduction. The chatter only increased with the 2nd Generation introduction a little over a year ago. All that chatter, along with the Fiberglass Manifesto review is what pulled me into my original purchase of the 7' 4/5wt model CGR. I began tracking the CGR prior to last year's spring opener, and was about to pull the trigger on it for $129, when they suddenly dropped the price in half, and I promptly applied my points and had it in the mail for $49. A lot has happened since that purchase. After a few trips to the creeks with the rod I was convinced that I needed a light warmwater rod and began eyeing up the 5/6wt with it's shortened fighting butt. And after fighting with my lack of patience for a few months, Cabelas held true-to-form and dropped the price 50% again. That was my queue and I ordered the 7 ?? 5/6 model. As a result, this summer found me hawking the prices again, until I was able to pick up the 7 ?? 7/8 model for 50% off as well. Now?let me qualify all of that quickly to alleviate any misconceptions about these rods. After fishing and handling the first rod, I would have willingly paid $150 each for any of them had that been required. I personally feel the rod is under-priced in comparison to quality and performance at the suggested retail of $129. However, knowing the pattern of this rods pricing, I waited and held on to my dollars for a seasonal sale.
Now that I am into one season with the 7/8wt and 2 seasons with the 4/5 & 5/6?.here is what I have found.

For the full review click on the link below:

Cabelas CGR Glass Rod review

 

[The_Sasquatch]

My 3pc 3wt snapped on a back cast at the top ferrule. Oh well. Took it back, they didn't have anymore in stock, so I exchanged it for the 6' 3wt Prime, which I'm VERY happy with (despite having to build a case and strapping it to my luggage rack to get it up into the mountains!)

 

[NJTroutbum]

My guess woild be, the spigot slipped. No problrms on my end yet.

 

[jifigz]

I LOVE my 7/8 CGR. I've been fishing it hard for smallies since I got it last December. Heck of a deal when it was on sale.

 

[JVenezia]

They have them on sale for half price right now $64.99 Looks like a nice rod. I might pick up the 5' 9" 3wt for small stream / back woods Brookies.

 

[lestrout]

Yo NJTro

Thanks for your nice review. I too am a fan of the CGR/CGT/CGRs and they are great values even at list price. Those sales are deadly, since I end up buy two or more at a time (since I'm saving soooo much money). - lol

 

[The_Sasquatch]

NJTroutbum wrote:
My guess woild be, the spigot slipped. No problrms on my end yet.

That's my guess as well. And on a light weight rod, it wouldn't take much slippage to do damage. I loved the rod, and I have NO complaints. I would have just done an even exchange if they had the same rod in stock.

BUT, I love the Prime. I have no complaints about that either, and after using both, I think I kinda prefer the 1 piece!

 

[The_Sasquatch]

Also, I applaud Cabela's CS Rep. No questions asked, the Prime was $10 more at the time, and she just did an even-steven exchange. That's good service.

 

[outsider]

I have the 7'-6" 5/6 CGR. I like it, but in my opinion it could be a bit slower. Just my taste in rods. And for the sale price, I couldn't pass it up. I also have the 7'-1" 4 weight Prime. Much slower, and a small fish feels big. Love it.

 

[raftman]

I got the 7/8 a few months ago when it was on sale for 51 bucks. Can't beat it and it's a great rod for smallies. Now I just need a cool old school click and pawl reel for it....

 

[Bogey]

I too bought the 7/8 while on sale (was 60 something at the time, called back when it dropped to 50 and received credit). I have used it for LM which it did great with but bought it for smallies on the susky and Delaware.

I just put rio outbound short WF8F on and am surprised how far I can cast heavily weighted flies on. Using for LM in the morning and then smallies in a few weeks...

 

[NJTroutbum]

The prime is nice. Have never fished it, but have cast it.

 

[PocketWater]

I picked up a 6'2" 2wt last fall when on sale for small brook trout streams and it casts great. The flexibility of the rod makes it feel a little fun too where a small 6" brookie really can bend that skinny rod a little bit. I like it a lot.