Seems like in general people are against the orvis blackout. I that mainly because they haven't used one or that they have and didn't like it?
I’ve fished with one that my buddy bought and then promptly sold. It was like a wet noodle and the fit and finish looked more like a 99$ Cabelas special than a 1000$ rod. Add in the absolutely infuriating and mind boggling lack of a hook keeper and you’ve got yourself a real turd.
I second the recommendation on the Hardy UL. I have the 10'2" model and it's fantastic. I've fished that rod this year more than any other rod I own, fishing it for a week straight at one point. I've put over 50 trout on it. I primarily fish light indicator rigs with it but have tight-lined maybe 3 times on it. It does chuck a light indi rig quite well. I even put a popper on it and fished a pond. Quite a versatile rod, more so than my SAGE ESN HD 3100, though I do prefer the ESN for tight-lining specifically. I chose the 10'2" as I thought the 10'8" would be too much rod for me and I am happy with my purchase. I will say there is certainly an advantage to add on 6 inches and I think that is the route you should go. The color on the UL LL is a nice bronze color that looks even better when viewed through some Costa 580G lenses. The transition from blank to the glossy carbon fiber inlay is gorgeous, so much so that I had to get one of the UL LL's without the fighting butt to get the bronze cap on the back (yes, I am that much of a stickler for cosmetics). I now have there Hardy rods, all bought this year, if that serves as an indication as to how much I love these rods. Not sure what @Facemelted has chosen to put on his rod but I have a Bronze SAGE Trout reel on mine. Another good reel option would be an old SAGE 508 or 508. Those SAGE reels will cost you a bit if you can find one, but I know where some can be had. I know most tight-lining junkies prefer reels with some weight but these rods are so light you won't need much weight in the back to avoid arm fatigue. I ran an Abel TR 2/3 on mine for awhile and it didn't find it to make the rod feel tip heavy.
I wouldn't say that I am against it in general. I handled on at my local Orvis (D-town) and found it to be quite suitable, like it felt to me like it could perform tight-line duties really well. I have not fished this rod nor have I lawn casted it because what is the point of lawn casting a rod that won't be equipped with line to cast anyway?
Agree with everything besides the hook keeper. Just jam the hook into the cork or wrap it around the back end of the reel foot and put the hook in in one of the guide supports (obviously not in the eye lit itself because you don't want to scratch that). Most nymph anglers transport their rigs in that fashion anyways. Hook keepers are sort of irrelevant IMHO, like it won't convince me to buy or not buy a particular rod. I think it's a weird spot to put a hook anyways and some people that ride high on the grip end up finding a hook keeper to be a nuisance. There are many other more important factors I am looking into when purchasing a new rod.
Syndicate yes, Moonshine no.
I think euronymphing is a legitimate style. I use a lot of the tactics myself (people have for years before the new craze started).
Hardy UL is only $895.
Couldn't agree with your sentiments more! Like I said, if the man wants a Porsche let him get the Porsche. I for one understand the dramatic difference between low and high end gear.
I agree that folks should buy what they want. I was really just replying to krayfishs post, not so much to the OP. Probably not the place.
