Phillip, this is a tough question, that I can't really answer for certain as to which is easier, because I enjoy using both fast and slow action rods in different situations. However, over the years I've taken quite a number of beginners fishing with me that I have introduced to the sport, and will attempt to answer based on their experiences.
I have a couple of rods that I let these beginners use. Some of these rods are quite old. I have a 15 year old, 8'6" 5/6wt "Deane" rod that was the house brand of The Flyfisherman shop in Pietermaritzburg. Even when fished with a 5wt line, this rod has quite a slow action. I also have a much newer Xplorer Guide Series rod, which is 9'0 and also 5 wt, but that has a much faster action. that these guys use.
Now having just leant to cast, and changing between the Deane rod with the slower action, and the Xplorer with the faster action, they are unanimous that the faster action rod is a lot easier to cast with. Based on that, I would say the faster action stick is easier.
I however do not enjoy fishing any of my sticks lined up a weight. The stick I use most often is a 9'0 5wt Sage TCR which has a very fast action. Although I have read that a lot of people fish this stick lined up a weight or in some cases even 2. I find that the 5wt line performs best for me though. Incidently though, getting back to whether fast actioned rods are easier, I find that the guys I've fished with that are relatively new to fly fishing and casting a fly battle to throw this particular stick, and as such I would say that there is a limit to the fast actionedness (is that even a word ??? ) that a beginner will be able to handle.
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