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Thread: Sage VXP, Orvis access or TFO BVK

  1. #1
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    Default Sage VXP, Orvis access or TFO BVK

    Hi all
    I am wanting to build a 9ft 4wt which will be used to fish dry fly on the ostravice river in the czech republic. I DO NOT WANT A SLOW OR MEDIUM ACTION ROD. It has come down to these 3 blanks although I think that the BVK only comes in a 4wt 8ft6 blank.

    Please can the answers be honest because, lets face it, there are many sagophrenic people around. I really want to get the rod for the performance and not the name.

    I have not actually cast any of these yet and I will before the final decision.

    Please give your thoughts about any of these rods.
    An honest fisherman is a pretty uninteresting person.

    Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and not only is he hungry but broke for the rest of his life as well.

  2. #2
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    Default

    Have a look at the Stcroix legend elite blank.Good pricing and slightly faster action than the Vxp,also lighter.The bvk is nice but i have not cast one in that weight.I am not an orvis fan.

  3. #3
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    Sagophrenic ... LoL ... nice one.
    "Hierdie drol het baie vlieë" - Ago 2014.

  4. #4
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    Sage VXP really not a bad choice at all.
    TFO BVK, Jean Claude Van Dam swears by it.
    Orvis Access I am not familiar with. The Helios and Hydros aren't bad choices either.

    Probably depends on what your budget is.

    The Yanks love building rods on MHX, Forecast, Rainshadow and Matrix and even St. Croix.
    They like building them for about $250US and they feel that its as good as any other brand out there. Go to http://www.rodbuildingforum.com/ and browse the Rod Showcase and see for yourself.

    I did a Matrix in green a few years ago and it wasn't bad. Would I use that for myself? No.
    Would I build on MHX from Mudhole? Yes, if it's meant for fishing the Vaal or pulling bass from structure without feeling something for the rod or even being remotely attached to it. This would be a "If it scratches, who gives a damn type of rod". I have used a TFO Axiom blank once for a build, and honestly I really didn't like it at all. The only TFO Blank I would buy for myself would be the Finesse.

    So from your list, I would pick the VXP. Good quality, value for money.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by core fly View Post
    Have a look at the Stcroix legend elite blank.Good pricing and slightly faster action than the Vxp,also lighter.The bvk is nice but i have not cast one in that weight.I am not an orvis fan.
    Actually a VERY good suggestion. IMHO the BVK is not as nice as the VXP, but the Legend Elite is a better blank based on your requirements. Cannot comment about the Orvis.
    Gary
    Flytyer - Where great flytying begins

  6. #6
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    I see Mudhole aren't selling the Hydros and Helios anymore.

    From what I can see price wise, the Access seems to be well priced.

    http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/...ess-Fly-Blanks

  7. #7
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    what about a Marryat #4?
    Korrie Broos

    Don't go knocking on Death's door, ring the bell and run like hell. He hates it. (anon)
    Nymphing, adds depth to your fly fishing.
    Nymphing, is fly fishing in another dimension

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by E.T. View Post
    I see Mudhole aren't selling the Hydros and Helios anymore.

    From what I can see price wise, the Access seems to be well priced.

    http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/...ess-Fly-Blanks
    As is the St Croix
    http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/St-Croix-SC5-Sale
    http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/...sh-Rod-Blank_2

    I like Sages, but the VXP is only OK, while the SC Legend Elite is a very nice blank by comparison.
    Gary
    Flytyer - Where great flytying begins

  9. #9
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    The Sage VXP is a great rod, I have a 9ft #4 blank that is still waiting to be built, I brought it in for a friend with some other blanks, including 3 other VXP blanks and he decided to buy one of my other rods instead, so I guess I have to get to building it up. I might part with it if you ask nicely and offer me a decent price, as I have plenty of rods and don't really need the extra #4, but decided to keep it as it really is a peach of a rod.

    On your question about the three blanks, I would go VXP, no question about it. There is a reason I brought in 4 x VXP blanks with that one shipment, it's a great vallue high end rod and offers you a lot of performance for the price. John has a good option with the St Croix aswell, that is a real decent rod.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by GGY View Post
    As is the St Croix
    http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/St-Croix-SC5-Sale
    http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/...sh-Rod-Blank_2

    I like Sages, but the VXP is only OK, while the SC Legend Elite is a very nice blank by comparison.
    Gary you are right about St. Croix. I have an 8'6 4wt at home. Not sure about the model, I know its a dark blue rod but that thing can cast like crazy and I am not a great caster by any margin.

    I have to agree with you that your suggestion is probably the best when you consider value for money.

    I am busy finishing up with a Sage VXP for myself and I am hoping to fish the Berg with it next weekend. As someone that hates a green rod, it sure took some time to get use to the green and it seems like it has grown on me a bit. Still think the Circa sitting next to it on the shelve is one of the better colours Sage has come up with.

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