Explorer T-50

[briansflyfishing]

I need first hand information on the Explorer T-50.
How does it weight against other 9 weights like TFO, Stealth etc.

Thanks

Brian

[core fly]

I have one,its a very nice rod.Not quite the backbone of a tfo but its a much better "whole day use" type of rod.This rod can bend,and although its a fast action once you are fighting a fish its seems to "soften up" for lack of a better word.
I think its a great all round rod,good warranty,fantastic packaging and very competitive pricing.
I have cast it with a 9 and 10 wt line and definately prefer the rated 9 line for it,especially when casting full length lines.
one area I have not cast it is with a shooting head,but i think it might be slightly "soft" for this and will rather be better with a standard sinking line.Although fast action it does not feel as stiff as say a xi3 or tfo,but it casts a dream with a floater.

[dtayl13]

I really like the blank. I have only cast it in a 9ft 5wt with a Rio Gold which is entirely the wrong line for it. My only criticism of it is that the stripping guides are recoil (on the 5wt anyway) and for some reason the like stickes to them when you try and haul. This I guess would be fixed on the water. I have only cast it dry in a casting comp.

I have to admit though for a 9wt or a 10wt I would think very carefully about getting a T50 before a TFO. TFO is very hard to beat for saltwater fly rods. If I can offer any advice cast both before buying and buy the one that you like. It is a very nice rod.

[Craigis]

What line would you advise for the T50 then if the rio gold is no good.
I have the T50 5wt and need to get another floating line.
Line will be for Sterkies and river fishing for natal scalies.

[GGY]

What line would you advise for the T50 then if the rio gold is no good.
I have the T50 5wt and need to get another floating line.
Line will be for Sterkies and river fishing for natal scalies.

New Airflo Super-Dri Elite would be my first choice. Scientific Anglers Textured Trout Taper (NOT the GPX for your T50) is also a great line, but not as durable.

[Korrie]

One thing about Airflo lines, they LAST and LAST.
another very good line is the Barrio line.
Dont think there is another fly line with as little memory as Barrio.
Barrio have been rated a couple of times as the Best Value for money line.
(that was before the new Airflo, not sure if the verdict will stay the same.

[BenzoV]

One thing about Airflo lines, they LAST and LAST.
another very good line is the Barrio line.
Dont think there is another fly line with as little memory as Barrio.
Barrio have been rated a couple of times as the Best Value for money line.
(that was before the new Airflo, not sure if the verdict will stay the same.

I got my first Barrio line on Wednesday. A Mallard DT4F in ivory.

I don't know much about lines and I've only done a lawn cast with it, but this line is NICE. Everyone else that uses them says so as well, so my opinion cannot be TOO screwed up :-)

The new Airflo is almost triple the price (sans the initial 20% promo discount). It has to be pretty darn good (understatement) to dethrone Mr.Barrio as king of value.

[Craigis]

I have the T50 in a 5wt and a Composite Development XLS 5wt, both are fast action rods.
I have had a couple of people advising me to load these rods 1 weight up to load the rods better.
Is this correct?
I have tried a mates 6wt weight forward line, yes, it loads quick, but the presentation is not so delicate, would this change with a 5wt line?

[Korrie]

Get a couple of different lines and cast them.
Decide what works for your casting action.
What you enjoy.
To many people act on others advice, and in the end it is not what you enjoy.
maybe as a friend to join you, and discuss the differences etc.
he might be able to pick up issues that you did not etc.
(not sure what your casting abilities are, as this could also influence it)

[WazzyP]

A mate and I put together a review here...http://bahaflyfishing.co.za/index.ph...water-fly-rod/

It doesn't compare it to other rods but may still be useful to you.