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View Full Version : Best 9Wt for S.A. Conditions & Species



cptfly
16-06-08, 10:23 AM
Good day All,

Sorry for the first one, technical problem;)

I would like to know your prefered 9WT fly rod which according to you are the perfect rod for South African conditions and species.

Scythe
17-06-08, 08:58 AM
No shocker that my vote went for the TiCr-X, but it has to be said that the Stealth Bomber isn't a bad choice either, albeit slightly cheaper.

Conrad Botes
17-06-08, 10:01 AM
I love TFO (got one myself) but I'm alalrmed by how many people have broken theirs under very normal conditions.

srt007
17-06-08, 10:18 AM
Don't have experience with TFO's, but had a cast with a 6wt, was very nice but weight more that my current 9WT guide series. Don't know how heavy the 9wt will be, but if you are planning on casting all day long go for a lighter rod that the TFO's...

Nothing against TFO, great rods, just to heavy for me...

MCC
17-06-08, 02:14 PM
Only one rod: Thomas & Thomas 9wt H2

Scythe
17-06-08, 02:32 PM
Only one comment on the rod breakages, any rod will break if it's mistreated. Not saying that's the case, but it's something worth not forgetting besides, with that warranty, who cares if it breaks ?

On the weight side, you have to compare apples with apples, show me a 10WT that has the same diameter butt as the 10WT TiCR-X ? I'll show you 12WT's that aren't even as thick, you can pull hard on them, worth the extra weight in my book (though the Guide can't be compared to the TiCr-X in any form, you'd have to match the Bomber to it and in that case, the weights are comparable)

Saloon 2000
17-06-08, 03:48 PM
Ahhhh, no Elbe's, Kingfishers and Sensations --that sucks - now I'll have to vote for a Ryobi - what, no ryobi's either!

Obviously it is a joke - BUT I tell you what - you take an Elbe 5/6wt to the Vaal for nymphing you wont be sorry - and it can take quite a beating.
Same with the Kingfisher Gold class and Stimulator.

chris williams
17-06-08, 03:50 PM
Soulds like you've been hanging round with Herman for too long...:eek: :D

Michael
17-06-08, 04:22 PM
Ahhhh, no Elbe's, Kingfishers and Sensations --that sucks - now I'll have to vote for a Ryobi - what, no ryobi's either!

Obviously it is a joke - BUT I tell you what - you take an Elbe 5/6wt to the Vaal for nymphing you wont be sorry - and it can take quite a beating.
Same with the Kingfisher Gold class and Stimulator.

Herman...is that you, undercover?

No-one else punts Elbe's like you do... :D :p

Michael
17-06-08, 04:24 PM
I second the motion though...there are other very good rods that are not mentioned in the list above...hence, I didn't vote.

cptfly
17-06-08, 05:22 PM
Hi MC, Is that the T&T Helix ?

deewy
17-06-08, 05:36 PM
Only one comment on the rod breakages, any rod will break if it's mistreated. Not saying that's the case, but it's something worth not forgetting besides, with that warranty, who cares if it breaks ?

On the weight side, you have to compare apples with apples, show me a 10WT that has the same diameter butt as the 10WT TiCR-X ? I'll show you 12WT's that aren't even as thick, you can pull hard on them, worth the extra weight in my book (though the Guide can't be compared to the TiCr-X in any form, you'd have to match the Bomber to it and in that case, the weights are comparable)

I have a 10wt Jim Teeny, also comes with the lifetime warrenty, but what pissed me off today as I went to fishing specialist, who I bought the rod from...R430 for a tip section:eek: WTF is what I said, they couldnt explain why its so expensive, for that money I would buy a whole new rod and then I have 4 spare sections rather than to sit with this crap. I am very dissapointed to be honest at the moment as far as I am concerend I would only pay for packaging as they would have to replace the section for free, after all it broke while I fought a fish and its a clean snap, right on the eye. If anyone has any connections in the right places that might be able to help me...I am begging you.

Chris Shelton
17-06-08, 05:59 PM
Only one rod....Predator Plus PP 9'0" Aftma #9.........Cash Converters...250 bucks.......best money I EVER spent! :cool: :cool: :cool:

Andre
17-06-08, 06:00 PM
I have a 10wt Jim Teeny, also comes with the lifetime warrenty, but what pissed me off today as I went to fishing specialist, who I bought the rod from...R430 for a tip section:eek: WTF is what I said, they couldnt explain why its so expensive, for that money I would buy a whole new rod and then I have 4 spare sections rather than to sit with this crap. I am very dissapointed to be honest at the moment as far as I am concerend I would only pay for packaging as they would have to replace the section for free, after all it broke while I fought a fish and its a clean snap, right on the eye. If anyone has any connections in the right places that might be able to help me...I am begging you.

Don't tell me this was a warranty claim that they made you pay for.:confused:
If so, this is the most appalling misrepresentation of a warranty I have ever heard of. I don't blame you for being pi$$ed. I would send a few "please explain" mails to the manufacturer if I were you.

Scythe
17-06-08, 06:07 PM
You're being ripped off by whomever you bought it from.

$25 replacement & handling fee via Optimax, usually R200 and they send you the spare or swap it out immediately if you're in PTA.

Call Adrian @ Optimax, 012 348 4112.

deewy
17-06-08, 07:01 PM
Don't tell me this was a warranty claim that they made you pay for.:confused:
If so, this is the most appalling misrepresentation of a warranty I have ever heard of. I don't blame you for being pi$$ed. I would send a few "please explain" mails to the manufacturer if I were you.

I went in to find out what I must do and this is what they came up with. I will phone that guy tommorow and I would like to know what to do. Dont worry I have my fighting guns ready and atleast I have a whitness to this.

I understand the handeling fee, but cant I just organize my own courier to collect it?

Herman Jooste
17-06-08, 07:36 PM
Herman...is that you, undercover?

No-one else punts Elbe's like you do... :D :p

Michael, I'm too dof to run 2 accounts, can hardly keep up with 1:o

The reason I have not responded is that the Elbe was not on the list.

But here goes anyway:D For less than 400 smackers you get a decent rod with MAJOR backbone, break it ( which I have yet to do, and those who have fished with me know that I "bully" all fish, ) you simply toss it and get another one.
I would almost go as far as saying that the butt section on the 9# is thicker than SCythe's TFO and it's a straight taper to the tip. A fast rod with enough OOMPH to tame a 12.5kg river Carp in 10 minutes:D

rols
17-06-08, 07:47 PM
Good day All,

Sorry for the first one, technical problem;)

I would like to know your prefered 9WT fly rod which according to you are the perfect rod for South African conditions and species.
hi john
in my limited experience a 9wt is adequate for what we are to expect here in the western cape on a normal days outing. if you have a lekka budget...definately go for a "lekka rod" are you going to be targeting serious fish? like sharks etc etc, or do you want a rod that can handle a sandvlei "monster" as well as the normal strand, de mond, etc. fishing that we normally do. i bought my first rod from cash converters and it has served me well, for the fishing i did. the better fishermen who were regularly going for and getting the bigger fish, had the better equipment. why i'm saying this is i know most of your time is on the streams, with some salt action....
when i got my newer 8wt i saw the difference between an "older" rod compared to the newer compositions. the rod is good for me, but there are better out there. i know you are very experienced, but choose the rod for what you are going to target.

rols
17-06-08, 07:53 PM
what i forgot to say was....if you are fishing off the boats like damage and conrad, then yes go for the best you can buy, it's also no good buying a big gun in the hope that you might get invited on a trip, or might "one day" have to fight a big fish, but this is only me talking as i have to fish off a budget:o

cptfly
17-06-08, 09:13 PM
hi rols,

Thanks for the feedback, the problem is that casting a rod at the park closest to your flyshop is not casting in a true conditions like on the reefs of Blakes, thats where in my opinion the difference between these rods will come to fore. I am looking at upgrading my existing 8/9wt Explorer. I have casted almost all the rods in poll, so far for me the TFO is in the lead.

rols
17-06-08, 09:22 PM
i have also cast that rod and rate it as a helluva lot of rod for the price. has backbone and as long as it fits in the budget, (a must have). i have one on my wishlist. fishing in my (level, or area) the tfo has the "lot of rod" requirement...for me

cptfly
17-06-08, 09:30 PM
my LOTTO rod is the G Loomis Cross Current :D :D

rols
17-06-08, 09:38 PM
my LOTTO rod is the G Loomis Cross Current :D :D
i have the G Loomis 4wt adventure....amazing. a gift from my brother. makes me look like a pro:D

cptfly
17-06-08, 09:46 PM
:D :D :D , where do you use the 4wt ?

rols
17-06-08, 09:51 PM
:D :D :D , where do you use the 4wt ?
i use it on stillwaters, has a stunning action and did use it on the streams a coupla times, but too much power.

Fisher
17-06-08, 10:41 PM
I have a 10wt Jim Teeny, also comes with the lifetime warrenty, but what pissed me off today as I went to fishing specialist, who I bought the rod from...R430 for a tip section:eek: WTF is what I said, they couldnt explain why its so expensive, for that money I would buy a whole new rod and then I have 4 spare sections rather than to sit with this crap. I am very dissapointed to be honest at the moment as far as I am concerend I would only pay for packaging as they would have to replace the section for free, after all it broke while I fought a fish and its a clean snap, right on the eye. If anyone has any connections in the right places that might be able to help me...I am begging you.

Thats BS, 250 bucks gets you a new section and that (250) is used for sending the broken section to USA, and to return a new one. That (the new one from US) will be used to replace the next brakage in SA.

Seems like that spicialist specialises in robbing fishers.

Phone Adrian at Optimax (012 348 4112) (The importer) nice guy, he will help you, he might eavan like to know who that "specialist" is that charge you R430 for the section

Fisher
17-06-08, 10:57 PM
I would like to know your prefered 9WT fly rod...... .

The one that's being bend to the limet by a huge fish............ :p

Scythe
17-06-08, 11:08 PM
I hasten to add before this spirals into a which rod has the better warranty situation (as it inevitably will) ... I like the fact that I get my segment(s)/rod immediately at a fixed fee and I have to do forkall in terms of sending it anywhere.

That is one of the main reasons I like TFO, they guarantee in country representation and support. Good deal in my book.

MCC
18-06-08, 07:14 AM
Hi there John

I referred to the T & T Horizon II. This is actually my newest rod and it is a serious tool.

Cheers
MC

schmoose
19-06-08, 08:44 PM
I have been flyfising since before i can remember and have never broken a rod, but that record has been tarnished in the last 6 months after i splashed out and got a TFO TiCRX, its broken on me twice - and ive been very careful with it.
Flywaters have replaced the sections very swiftly both times, i must say that the warranty is good, and you're gonna need it.

At distance the rod is great, but at short range the thing is diabolical. It's also heavy.

So in short if you're looking to bomb out long casts all day long and you're strong its probably a decent option. But DON'T FORGET A BACKUP.

They say a car that breaks down on you is like a wife that cheats on you, you can never really trust it again, I feel the same way right now about my TFO.

NeilRowe
19-06-08, 09:33 PM
why no sage on yr list john? At the same price, which would be better. Tfo ticrx or sage xi-2?

Chris Shelton
19-06-08, 09:48 PM
why no sage on yr list john? At the same price, which would be better. Tfo ticrx or sage xi-2?

But Neil, wasn't it you who told me a while ago that Sage is pretty Crap by comparison to the TFO in the 9wt category? I've got a good memory! :D :D :D

NeilRowe
19-06-08, 10:00 PM
chris, my post never implied that sage was better. There is a reason for my post which john will understand. And yes, i did say that and stil think that. For bombing out long casts the ticrx is great. But others wil prefer the sage no doubt. Pretentious, rich wannabees with minimal experience.

Chris Shelton
19-06-08, 10:14 PM
Pretentious, rich wannabees with minimal experience.
heehee.....well said!

NeilRowe
19-06-08, 10:36 PM
what does the "tongue in cheek" emoticon look like?

Scythe
20-06-08, 12:42 AM
:p :p :p :p

Bruce
17-02-09, 10:30 AM
No question in my mind - Custom 9wt Gloomis GLX (Blanks are reasonably priced if you shop around a bit in the US and are smart about shipping, fair warranty system pay a small handling fee + Shipping)
I wouldn't bother with anything on the list - life is too short to ruin a good day's fishing due to tackle failure.

Andre
17-02-09, 05:37 PM
I'm not convinced that a 9wt is the right rod for SA shore based conditions anyway. It is too heavy for estuary work, and doesn't present nicely to grunter. I would go with a 8wt tops, even for surf line work. for light boat based stuff, a 10 to 12 wt. If it has to be 9wt however, anything that you feel comfortable casting for extended periods of time. The wind is normally a factor, so perhaps considerr a reasonably fast action rod.

Herman Jooste
17-02-09, 10:03 PM
[QUOTE=Andre;128262The wind is normally a factor, so perhaps considerr a reasonably fast action rod.[/QUOTE]

Aaahh at last someone can see the ELBE advantage.:D:D

gkieser
17-02-09, 10:19 PM
Aaahh at last someone can see the ELBE advantage.:D:D

If you're playing a game of billiards! :)

ShaunF
18-02-09, 07:55 AM
I'm not convinced that a 9wt is the right rod for SA shore based conditions anyway. It is too heavy for estuary work, and doesn't present nicely to grunter. I would go with a 8wt tops, even for surf line work. for light boat based stuff, a 10 to 12 wt. If it has to be 9wt however, anything that you feel comfortable casting for extended periods of time. The wind is normally a factor, so perhaps considerr a reasonably fast action rod.


Andre have you spent any time on the East coast, casting into the teeth of the North Easter, which is our most prevalent wind? I dunno, I agree with fishing lighter in places like the bay or esturies when when it comes to fishing the surf up here, I'll stick to the 9wt thanks!

Andre
18-02-09, 11:43 AM
Andre have you spent any time on the East coast, casting into the teeth of the North Easter, which is our most prevalent wind? I dunno, I agree with fishing lighter in places like the bay or esturies when when it comes to fishing the surf up here, I'll stick to the 9wt thanks!

No, I have never fished higher up than Plett, so you are probably quite right. My comment was therefore made subjectively.....sorry:o

ShaunF
18-02-09, 11:50 AM
Nah was just wondering because I reckon I would battle with anything smaller than a 9wt just to get a decent line out when the NE is blowing, which is pretty much always.

It's one of the buggers about fly fishing the KZN Coast, because you're typically catching small fish that could easily be subdued on a much smaller rod, but you don't stand a chance trying to cast bulky flies into the wind. Most of the guys I know up here fish with 9wts.

HolyGT
19-02-09, 05:04 PM
Very limited and very subjective questions and poll. My 9wt could be your 12wt as far a rods and action is concerned. I pulled out one of my first salt rods the other day - a 9wt Daiwa Samurai, comparing that to my newer rods was a true eye opener. But that rod delivered its fair share of fish, from Kob in EC to Kawakawa and its best, a 67cm Iggie at Cape Vidal.

These days I seldom fish anything lighter that 10wt in the R&S situation on the KZN coast - if I expect any action bigger than probably 3kg's. But I still enjoy fishing a 5-7 wt when gully fish and 3 spot pompano are on the menu, irrespective of conditions, as casting distance is not really an issue.

delboy
31-03-09, 01:23 PM
From the list I'd have to go with one one of the Explorer's - and probably the classic 2 at that! The overall package of the Classic 2 range is hard to beat for the money - they have a great action, good finish and the locally-backed warranty is worth its weight in gold (anyone who's had to wait 3 months for their new tip section from Sage will attest to that! ;) ) If you want the comfort that spending a wee bit more money brings, then the Guide Series will easily stand up to (and beat, imo) any rod on the list!

Scythe
25-05-09, 02:21 PM
One option which should have been added to this poll :

Sage TCR 9'0" 9WT 4Pce.

Yum Yum.

Troep
25-05-09, 02:24 PM
One option which should have been added to this poll :

Sage TCR 9'0" 9WT 4Pce.

Yum Yum.

Just to correct you on that one Scythe: TFO Axiom 9wt - ITS THE BOMB, I mean the ROCKET LAUNCHER!!!:D:cool:

Scythe
25-05-09, 02:30 PM
Ja boet, I stopped signing the praises of TFO because some whiny assed moffies gripe about it (if only they could see the fish we pulled on TFO rods this past weekend)

I have the Axiom, two for the price of a TCR with instant segment replacement. I'll take another two thanks.

HOWEVER, the TCR 9WT is a fantastic stick for surf work, I can't argue that, if I could have one, I would.

Troep
25-05-09, 02:51 PM
Ive never had the chance of casting a TCR so I wont argue - but all in all for your money's worth I'd rather pull on my TFO untill it breaks before buying anything else.

The Axiom is, for me, the absolute best!! Everthing about that rod is just more than enough for me. Its everthing I want in a 9wt...

ITS LEGENDARY!!!:cool:

Cheers

Fisher
25-05-09, 11:34 PM
Ive never had the chance of casting a TCR so I wont argue - but all in all for your money's worth I'd rather pull on my TFO untill it breaks before buying anything else.

The Axiom is, for me, the absolute best!! Everthing about that rod is just more than enough for me. Its everthing I want in a 9wt...

ITS LEGENDARY!!!:cool:

Cheers

I did cast them side by side, the TCR is more user friendly and it's nice- ...casting the Axiom for the first time, I got out only one word - "BASTARD !!!"

Axiom = The Casting Authority that need not be proved.

Sage
27-10-09, 06:34 AM
A poll of this nature is always interesting, the varying posts attest to this. Posing this sort of question is akin to a group of hunters trying to reach consensus on which is the best calibre for a target species. Difficult at best!

To my mind, in this case, each angler has a set of criteria and will set out to make a purchase that meets those criteria, and in some cases will make a compromise here or there and be happy.

In previous posts it was mentioned that there are options missing, no Loomis', Orvis', Sage's, T&T's and a host of other models, but does it really matter? What this thread makes abundantly clear is that there is ample choice and as long as the model in your possession meets your criteria in terms of budget, action, quality, warranty options et cetera, the list is by no means exhaustive, then I think the question posed as to which rod is the best for SA conditions has been answered in the affirmative in the mind of the individual.

But it is nice to see what others think and the TFO TiCr X fan club is certainly a prolific one.

Tight lines everybody!! :D

Ryan
07-12-09, 05:26 PM
I agree.. In most cases, it doesn't come down to purely preference, but also cost. Affordability is a big thing when choosing your rod. I own the Stealth Bomber in a 6wt, which I really enjoy casting as well as the TFO Axiom in a 6wt. They are both great fast action rods.. The Axiom definitely has some authority, especially in tougher windy conditions. I have the TiCr X in an 8wt and definitely regard it as an 8/9wt..It is also of the fast action type rod and also really enjoy it... It seems for the saltwater, many enjoy the TFO, but affordability comes down to the individual..

Herman Jooste
07-12-09, 10:39 PM
I agree.. In most cases, it doesn't come down to purely preference, but also cost. Affordability is a big thing when choosing your rod. I own the Stealth Bomber in a 6wt, which I really enjoy casting as well as the TFO Axiom in a 6wt. They are both great fast action rods.. The Axiom definitely has some authority, especially in tougher windy conditions. I have the TiCr X in an 8wt and definitely regard it as an 8/9wt..It is also of the fast action type rod and also really enjoy it... It seems for the saltwater, many enjoy the TFO, but affordability comes down to the individual..

Finally the Bomber comes into the fray. :D My previous choice was the Elbe, and at the price would still be. However I have a 5# Bomber 10 ft, and that extra 1' 6" makes all the difference. The action is very similar for casting 3 flies a fair distance if fishing up and accross. The Elbe has more OOMMMPH when muscling a fish in, however at short range the 10ft Bomber rules, 'cos there is very little mending required, if at all.
I still love both rods, and if budget was an issue I would still go for the Elbe 6#.:o

Ryan
05-09-12, 01:27 PM
Finally the Bomber comes into the fray. :D My previous choice was the Elbe, and at the price would still be. However I have a 5# Bomber 10 ft, and that extra 1' 6" makes all the difference. The action is very similar for casting 3 flies a fair distance if fishing up and accross. The Elbe has more OOMMMPH when muscling a fish in, however at short range the 10ft Bomber rules, 'cos there is very little mending required, if at all.
I still love both rods, and if budget was an issue I would still go for the Elbe 6#.:o

Hahaha Herm... did you pull this thread out the archives!!:biggrin: I made this post so long ago! Since then I have been fortunate enough to have fished a number of Sages. Although I feel all rods have their place and people should fish what they prefer and can afford, these days I choose a Sage in most cases. I still own my Axiom and Bomber, although I rarely fish them. The Bomber is used on the rare occassion off a boat on a lake and the Axiom at times in an estuary.. Although I still have them in my arsenal, they are far from the rods which I enjoy fishing these days.

A rod which I have come across and fished briefly of late, is the Greys Streamflex (old model). I think it is worth every cent and great for the stream which is what I would use it for..

Anyway, this is my 5 cents!

FlyFanatic
06-09-12, 12:15 PM
Recently bought a 9wt Explorer Guide from one of the okes on the forum, havent had a chance to properly test it, will give my opinion after that!

I also got a 8/9wt Elbe recently for the rediculous price of R160 bucks! Was just to cheap to let go, so I will test them back to back and give my findings!

E.T.
06-09-12, 03:20 PM
Recently bought a 9wt Explorer Guide from one of the okes on the forum, havent had a chance to properly test it, will give my opinion after that!

I also got a 8/9wt Elbe recently for the rediculous price of R160 bucks! Was just to cheap to let go, so I will test them back to back and give my findings!

You will like the Xploder more. The Elbe takes time getting used to.
I gave both to my brother, think they were both 6wts.

gwcafrica
26-10-12, 01:04 PM
Hi All

Sorry for posting without introducing myself, but hey its Friday - Other "roof kykers" pasop.

A rod worth mentioning is the Redington CPX. I have it as a back up 9wt and have paired it with Scientific Anglers Salt Taper and its a rocket. Its so good, I sometimes wonder why I parted with more money for my first choice rod. Also have a look at the www.yellowstoneangler.com 8 weight shootout that was done last year. I know, I know, we are talking 9wt's but surely the 8wt cant be to far off from the 9wt. Ohh and yes the TFO BVK did well........ .

Support - Upstream Flyfishing replaced my old broken 9wt SSF and 5wt FFS Redington's with CPX's. Before the replies start flowing. I broke the tip of the 9 by crashing my kayak on the Hotel Jetty at Witsand (more than one brand broke that day) and the 5wt, well our Ridgeback has apparantly acquired a taste for graphite with a tint of resin. The guys at Upstream, John and Mark replaced it, no questions asked. I have subsequently broken a tip on the vaal - tilt of trolling motor (dont ask.... the guys at Upstream probably don't believe me anymore.). It took 25 days and cost me R400 postage (Pretoria, Cape Town, US and back). The guys at Upstream are tops. Then again if you only have one rod, then maybe 25 days is not for you or just get a cheap rod as back up.

Now we all know that Redington went bust and was taken over by Sage, but before this post gets blasted with "you bought R6000 worth of rods back in the day and almost ended up with no guarantee support" type of replies . I bought the SSF and FFS for R400ea when Redington went bust in 2001/2002 I think, and Mias offloaded all of their products. As a student, R400 was just to good a bargain, guarantee or no guarantee.

So the CPX is a very good value for money rod, and when paired with the right line is a pleasure to cast. I have also been notified that they are going for R1500ea as they are being discontinued (hey if it breaks they replace, no problems). For that price I might just buy a couple more rods. Then if you have an old Redington you know where to go, just remember that if broken they will replace it with the latest equivalent model - so dont expect getting your old RS replaced with a CPX.

Now to keep the oestrogen levels in check - I am not a affiliated with Redington or Upstream. I am just a 32 year old Quantity Surveyor that reside in PTA. Interests - property dev, farming, hunting, fly fishing (Salt, Fresh), Ohh and offroad bikes. I just wanted to give some insight into another brand and support experienced with it.

core fly
26-10-12, 01:51 PM
I have always liked the look of the redington stuff.Pity i have never had a chance to cast one.I have especially been intersted in the cpx 9wt myself for barbel.
I thought i would go the bvk route but with the breakage ratio on them i am not even going there.

core fly
26-10-12, 02:14 PM
To stick to the post,i have cast enough 9wt in my lifetime( in that of hours on the water) to know what suites me and what works where.Of all the rods i have cast i must say the sage xi3 was an absolute bomb.It takes some timing changes but man it casts effrotlessly.
I cast the tfo tixr with a shooting head and was very impressed with that combination,but the setup is heavy and for quickfire long casts the whole day you will tire out very soon more so if you use a conventional line.
The explorer classic 2 is a gem of a rod for the price but does fade a lot once at distance.Its however very comfortable for a long day on the water.
I also have a predator 9/10wt from Mias or one of those places.It casts a fair line but nothing great and is pretty useless in wind.It has however got an almost medium action and fights and lands fish easily and you can really bend it.Slightly heavy though
I have cast the orvis Helios which is sublime but after 3 breaks on three rods i wont go that way.
The bomber 9wt is in my opinion for the price,a real gem in the lineup and i enjoy casting it although it feels "brittle" ,for lack of a better word,but it casts very well and under most conditions and they seem to not give many hassles with breakages.
I would love to still cast the tfo bvk in a 9wt.
My next rod is gonna be the Stcroix Legend elite.I have the 6wt and its faaaantastic.So will post some feedback once I have it.

FCLoretz
26-10-12, 02:15 PM
I have always liked the look of the redington stuff.Pity i have never had a chance to cast one.I have especially been intersted in the cpx 9wt myself for barbel.
I thought i would go the bvk route but with the breakage ratio on them i am not even going there.

Gavin,

What is your opinion on my #9, you casted it a bit into a head wind when we fished for barbel early this year?

core fly
26-10-12, 02:24 PM
You had the redington?
I uctually forgot I cast it.
But now i remember,i commented that i had not cast a redington and how much i like the brand.
I remember it was a very easy casting stroke and very nice feel.
What rod was that

FCLoretz
26-10-12, 03:10 PM
It was a custom build Rhytm from Ricko at Fly Fishers Unlimited

core fly
26-10-12, 03:58 PM
Thats right,its all coming back to me.

craig1
26-10-12, 09:07 PM
look at the Thomas and Thomas rods , The helix is my favourite and it casts like a machine !

PikeFFArticles
27-10-12, 10:38 AM
I have to agree with MCC regarding the Thomas & Thomas 9wt H2 .Have been using mine for some time now and it performs admirably. I know the Belgium fly fishing team all use this rod as I have recently had them out fishing with me. If money is no object then I have to say the best rod on the market has to be the Hardy proaxis syntrix series at the mo.....and with Hardy Greys up for sale your bound to find one of these rods in the series going for a lot less. I have the 4pcs 9" 6# and have caught small kingies, Springer, Carp, Pike, Bass, Perch,Trout 'n Greyling to date with it. This is only my opinion lads,were all tackle tarts in the long run. Just thought I'd throw a spanner in the works : )

core fly
14-12-12, 06:36 AM
Some feedback on the new T50 from explorer.This could easily be one of the better 9wt rods i have cast especially for its price tag of half the big brand products.
The packaging for one is superb.The triangle realseat makes sense and the real secures very nicely on this system.The grip feels very comfy but maybe slightly thin for my hands.The rod is very light and a very nice fast action.
I cast it with a 9 and 10wt line and felt both cast very well on the rod although the 9wt line felt slightly better at distance.
I hooked and landed a 15kg baber and really pulled to see what the rod does.Despite it been a fast action rod it can bend and has good puuling force.
I also hooked a 7kg fish in the middle of the dam that took a run under the boat and really bending the rod to a point that i thought its gonna pop,no chance.
I took video of this and hopefully can upload so you guys can see.
Really really nice rod,especially if you like something faster.

fishlover1
17-12-12, 07:07 PM
I have an Airflo Bluetooth XT 8/9wt, i ordered it from teh UK some years ago. Its my favorite rod out of my entire inventory, my baby! I've taken everything from small leeries to monster Pacu on it, and its lasted superbly! I know they've come out with a new one, the Bluetooth Nano Tec, and from what i've heard, its even better! Maybe you should widen your search. However, not much can beat a TFO Jim Teeny, which is also great stick! From what I've found with saltwater setups, its always better to go for the best that you can get! Hopefully this will give you a bit of a broader perspective of whats out there!
Cheers,
Nick

core fly
03-01-13, 10:01 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=dTisKdin0HM
Check this link just for interest.Trying out the new T50 off the boat.Gave me a good idea on the of what the rod was like.I did not force the rod but did pull hard to get the fish up as he went deep.Its got a very nice distribution of power.Not quite a sage or loomis but for the price very nice

briansflyfishing
15-02-13, 08:32 AM
What do you guys thing of the Explorer T-50? And if it was on the list would it be above the Guide series and how does it compare to the front runner?