My most recent week long fly fishing trip with my buddy from PA was incredible! My next post will be detailing that trip. I am really grateful to all of you who helped with suggestions. They were much appreciated and helped a TON.
At the end of the trip, I found that somehow the tip of my 4 wt St. Croix somehow got broken off in my car. This was a bittersweet discovery - bitter because I have had that rod since I was a freshman in college - but sweet because it means it is time to get a new ROD!
I have recently adopted the mentality when purchasing fly fishing equipment to - “GO BIG or Go HOME”. I am not really into buying 3 or 4 decent pieces of equipment when I could buy one superior one that will last as long as the four. I don’t know if that makes sense.
With that said - I am looking at a few rods in the $ 200 price range (that might not sound BIG to some people, but is a pretty major purchase for me).
The two main rods I am looking at right now are the Cabelas L-Tech, and Sage Launch. I had a launch before (lost the darn thing … sad story[frown]). Any other suggestions? I am planning on going to Cabelas Friday night to most likely purchase the L-Tech which my friend loves, but figure I should get some advice first, before making the big purchase.
Have you taken into consideration the Echo brand rods ?
Sweet rods for the money actually allot of real nice rods in that price range TFO, Redington to name a couple but if had to only choose from the launch & LFT Id go with the lauch not a big fan of cabels rods.
Or USA made Orvis Clearwater?
Sage Launch is one sweet rod for the price. If you want a twice used Orvis T3 8’4" 3 wt (2 pc) by any chance I’ll let you have it for $200. It came as a replacement for the same model but 7’6" length which they stopped making[pirate].
take a look at Reddington also. value based and seem to be well balanced and ready to take a beating in my opinion.
Hmmm … a couple questions about the Orvis? I have read a few reviews saying that the T3 can break kind of easily (but I suppose any 3 wt. can haha). How would the warranty work if I were to make that purchase? Also, I only have a 4 wt. reel so if I went that way, I would probably need to get a new reel and line, so that is probably the biggest thing that would make me a little reluctant. Other than that - do you feel it is a pretty dynamic rod? I’ll have to do some more research and think a little more, but I am at least very appreciative of the offer. - Josh
Never fished the Orvis T3 before but Orvis warranty is top notch 25 year no questions asked repair or replace.
I have one of the FIRST T3’s and have not broke it..(knock on wood)
They are very well built. There was a TLS 3 wt. they had some problem with.
I am not sure the warranty would be a problem unless there has been a claim with it’s serial. Where Riverdog got it as a replacement, the serial # would be in his name.
I can’t tell you how close they look at that. Sage or Winston, no way.
Plus I would be looking at the T3 going by the way side and the Hydros taking it’s place.
If I remember, didn’t River say this was a tip flex? If so, 4 wt. line could be nice.
Albright is having a heck of a sale. The rod did very well in the Yellowstone shoot out.
Buy $150. worth, free shipping AND a free rod or a reel.
But if you don’t spend $150. the shipping is unbelievable.
It’s a midflex (8.0 on the Orvis scale). I really haven’t used this rod but once or twice but the 7’6" version was great. It broke because I slipped and fell on it (breaking my finger as well). That shorter rod was my go to rod for small tight canyon/ brushy streams. That 3 wt pulled many a 20-25 inch brown out of rapid waters- probable where flycaster got those rainbows. I never use the longer one because I have several 8’ and 8’6’’ rods already. I did buy a 7’6" 4wt Sage as a replacement for my broken rod. For the money it’s very good but not as good as the T3 it replaced.
I don’t know too much about Albright - do you know where I could go to get an unbiased review of their rods? Also, is it possible that there would be any local dealer that carries their rods so that I could test one out before making a purchase? Someone else had actually directed me to them, so I am definitely investigating this option. Would be pretty cool to get an extra rod!
Do you know how the warranty would work with that - is it transferrable? Also, could it possibly work with a 4 wt. reel and line set up?
He’s involved with designing Sage, G. Loomis and Tom Morgan Rodsmith rods. I surprised he ranked them 1, 2 and 3 
. Come on FG you can find us a review worth reading can’t you.
Nope that is it. That and several guys that do swear by them on other forums.
Heay just offering another choice…you know me…an Orvis girl all the way.
I have a Sage Launch and I just love it. Coupled it with Sharkskin line and man, what a sweet set up. You could spend lots more on a rod, but for $200 you can’t go wrong with the Launch. This thing roll casts better then some rods
cast normal. Just my opinion.
pa
Helios or TLS till i die!! im with ya too! and as mentioned earlier you cant touch their warranty with a 10 foot pole.
Helios or TLS till i die!! im with ya too! and as mentioned earlier you cant touch their warranty with a 10 foot pole.
Don’t you mean a 10 foot ROD…LOL
They sell albright at The Sports Authority in Riverdale. I work there, and from what I saw the last time I was in the back room they were marked down pretty darn far.
I used an albright 5wt rod once when fishing at Henrys Lake, and on the Gallitan(spelling?) River just outside of Yellowstone. Compared to the old Snow rod I had been using at the time I thought it performed great, especially for how much they are going for.
Hope this was helpful!
Dave
Good to know AFK thanks. That Snow is a sweet little stick huh! I had a 4 weight that my Brother is still using!