Redington use to be owned by Orvis also. But they still have their own production. The past Three years they have stepped up to the plate. The RS3 is a sweet rod.
We have a casting contest, I get my Sharkskin…it can make an Eagle Claw cast like a pro…LOL.
The sharkskin does cast awesome, no argument here. I picked up the RS4 in a 9’ 5 last fall and it is a great casting rod. I have also thrown it in a 9ft 7 and also nice but too big of a fighting butt.
A lot more to fishing than casting. I agree with LH2 that a skilled fisherman with any rod will put to shame a descent fisherman with that pricey rod every single time out.
sis.. I have a feeling you could cast with a treelimb and make it cast like a pro.. LOL..
MacFly
How many descent fisherman have the upper end rods? LOL
Usually it is someone who has been fishing for awhile and they are up grading. Up grading for a purpose.
I am sure there are those that are name droppers and expect miracles from the upper end rod on their first time out.
I know from guiding that even newbies can tell the difference. I usually take three rods ranging from under $100. to close to $600. and without telling them which is which, they pick the upper end because of the weight and the action. (all my rods are medium to medium fast so the flexes are close)
Riverdog, you like your T3 right?
I am going to add one more thing to this.
I don’t think the rod or the reel is the most important key. I think the LINE and the choice of FLY, plus presentation is the most important thing and that can be done with anything.
I fly fish ONLY so I did do the up grade and love every one of them. Like a mechanic, you move on to better tools to make the job easier.
It is possible to find a less expensive rod that becomes one with you.
Example, two rods I grab all the time to fish with are one: My W.W. Griggs Vintage 6 wt. and my Zhu 5 wt. Bamboo, both under $200.
Not equal to my Battaenkill Boo or my Helios, but still great rods.
NOW slap SHARKSKIN on any rod and you will be amazed!
" I talked with Sage regarding the difference between the Launch series and the VT2 series. the prices are about $225 and $400+. The guy at Sage said the blanks are the same (i asked this same question 3 times and always got the same answer). Then he said the difference is color and the quality of the fittings, cork, guides, seat My conclusion is that you don’t necessarily get what you pay for. IMO, it takes good caster (I’m not one) to tell the difference beween two rods with the same action.
For the moment, forget price. Both are very high quality rods. The TFO is made using slightly older technology, which is why it’s less expensive - and a little bit slower. It doesn’t come with a rod tube - but one can be easily made from PVC The Sage is a little faster. If you put the rod tips on the floor and look at where the bend is, you’ll see the difference Preference really depends on casting style.
As per fish fighting, my sense is the TFO 10 wt is more able - look at the thicknesses around the handle - but I can’t take the newer technology into account without actually fighting big fish. Both are proven rods that have their respective following…
Now throw cost back into the mix. the TFO is arguably the best value, and is endorsed by Lefty Kreh. However, if for some reason you want the latest and greatest and are willing to pay the price, then the Sage is the better choice."
Sorry, sin…we can’t post other forums here.
Now throw cost back into the mix. the TFO is arguably the best value, and is endorsed by Lefty Kreh.
" I talked with Sage regarding the difference between the Launch series and the VT2 series. the prices are about $225 and $400+. The guy at Sage said the blanks are the same (i asked this same question 3 times and always got the same answer). Then he said the difference is color and the quality of the fittings, cork, guides, seat
They are NOT the same. Different kinds of graphite. go to a Sage dealer and look at them. Blank diameters are different. I have thrown about every Launch and VT2 (3wt-10wt) out there.
As per fish fighting, my sense is the TFO 10 wt is more able - look at the thicknesses around the handle -
Thickness around the handle has nothing to do with it. It has a lot more to do with modulus, scrim layup, taper design, and wall thickness.
For the moment, forget price. Both are very high quality rods.
No high end rods are made for maximum performance and TFO is a pricepoint rod. Just like the earlier comparison in vehicles. The G2, Z Axis, BIIX, etc… are like a jaguar or lexus. No cost spared for performance. TFO is like a honda accord or chevy malibu. Nice vehicles, good performance for the price.
Sinergy, you should copy your last post and send it to Jerry Siem at Sage. I would love to hear his thoughts!
I think its great that you are so enthusiastic about TFO. 100% of the time they get the job done and if you are happy with it then nothing else matters. Its just some rods out there do it a little better. Confidence in your flies and equipment is a big part of the equation to success. But next time I would recommend some time educating up on the rods with a neutral point of view because you have A LOT of inaccuracies in your info.
LOL this is fun !!!
Lunchbox what evidence do you have that the Launch & V2T are not the same blank ??? I have written word saying there made from the same blank LOL ??? All you have is a visual and what you’ve have been lead to believe. Bottom line is these are your opinions not facts. Yes your are entitled to your opinion but I have not seen, fished or read any documented proof that 1. You have to spend 600+ on a rod to get quality IF YOU READ THE POSTS YOU WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS. The point Ive been trying to make is $$$ dosent necessarly buy you quality but everytime someone turns it into a peeing contest.
FYI: You could dress up & slap a 600 dollar price tag a piece of crap but at the end of the day you still have a piece of crap.
Oh and up grade is one word “upgrade”
Way to keep it civil and listen to other people’s (with lots of experience) ideas when admittedly…
IMO, it takes good caster (I’m not one) to tell the difference beween two rods with the same action.
I like to think of my Fly Cast the Same as my Golf Swing not matter how good you think your are there always room to grow[;)][;)][;)]
Plus if you really break it down what really do you consider an experienced fly fisher … Is it how many years you have been fly fishing ? or What kind of How Much gear you own ? So if a guy fishes once or twice a year for the next 20 years he automatically more experienced then a guy who fishes almost everyday, reads and researches everything he can. Travels the country and other counties networks with other fly fishers to gain knowledge & techniques he is inferior to the weekend fly fisher ???
Not saying this is me but just curious
I have had this conversation before.
My answer is the 20yrs is going to be more experienced. It is paying your dues. You can absorb allot in one year, but time improves on it just like a wine.
In other words, just because one does it every day, does not me they are doing it in the intent is is suppose to be. Maybe just carrying on a bad habit.
My brother fishes about every day and it is hilarious to watch him. Sure he catches fish, but I think allot of times it is shear luck.
Now you watch that guy that has been doing it for 20 years…he has gone through all the changes, and will know what it takes to complete his arm.
I learn something new every year…now X that by how many years I have been fishing…yes, I am more experienced than a one year trout bum.[angelic]
I know over half those guys though, and most of them appriciate the upper end rods, but maybe finances keep them in check.
Like you said, IF you can afford the upper end then go for it, but not neseccary.
Now Sin, you talk a 10 wt. which I do not have, but if you have an 8 wt. I would love to hook up with you on any water and let you swing a BIIx for awhile. It has the weight and feel of a 5 weight.
As far as the Sage…it sounds like the SAME TAPER, but I question ONE BLANK painted different colors…good example though, they are BOTH USA. Sage is about the only big name that hasn’t out sourced.
FG
Dang! I have three rods and the best one I have is the TFO Lefty Kreh Professional Series $wt 8’6" 4pc. Consider I have only fly fished since last July so I am a real newbie! I would really like to throw some shark skin through it! Do you think it is worth the price of the line considering the level of rod?
I also heard a lot about sharkskin and I am considering buying some but have a couple questions. Does the sound it makes get annoying or is it really no big deal? I’ve heard people complain about the line cutting their fingers, has this been an issue with anyone? And for those of you that have used it more than a few times does it seem durable so far?
Now OCK , 7 months of fly fishing is a good start. I just don’t buy that it that hard to do and like everything else some people have a knack for it others don’t. I’ve only been fly fishing for about 8 years so many would still consider me a newbie. Pay attention to want you see works for others and don’t be afraid to experiment on your own and you’ll learn something new every time out. Above all pay attention to where you find fish and what they’re feeding on at different times of the year.
I took this question as much a finacial question as a fishing question. Yes the $600 plus rods can be very good but there is a lot of others things you can do with that much money if your feeling the pinch with the economy. I have several expensive rods ( didn’t pay full price for any however) but have complete confidence in my $200 Sage Launch. I have a 4wt 7 and half foot Launch that I reach for in spring and fall when I know there’s a good chance of tangling with the twenty-something inch browns in the rapid water of that remote canyon I frequent. I can’t describe what the handle or guides even look like but I can tell you that that rod catches fish.
Right on Riverdog. I have been fly fishing most my life I am still a newbie, which goes with my answer on someone fishing weekends all their life compared to one that fishes every day for a year[;)]
I am like you to, in that I have several $600.+ rods and maybe only paid full price for one. Perks for being a guide 
I will never say that TFO is not a good rod. I wanted a 10’ 5 weight so I checked out the Sage ($600.+) but it was too stiff for me, then I checked out St. Croix…again, not right for me. Then I picked up the Professional and fell in love…bonus on the price (which I still didn’t pay full price for LOL)
Of course, there were limited choices in a light weight 10’.
I think if I were looking for entry level NOW, it would be LAUNCH (USA made) or Echo. Both have great attention to detail.
When looking at those HIGH DOLLAR rods, keep in mind, Lefty, Rajeff, etc all those that put their names on the rod, are NOT rod blank designers. They tell the company what they want and they do their best to come up with it.
Then Lefty and Rajeff get paid for putting their names on it, but I bet they don’t fish them as a primary rod.
Years of technology goes into building a new rod. Experimenting with new Scrim, material, tapers, etc. There is your price. Then Asia occasionally gets their hands on the taper and they come out with their answer.
Just a little food for thought.
I know this is way off the subject But if you hurray Cabelas has there Redington CPS rod’s on sale 150.00 well 160.00 with tax.
Used my 100 dollar Xmas Gift card picked the rod for 60 Bucks !!! [;)][;)][;)][;)]
Truly a good stick, but I like them SLLLOOOOWWWWW