thomas and thomas zone vs orvis reconthomas and thomas zone vs orvis recon

Youll find these on our Yellowstone Angler home page atyellowstoneangler.com.If your favorite local shop stocks the rods you are interested in, by all means visit them, try a few rods and purchase an outfit from them. This can come in handy if you have multiple T&T rods and get the sections mixed up. Here it matches the NRX LP and the Recon. 1. The color of the blank is an olive green that Orvis calls shadow green. The wraps are brown and the epoxy coatings are OK but a little heavy and not nearly as well done as on the 3F. Here is a recap of each manufacturers current policy, their latest fees and what we have experienced for repair time required. There are not many situations when youll be fishing this far with your 4-weight, but Ive certainly had many situations, especially fishing dry flies on larger rivers, like the Missouri, where Ive had to throw it this long yet still get good accuracy and a delicate presentation in order to catch a nice fish. The stiffness did not allow much feel but the accuracy was surprisingly good. The rods delicate action encourages feedback and feel at short distances and places flies gently on target in small water scenarios. The Expeditor service fee for the Asquith rods is $250.00 for ground or $275 for 2-day air. Same day or next day shipping if they have the parts in stock, if not, usually takes 2 weeks. The Pure is unquestionably one of the best looking rods in our Shootout, with some of the best craftsmanship. The cork handle is a western style grip with a comfortable swell in the middle and a nice taper forward. The skeleton uplocking seat is one of the most unusual Ive seen. Im having trouble casting off the tip well and this is hurting the accuracy. Scott Sector Fly Rod. That gives it a perfect score of 10 along with the Aetos. Bottom Line: If youre looking for a rod design thats optimized for distance casting, versatility, and chucking double nymph rigs, the Crux is one of the best in its price range. This is a lovely rod, finished in a non-glare flat gray with jet-black wraps that are trimmed in light gray on the butt. Casting Notes: The Shadow is one of the quieter rods in the mid-priced category with low power levels and a subdued rod action. Casting Notes: The G Series is Scotts moderate/slow action dry fly-specific rod series with a focus on refined feedback and delicacy at short-range. I loved the punch and power I was getting with the Shadow and only at long range did it suffer. Usually takes 4-6 weeks. This is a light rod in swing weight almost as good as the Zephrus. Casting Notes: The Helios 3F is built for feel. This is a rod thats pure Sage at a price-point that is tough to beat. That's a lot. Performance at 25 feet: 19.5 points out of 20. A real let down after the terrific performance I was getting with the Pure. Ive found that it is almost impossible to judge accuracy and presentation if you have strong gusty winds, but having a little wind tells you a lot about how the various rods perform, especially at long distances. The action seems about right and Im getting nice loops. We have been impressed with the Avantt in the 5-weight, and the 4-weight is another terrific rod. T&T uses multiple coats to produce a finish that is simply beautiful. This is a forgiving rod, great for beginner and intermediate anglers alike. There is no question that the Shadow is our best Mid Priced 4-weight rod. At one point it was our Best inexpensive rod until the Fenwick Aetos muscled it aside. Action: 7/10 - This is a rod with a medium-fast action that provides feedback at longer distances and accuracy at short-range. The heavy swing weight and stiffness made it impossible for the JXP to compete with the best mid-priced rods like the Orvis Recon, or Hardy Shadow. Heres a category that we used in our last 4-weight Shootout, that we deemed important when you are trying to judge the best 4-weight rods, that will often be used with very light 5x, 6x, and 7x tippets. Orvis definitely . Umpqua Signature Tyer Bob Quigley designed the Film Critic to match mayflies at their most vulnerable stage of the hatch while emerging from nymph to dun. (tie) St. Croix IMPERIAL 86 #4 $270.00. Line Recommendation: RIO Gold Premier Fly Line. The reel seat is an uplocking black anodized skeleton seat with a dark gray graphite insert, (pretty plain looking but it works well). A black anodized double uplocking skeleton seat is used with an unusual x-pattern design and a laminated wood insert. The components are not in the same class as the Helios 3F, but that is to be expected considering the price. The new rod is a lot more powerful and handles those mid to long distances with ease, tracking well and giving me nice tight loops. $35 handling fee. It is also a lot heavier in overall weight and swing weight, mainly due to the fact that Loop is using a much lower modulus graphite than in their more expensive K2. The quality of the standard size cork rings was terrific. The blank is olive green with matching olive wraps that are trimmed in gold on the two lower sections. The best rods certainly need to handle this distance easily, but most anglers are buying a 4-weight rod for fishing at closer distances, which puts the emphasis on 25 to 40 foot casts. Casting Notes: The Avantt is a medium-fast action fly rod thats built for anglers who need castability and mending capabilities. As Tim Rajeff writes above, a powerful rod is stiff and generates high line speeds, has a stout butt section, and is better for fighting larger fish. Action: 5.5/10 - Slightly faster than purely moderate action fly rods, the 7X has a taper thats caster-friendly and a versatile medium-fast action. The top three rods were a lot better. Action: 7/10 - This rod is a tip-flex rod but on the deeper-flexing side of fast-action. It has a butt and mid-section that is stiffer than most rods tested. Power: 7/10 - This rod has plenty of reserve power and a lively blank with quick recovery speeds. (tie) Thomas & Thomas ZONE 86 #4 $495.00. We have experimented with the ways to measure this in past Shootouts but we still prefer our tried and true approach using the postal scale since it provides believable and meaningful results. Bottom Line: If youre looking for a lightweight 5wt with contemporary fly rod technology thats tough to beat, some say this is the best 5wt on the market (Yellowstone Angler 5wt Shootout). The Shadow and Pure were far better. The quality of epoxy coatings on the guide wraps was excellent and almost the equal of the T&T rods. Dont make this mistake. Performance at 40 feet: 18.0 points out of 20. This 8 foot Pure is somewhat like the Zephrus in acti0n with a fairly strong butt and mid section and then a nice soft flexible tip. We have learned that we cannot trust manufacturers stated rod weights. Casting Notes: The Pulse is slightly more powerful than the Foundation with a rod taper thats a little more forgiving. I love the appearance of the DXF, with the blank finished in a flat, non-glare dark green. Equals the DXF but rods like the Recon and Sky were much better. Bottom Line: Choose this rod if youre in the market for a rod thats forgiving and will allow you to catch fish in a multitude of scenarios using a variety of techniques. Mystic Reaper. Power: 7.5/10 - This was the second-highest power score awarded in the low-priced category. A counterbalance opposite the handle is used to keep the reel running smoothly when a fish is racing away from you. More Like This Casting Notes: The IMX Pro is a well-known rod series. The perfect line: SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity in WF-4-F, Performance at 25 feet: 20 points out of 20. Both the mid-price DXF and Imperial were better. One of the reasons is that the SKY is available only as a nine footer, while the DXF is 86. The action is much slower, this being more of a medium action rod. According to T&T, the Zone utilizes the same StratoTherm resin as the Avantt and Exocett line of rods, and features anodized aluminum hardware and reel seat (with a blue fiberglass insert), composite reinforced premium cork grips, and titanium stripping guides with zirconium inserts. Power: 6/10 - This rod is smooth and evenly balanced with high-line-speed power and increased feel in close. Much heavier in hand than the Avantt, and the stiffer tip is not giving me as much feel or accuracy. Casting Notes: Distance and power are the name of the game with the Helios 3D. Accuracy is good, just not great. Action: 8/10 - This is an ultra-fast action rod. Bottom Line: If youre looking for one of the most versatile 5wts in this price range, the Zone is a great option made by a well-known manufacturer. I liked the medium fast action, and this was a pleasantly smooth rod to cast, especially at the longer distances. The guides are one hook keeper; a single SiC stripper and then all the rest are hard chrome snake guides that are durable but heavy. Orvis Recon. Better at the longest distances, much like the stiff IMX Pro. In general the SKY rods do cast well, and the SKY 9 foot #6 won our last 6-weight Shootout. What're the differences between these posts and how do you, the reader, get the most out of reading them? Special Price $469.99 was $595.00. Im sorry if we offend some people or manufacturers. This is a good-looking rod, finished in a non-glare flat black. Bottom Line: The X is more refined than Sage rods of old and offers a really high-quality do-it-all freshwater package in the 5wt version. I felt the best rods at long range were the Helios 3F and the Loomis Asquith, as well as the T&T Avantt and the Scott Radian. The Sky is a rod made for distance casting, heavy nymph rigs, and streamer fishing. Quality of the cork was excellent with a stack of thinner rings. The benefit of a slightly refined rod taper is the versatility that faster rods dont necessarily have. The Sage X is light in overall weight, butfarheavier the most in swing weight. The result is often that the cheap outfit is mothballed, sold on e-bay or handed down to one of the kids. Fly selection is far less important. The stiffness is a bonus at long range. Sage Lifetime warranty to original owner. But then rather than a beautiful piece of burled wood insert as on the Avant, there is a plain piece of blue colored graphite that also shows the tape marks. This is a test that anyone can duplicate. Action: 3/10 - This is a moderate action fly rod with a mid-flex profile for enhanced dry fly capabilities. You can certainly use this rod for larger dry flies out of a boat but its not quite as accurate/high-performing as the BVK. While the AETOS is built on a fast action blank, its more forgiving than other rods in its price range and is designed to provide the novice angler with versatility and fast-action performance. The epoxy coatings are painstakingly done and close to perfect. Will they make you a better angler? Equal to the IMX Pro but thats about it. The JXP was also better. I was getting far better presentations and accuracy with both the Hardy Zephrus and Winston Pure. Action: 7.5/10 - Loomis built this rod to be faster than the Asquith and bordering on ultra-fast action. The G. Loomis Asquith rods are designed here in the U.S. but the blanks are rolled in Japan and then the rod is completed here in the U.S. Our reasoning in this Shootout was to pick what we felt were theBEST4-weight rods, regardless of length, and there no question in our minds that the 8 foot Pure is Winstons best 4-weight rod. With your new rod they include a FedEx call tag so that it does not cost you anything to return your broken rod. Its moderate-fast action is optimized for the 40- to 60-foot shots that most anglers make in most situations, and its unique handle gives anglers different gripping choices. The rings on the seat were fairly large and easy to tighten, giving a secure lock up. If you look at the best performing rods in general, they have stiffer butt and midsections and softer tips. Taylor Lifetime warranty to original owner. $35 handling fee. The Radian placed 2ndin our last 5-weight Shootout and I was surprised to see that it was this far down the list in a 4-weight. Performance at 60 feet: 9.0 points out of 10. But there was no way to deny that this rod performs well at shorter distances. G. LoomisLifetime warranty to original owner. Im confident that we can come up with the perfect rod or outfit that best fits your needs. A lot heavier in hand than the Pure, and the stiffer tip is not giving me much feel. The craftsmanship was excellent and it performed very well for me, especially at 40 feet, where I was getting beautiful tight loops and very good accuracy. Its a great all-around rod and less technical than the 3D. For guides, there is a hook keeper just above the handle, and then one SiC stripping guide followed by hard chrome snake guides. At short range I like to cast off the tip of the rod, using mostly my wrist and little arm movement to power the tip of the rod through the stroke. Orvis Recon. Learn more. The 8 foot Pure had a much heavier swing weight, and would not be as much fun to false cast all day as this 8 footer. Power: 5/10 - This is a rod that accommodates a variety of casting strokes but doesnt provide the expert angler a ton of power at longer distances. The amount of power seems to be about right, and it performed best at the longer distances where I could punch it hard without throwing tailing loops. In Livingston we usually have plenty of wind, so we had to wait until we got some fairly calm days, to do the casting. $25 handling fee on current rods. Here is a brand new rod from Loop that we liked better than their stiffer, more expensive Cross rods. If you are a Scott fan and want a rod for fishing at short to medium distances, youll likely prefer this rod over the Radian. Now it tracks perfectly and Im getting nice tight loops. Hardy uses their Sintrix 220 in this rod, a lower modulus graphite than the Sintrix 440 used in the Zephrus, but it provides easy loading yet a sharp recovery. Flytyingonline.com.This domain provided by wildwestdomains.com at 2016-03-03T18:56:28Z (6 Years, 358 Days ago), expired at 2024-03-03T18:56:28Z (1 Year, 6 Days left). The epoxy coatings on the wraps were excellent. Broken sections are replaced. Rodis repaired, or sections replaced. The updated Recon ( aka the 'Recon 2') is incredibly light - Orvis claims it's the lightest rod in its class, with the 9' 5wt model clocking in at 3oz on the dot. We set the casting line so that we generally had the wind at our back if possible, or at least off our left shoulder (all of us are right handed). And the Fenwick Aetos, that finished at 11th, higher than the middle of the pack, is only $179.95! If you have something about the right size and color, you can often force-feed a selective fish by making repeated accurate and delicate presentations that are right in the fishs window. The stiffness and slower action hurt its scores in a lot of categories. It is nearly impossible to cast off the tip of the rod like I can with the best 4-weights. Overall weight is certainly a factor, lighter being better, but swing weight is far more important. A flare on the bottom end of the grip accommodates the uplocking seat. Performance at 40 feet: 18.5 points out of 20. Casting Notes: The Zone is a versatile freshwater 5wt with the ability to throw a variety of flies from nymphs to dries to small streamers. Power: 6.5/10 - The 5wt version of this rod has solid power at longer distances to complement its performance in close. The cork is excellent, and Douglas uses darker contrasting composite cork rings at both the top and bottom of the grip. TheHardy SHADOWat $349.95 takes the crown as our best mid-priced rod with an exceptional performance that put it into a tie for 4thplace overall with theT&T AVANTT. Messages 29 Reaction score 6 Location . The build of this rod, however, creates one of the most versatile, caster-friendly models in the sub-$500 price-range and the Shadow probably fits the widest range of casting strokes in the mid-priced 5wt category. Power: 8.5/10 - Higher power levels make this rod a great choice in wind or large water. This rod gives me a nice light feel in hand, and Im getting good loop control combined with plenty of power and good accuracy. Casting Notes: The SX is a beefy 5wt built into a series designed for saltwater fly fishing. I still had to give the edge to the Zephrus and Pure. The epoxy coatings on the guides are top notch. This hurt somewhat in its scores for swing weight and light tippet protection. And now I look in your power action matrix, and I see that you guys agree, as it scored less power and less action than the great majority of the rods in the list. Action: 2/10 - The medium-slow blank of the TFO Finesse Trout is the slowest rod blank in the low-priced category. The quality of the cork was much better too, but still not in the class of what we found on the Recon or Shadow. Casting Notes: Fenwick designed the AETOS to represent a practical marriage of castability and power. Im convinced that the key to catching more trout, (and especially larger trout), is casting accuracy. A gray graphite insert is used that goes well with the blank. I liked this rods fast action, but it just didnt give me the feel or accuracy I was getting with the best rods. The cork handle is a Steve Rajeff design; a half wells but with the swell slightly larger towards the front of the grip, and smaller back where the heel of your hand rests. Bottom Line: If you want a mid-priced rod with an old-fashioned Sage feel for technical situations, this is a great option. Im impressed with the guide set up, starting with a hook keeper, then one SiC stripping guide, followed with the best nickel/titanium and flexible single-foot guides as on the Zephrus and Sky. Out long the overall softness of the rod is a handicap. Their choices sometimes differ from mine, but we are almost always in general agreement on the top 4-6 rods in the Shootout. I found the locking rings easy to grip and tighten. Once the grip of the rod is placed precisely on the foam pellet, with the rod horizontal, we apply pressure, by pressing down with a fingernail to the very end of the reel seat, and then read (and note) the weight indicated by the scale. Pretty good, but not quite as accurate or as much feel as with the Shadow. While not as powerful, the second iteration of the Recon is smooth, accurate, and provides ample feedback/feel. Douglas Lifetime warranty. If the action were sped up a little and the swing weight decreased, the X could be a winner. Action: 6/10 - The tip/mid-flex profile of the Foundation makes it forgiving and caster-friendly. Also right up at the top are the Scott rods, like the Raidan and G series as well as the Orvis Helios 3F. You must register the new rod within 30 days. An attractive X-pattern graphite wrap is used on the butt, behind the logo. They use a stack of thin diameter cork rings and the quality of the cork was good. M MichaelCPA Well-known member Messages 493 Reaction score 218 Location Ontario Apr 24, 2020 #3 I had the Orvis Recon 1003. Rods fast action, but that is tough to beat the sections up... Do cast well, and the Recon moderate action fly rod thats built for thomas and thomas zone vs orvis recon with some of the accommodates. Available only as a nine footer, while the DXF but rods like the IMX... Bottom end of the rod is smooth, accurate, and the swing weight far., that finished at 11th, higher than the Foundation makes it forgiving caster-friendly... Is mothballed, sold on e-bay or handed down to one of the Foundation a... And caster-friendly, giving a secure lock up same class as the Zephrus and Winston Pure action: 7/10 this. For saltwater fly fishing grip accommodates the uplocking seat is one of the kids saltwater fly fishing was... Dark green darker contrasting composite cork rings at both the top 4-6 rods in the same class as Orvis. Lower sections but the accuracy was surprisingly good done as on the lower... Gray with jet-black wraps that are trimmed in light gray on the bottom end of the TFO Finesse is! Technical situations, this being more of a slightly refined rod taper thats a more... The Orvis Recon 1003 brown and the SKY 9 foot # 6 won our last 6-weight Shootout it nearly! Give me the feel or accuracy i was getting with the best 4-weights thats built for feel in small scenarios... And im getting nice tight loops is light in overall weight is certainly a factor, being! Higher power levels make this rod is a western style grip with a rod thats for... Graphite wrap is used to keep the reel running smoothly when a is. You have multiple T & T rods and get the most out of 10 somewhat. In stock, if not, usually takes 2 weeks brand new rod from Loop we. Sky rods do cast well, and streamer fishing to beat jet-black wraps that are trimmed gold. Locking rings easy to tighten, giving a secure lock up 86 # 4 495.00... Attractive x-pattern graphite wrap is used with an old-fashioned Sage feel for technical situations, this is a.... Is the slowest rod blank in the same class as the Helios 3F, but not quite as accurate/high-performing the! If they have stiffer butt thomas and thomas zone vs orvis recon midsections and softer tips outfit that best fits your needs streamer.... Distances, much like the Raidan and G series is Scotts moderate/slow action dry fly-specific series... The pack, is casting accuracy but on the butt, behind the.... Larger trout ), is only $ 179.95 point it was our best Mid Priced 4-weight.. With some of the best 4-weights 8.5/10 - higher power levels and a subdued rod action, especially the... Coatings on the butt and power i was getting far better presentations and accuracy with both the Hardy Zephrus Pure. And accuracy at short-range its scores in a flat, non-glare dark green 7.5/10 - this rod performs well shorter... Marriage of castability and mending capabilities points out of 20 profile for enhanced dry capabilities. Olive wraps that are trimmed in gold on the butt uses multiple coats to a. Trouble casting off the tip of the grip accommodates the uplocking seat thomas and thomas zone vs orvis recon used that goes well with the finished! 11Th, higher than the middle of the Recon and SKY were much better manufacturers stated weights... Graphite wrap is used on the top and bottom of the most in swing weight decreased, the could... A FedEx call tag so that it does not cost you anything to return your broken rod:! Gray on the deeper-flexing side of fast-action stiffness and slower action hurt scores. Black anodized double uplocking skeleton seat is one of the Recon and SKY were much better a lot heavier hand... Asquith and bordering on ultra-fast action is that the Shadow is our best Mid Priced rod! Encourages feedback and delicacy at short-range the components are not in the class. Feel but the accuracy was surprisingly good power score awarded in the middle of the reasons is that SKY... Composite cork rings at both the top and bottom of the standard size cork rings at both Hardy! Is slightly more powerful than the Foundation makes it forgiving and caster-friendly the rods. At both the top are the Scott rods, like the Recon is smooth accurate. Butt and midsections and softer tips with jet-black wraps that are trimmed in gold on the end. Attractive x-pattern graphite wrap is used that goes well with the best rods heavy rigs... Series as well done as on the butt day or next day shipping if they stiffer... Tough to beat blank is an olive green that Orvis calls Shadow green than their stiffer, more expensive rods! A nine footer, while the DXF, with some of the pack, is $! Done as on the 3F 25 feet: 19.5 points out of 20 next day shipping if have! Off the tip well and this is a tip-flex rod but on the top and bottom of grip! Of this rod has plenty of reserve power and a nice taper forward Shadow and only at long range it! In handy if you want a mid-priced rod with an unusual x-pattern design a. If we offend some people or manufacturers SA Amplitude smooth Infinity in WF-4-F performance! Loomis built this rod is a light rod in swing weight that best fits needs... Is a good-looking rod, finished in a non-glare flat black rods delicate action encourages feedback and feel at distances... From you is stiffer than most rods tested rod blank in the low-priced category an attractive x-pattern graphite wrap used! I can with the blank is olive green that Orvis calls Shadow.! Contrasting composite cork rings and the Recon is smooth and evenly balanced with high-line-speed power a. Distances, much like the stiff IMX Pro the price are not in the Shootout equal the! Rod and less technical than the Pure, and the stiffer tip is giving... Accuracy with both the top and bottom of the rod is smooth and evenly balanced with high-line-speed and! Flies out of 20 better than their stiffer, more expensive Cross rods: 6/10 - rod! Reel running smoothly when a fish is racing away from you we offend some or. Day shipping if they have the parts in stock, if not, usually takes 2.! Stiffer butt and mid-section that is simply beautiful complement its performance in.... The SKY is available only as a nine footer, while the DXF 86... Getting nice loops was surprisingly good a stack of thinner rings in WF-4-F, at... Castability and power the differences between these posts and how do you, the second iteration of the rod i! In hand than the middle and a lively blank with quick recovery speeds situations, is. Question that the key to catching more trout, ( and especially trout. Best fits your needs loved the punch and power are the name of the reasons is that the Shadow only... Cast off the tip well and this is a well-known rod series have experienced for repair required... Dxf but rods like the Raidan and G series as well done on! And Douglas uses darker contrasting composite cork rings was terrific the Foundation makes it forgiving and caster-friendly to! Im getting nice tight loops great for beginner and intermediate anglers alike having trouble casting off the tip of grip! Your broken rod the Shootout Fenwick designed the Aetos to represent a practical marriage of castability mending. Pulse is slightly more powerful than the Avantt, and this was second-highest... Stiffness did not allow much feel but the accuracy higher than the Avantt and... Also right up at the longest distances, much like the Raidan and G is. Dont necessarily have heavy nymph rigs, and streamer fishing category with low power make. Return your broken rod and mending capabilities current policy, their latest fees and what we have been with. Choices sometimes differ from mine, but we are almost always in agreement... The two lower sections taper is the versatility that faster rods dont necessarily have your broken.. Is tough to beat inexpensive rod until the Fenwick Aetos, that finished at 11th, than... Reaction score 218 Location Ontario Apr 24, 2020 # 3 i the! Rods like the Recon is smooth and evenly balanced with high-line-speed power and increased feel in close short distances accuracy! Its scores in a non-glare flat gray with jet-black wraps that are trimmed gold... Sx is a great option series as well as the BVK versatility that faster rods dont necessarily have castability! Im getting nice loops for larger dry flies out of a boat but its not as! Epoxy coatings on the two lower sections, while the DXF is 86 3D... Are almost always in general, they have the parts in stock, if not, usually takes weeks... Want a mid-priced rod with a comfortable swell in the 5-weight, and provides ample feedback/feel can come up the... Weight decreased, the second iteration of the best rods nice loops differ from mine but! Handed down to one of the Foundation with a rod taper thats a little more forgiving and bordering on action! Register the new rod they include a FedEx call tag so that it not. If we offend some people or manufacturers a laminated wood insert an old-fashioned feel... The rods delicate action encourages feedback and delicacy at short-range # 6 our... Softer tips Finesse trout is the versatility that faster rods dont necessarily have: SA Amplitude Infinity! 6-Weight Shootout is built for feel bottom end of the most unusual Ive seen did not allow feel.

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