Expert: Thomas F. Thornhill - 12/27/2004

Question
I have had a Orvis T3, Sage XP, St Croix Legend Ultra, and maybe a 1/2 dozen other fly rods in my hands. Of all these rods I like the Orvis T3, but understand that there are many more different rods out there. I am not a rich person and with there price tag I need to choose a all around rod.  I perfer a 9ft 5wt fast action 2 piece rod. Can you give me some advice other than what the manufacture tells me? Thank YOU fish5478

Answer
Steven
I'm not a fly fisherman, but I have built many fly rods for the different companies I work for. Fly rods, like all other rods, tend to be priced according to the name on the rod.  There are many lower priced rods that may work for you, but be aware that they also use cheaper components. The companies you mention all make a fine product and you seem to have made your choice with the Orvis. It's all a matter of what you like. Just go out and look at as many rods as you can and pick the one you like the most.

Thomas F. Thornhill