I'm in the market for a new 6wt (after mine had an unfortunate accident). The problem is, I usually lean towards an Orvis rod, but now I'm not so sure. I'm not looking to break the bank on this ($200 or less), so wondering if anyone has a preference on maker. Any suggestions?

You didn't say what you are fishing for, or whether you are looking for a fast, medium-fast, or medium action rod. In your price range, I would recommend a TFO TICR for a fast rod. The rod has tons of power, and is very smooth. Great for casting in wind, or long distances. The TICRX is a little more, and even stronger. In both of these rods, the 5wt is as strong as some 6wts. I have the 6wt TICRX, and it is a cannon. If I want, I can cast a 7wt line with ease.

Try the TFO Finesse series if you want a slower action. Very similar to a Scott G (maybe a little faster). A very smooth rod if you need a rod of the presentation type.

You can find some great deals on eBay for all rods. I have bought some Sage and Scott rods that are $450 rods in the $200 range. The Scott E rods are great fast action rods, and can sometimes be found in the $250 range on eBay.

Whatever you do, try to cast any rod before you buy it. If you are looking on eBay, try to find the same rod in a retail store first. Bottom line is that everyone has a different casting stroke, and a rod I like may not be your cup of tea. Good Luck!!

OOPS! Forgot that info- I live on the east coast and do a lot of pond/ stream fishing...trout, bass, whatever I can get to hit the surface. I am looking for a faster rod and something good in a breeze. I'll definitely be hitting the stores to try out some rods and just take a look, but I certainly like to know if anyone has a preference over particular rods.

albright rods has a 50% off sale going on at www.albrighttackle.com ( I think that's the link) I just bought a 5 pc 5 wt for my son for 45.00( meridian) they have some for 110.00 or so after 50% off,and some others that went for 75.00 after discount. Have heard some decent reviews but I've never foished one myself but for 50.00 shipped I don't care where my son takes it.
Best,
Steve

i would say get a tfo pro. (or a tfo lefty kreh signature series if you want a cheaper slower rod) they have a medium fast/fast action with a good soft tip. you'll be able to punch casts out in the wind but yet deliver that ever delicate presentation to a rising trout. they're a great value and they've got the best warranty in the business - send in $25 with your rod and they'll replace it or fix it whatever the reason it was broken. i actually think i'm gonna get one once my 9' 5 wt. gives out, or i want a 6 wt. have fun out there and good luck with your search!

[/quote] albright rods has a 50% off sale going on at www.albrighttackle.com ( I think that's the link) I just bought a 5 pc 5 wt for my son for 45.00( meridian) they have some for 110.00 or so after 50% off,and some others that went for 75.00 after discount. Have heard some decent reviews but I've never foished one myself but for 50.00 shipped I don't care where my son takes it.
Best,
Steve
[/quote]

One may take a chance on them, but then be aware that there are reports of broken rods, more so than "normal" I believe. They are constructed from very high modulus graphite with an outside scrim I´m told. I thought of buying a two-handed rod at the discounted price but changed my mind. Warranties probably none or worthless? Who knows?

With so many very good alternatives I would consider these. Medium priced rods have improved so much in the past few years, thus it´s possible to find nice rods without any discount. Or maybe some discontinued "premium" rod like Sage XP? But then you probably have to pay same more.

Albright rods was founded in the summer of 2003 and the EXS range seems to be built on the same mandrels used for the Redington Nti´s (Which some say were produced by CD-rods in New Zealand). As the former president of Redington was one of the co-founders it´s likely that he tried to improve on the Nti rods that according to many had excellent casting abilities. From what I have read he improved the outer scrim but kept the tapers. Redington Nti rods were known to be too brittle and many breakages were reported. Although Murhpy denies the Albright EXS to be prone to break, I may guess that negative publicity (fair or unfair) contributed to Albright now seems (to me) to step out of market.

A somewhat heated debate is taken place here, and I have seen others reports of breakages, but now we come done to the interesting question of statistically significance! Hi Steve!

http://www.reel-time.com/forum/archive/ind...hp/t-38227.html

I just read that you are looking for a rod for small lake/pond conditions for bass, trout, or anything that will hit the surface. I am making the assumption that you want the 6 weight to handle big wind resistant flies like poppers and big deer hair flies. A fast rod with a stiff butt section would be the ticket.

Before you make a choice, consider a couple of factors. First, consider how well the rod casts. It has to feel good to you. I would tie on the biggest, puffiest yarn indicator to the end of the leader to simulate a wind resistant fly. Try it with a 6 weight line. Try it with a 7 weight line. Maybe an 8 weight line? You might actually prefer it uplined. Next, consider the warranty. A lifetime warranty is better than a one year warranty or no warranty. For example, Sage, Scott, TFO, Winston, T&T, Beulah, Redington, and some other players in the business will repair or replace a broken rod for a handling fee that is a fraction of the cost of a rod (usually $30 to $50). FYI Sage, Redington, and TFO have the fastest warranty turnaround times.

I'll let the other board members chime in with specific rods.

AbelBoy

Magnolia,
Statistics--....."lies and damn lies". Interesting thread. I'd have some reservations also with a higher weight rod but, once again, a 5 pc 5 wt for 45.00 ,my son can use it for emergency tent poles if he wants.
Seriously,I am amazed at how many people break rods.In all my years of fishing, which includes years of 200 plus days per year on the water, I've never broken a rod. However, the other caveat is, I've generally used good quality rods.
Best,
Steve

May I add about warranties. Chances are that the breakage of the rod under warranty will happen by the time your model is discontinued. You will in case be offered an new model to a reduced price. How much reduced could be of interest.

Keeping to a well-known brand is the safe way for warranties. The company in question will likely survive.

Casting into a strong head wind challenges your casting ability. FWW I would chose a fast action rod that still have a "feeling" to it. I would not over line it as this would probably decrease the line speed that overcomes the wind. For sure some rods are classified wrongly by the manufacturer. Proof for this is to be found in some common cent charts. By staying away from rods that are rated for a #4 line but in reality needs a #7 line we consumers act for a reasonable development and this is of importance not at least for our beginners.

Underlining a rod (reasonable rated) could be a way for a skilled caster to gain line speed. But then I expect the average caster will complain about loss of "feel".

Steve said it best... my experience is two rods broken in the past 17+ years... one when my wife smacked the butt section with a weighted fly & the second 15 years later, when I slipped going down a steep grade. the first was a new rod with a "warranty" that replaced the butt section only with a newer version of the original rod.
I had learned early on, as Steve stated, a better quality used rod for about what a fair new rod costs is the way I roll. My T&T LPS rod that broke cost me $150 the repair (good manufacturers will repair rods for non-original owners) would have been $175... for the same money I bought a used Winston WT... so there you have it.
later,
Peter

Broke two rods in about 30 years. One went into a bicycle wheel...
Probably no idea for us decent and caring people to have the break warranty which of course is an insurance (and no free lunch). So it should be nice to be able to chose it or deduct some cash. Some blokes break their rods voluntarily.
An other question is if it´s possible to wear a rod out; i.e. that the casting properties will degenerate if someone fishes and practice a lot. In case, at least a good reason to own many rods. Yes they can be worn out I think.

..Just throwing another $.01 into the fire to keep ya' thinking;-)..a quality rod maker's "medium action" #5wt rod with a little length (8'6"-9') can throw a ton of line! ..with control. With this said...many of the Med-Fast linespeed rods are great!
I just think that sometimes the designation of "medium-action" gets a kind of bad rap...from manufacturers...as often their medium-action rods just aren't that good(opinion..) When the wind has picked up..it's never blowing at a constant tempo...it's most always blustery at times...always varying. A "medium" -action rod could allow you to time your backcast transitioning into the forward cast more accurately...thus giving you less time errors.(Just throwing that out there...for you to think about when you try a rod out!...Demo...Demo...Demo!
What some fishermen forget when it becomes windy...they begin to muscle their casts...while using too much line on the backcast...which overloads the rod and they usually try to compensate by overpowering the forward casts...instead of simply "shooting" line.
...But just get what puts the biggest smile on your face....you're the one using it!
Best of Luck....
Steve