Ready for an upgrade: I've been fishing a Cortland CL 8'6" 5wt for a few years and am starting to feel the limitations of this rod. Looking for a med-fast to fast 9' 5wt. 4 piece that I can cast on bigger water or windy days, yet not give up too much of the "feel" for small streams or short casts. Basically I'm looking for a utility rod that will handle most situations, I'm a "one rod" kind of guy and I don't mind spending up to $400-500 for one that will last a decade or two.

I've been looking at: the Scott E2 and A2, the Sage VT2, and the G Loomis metolius.

I'm planning on making a trip to a shop to test these out, but I would also like some options in the used market. Problem is; I don't know anything about the older models from Scott, Sage, Winston etc., got any suggestions? Also, are there other places to search for used rods besides here and ebay?

I am a proponent of used equipment ...
I like the older rods
Winston IM-6
Scott G series
T&T LPS
Sage LL
can't get these new....
Later,
Peter

I have made some great buys buying used but it has to be a really good deal. I find most folks don't take care of their stuff as well as I do.
I love my Orvis Superfine Far and Fine I got for $75 from a guy who didnt like the rod...I cleaned the grip and it looks new. The best part.....I have fallen in love with it.

Don't forget to check out the Winston Boron. Heard nothing but good things about it.

Thanks for the tips guys, I will keep my eyes peeled for a good deal

kjc,

I am not familiar with the rod you have been fishing so I am not able to compare others to it.

Your interest in a 4pc rod means you don't need to be familiar with the older models since most of them are 2 pc and 3 pc models.

If you stick to second hand, ebay or this forum, your price range will get you into any rod by the major rod manufacturers.

I would check out the Winston Boron IIx (I would consider it to be a medium-fast action with a soft tip), and the Scott S3 (a bit faster action with a stiffer tip).

My .02,

CG

I have a wonderful Scott 844 5 piece older & better....
they know their product.
later,
Peter

Personally, I would buy new. With a new rod, you can get a lifetime warranty. I can't see that as being a bad thing. You said $400-$500 is no problem. You could get a brand new rod, with the warranty for less than $200 (St. Croix Avid, $150-$200; Sage Luanch, $170-$200)


I don't know what you prefer, but repair/replacement for lifetime (postage the only cost) is a big selling point to me(especially if it covers accidental damage).

Good luck,

Lil' Brook Trout

KJC,
In the Sage line of rods and under your criteria I'd recommend the 590SLT-4pc rod. But it's a bit more than $500. Good-luck!

Well, I got impatient and ended up buying a St Croix legend ultra 9ft 5 piece 5wt. and paired it with a Ross rhythm reel. I took it down to the Crooked River in Oregon last weekend and had a blast casting this rod.

I dont have much experience with most of the high end rod manufacturers' products, but I did compare this rod side by side with a G Loomis rod (the streamdance metolius), and found the quality of the make and the action of the St Croix to be superior in my humble opinion.

Anyone else a fan of the legend ultra out there?

Also, thanks for all of your replies.

kjc

Hey wow! the Crooked River? Now that's interesting. I live just over the cliffs above the stream. Wasn't it quite fast, high & dirty? Though I think the weather was finally on your side.
I'm hopin' for some light winds tomorrow.
Later,
Peter

Yeah, it was high, dirty and every five casts you had to break the ice out of your guides, but we had a good time down there.

I live a ways away (tri-cities, WA), but my buddy read somewhere that the Crooked has some good winter action so we thought we'd give it a shot. You got some beautiful country down there.

On the way back up we checked out Smith Rock and the Painted Hills, they were both pretty spectacular. By the way, you ever fish the Donner and Blitzen?

kjc

Yep, that's why I moved here... it is beautiful country.
& looks as if the rumor is working... the Crooked in the winter. Met a guy from Beaverton yesterday who had heard the same rumor.
Later,
Peter