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Cabelas LSI switch/spey?

7K views 16 replies 14 participants last post by  808steelheader 
#1 ·
Anybody have any experience with these rods?
 
#3 ·
Same doubt!

I would like to introduce myself as an intermediate fly fisherman that knows nothing but theory about double hand casting.

Most of my fishing areas do not allow back casting at all. We catch pan fishes (1-2 lb) with dry flies and ideally should be able to reach over 50-60' distance.

As far as equipment size, we have fun (lifting) with #5 to #6, med-fast action single hand fly fishing rods.

Summarizing:
Small fish, panfish floater flies, long distance and no back casting space.

Questions:
1. LSi switch #6 or #7? Wouldn't #7 be too heavy for such fishes?
2. They are medium action, aren't they?
3. Line specs?

Thanks for your help!
 
#4 ·
I have 2 Cabela's LSi rods. The action is closer to fast action. I like the way they cast.

For grain weights refer to Airflo/Rio web pages for appropriate lines. I use Airflo Rage lines on mine.

I bought both my rods from Cabela's web page bargain cave for $150.00 each. If I had to pay full price I'd rather spend a few extra dollars and get an Echo rod. The Cabela's rods cast great but as would be expected for the price, have cheap components and cosmetics.

That being said I would definitely recommend the rods at the bargain cave price for someone who wanted to get into spey casting cheap or as a back up rod.

For the poster wanting a spey rod for panfish the Echo SR 3wt would be better suited for your needs. Even that rod would be slightly more rod that you need. It's the equivalent of of a stiff 5 wt single hand rod.
 
#5 ·
I ended up getting the 11'6" 8 weight switch shortly after posting the original post. It was a nice fast action rod and agree the components weren't the best, but i really liked the thin profile of the cork. The rod excelled with a 510 skagit switch. I no longer have the rod but would recommend it especially when they go on the sale price as an intro or backup.... no experience with the rest of the LSI 2 handers.
 
#9 ·
Go Godshall - if you are willing to spend a few extra bucks

These rods can't be matched and Steve is an expert at matching the line to the rod. I have two now, an 11' 6wt. switch with a 330gr Scandi and a 10' 6 wt. single hand with a switch handle extension. They make great, big trout/steelhead rods for the rivers I fish such as the Sacramento, Trinity and the Truckee in California. They are great swinging rods and set up with an indicator nicely as well. I am not a rep for Godshall rods, they were recommended to me by a guide friend and I have found them to be a pleasure to cast, of the highest quality workmanship and Steve's customer service is first rate. If you would like one, you can contact him at stevegodshall@charter.net. My 11' 6 wt, with reel, backing and scandi fly line and several sinking heads (T-8, T-11, T14, a couple of polys and a nice leader wallet was $750 3 years ago). I just got the new 10' 6 wt with Switch handle extension for $500.

Trev
 
#11 ·
Gotta agree with DrBob on the single handed rods. I have Sage and Winston rods that sit my trunk while I fish the Cabela's rods in some situations. What surprises me is that I have Cabela's rods that sell for less than the LSi that have nicer loking components. Overall, though, the Cabela's rods are a great buy for the money.
 
#13 ·
I have been using three different LSI switch and spey rods for the last 7-8 years: 5 wt 10'6", 8 wt 11'4" and a 13' 8 wt spey. I could not be happier. I especially like the 5 wt as it is equally good as switch or overhand rod. Small and large trout, steelhead and some very large Chinook brought to hand with no issues at all. I think the components and finish are first rate actually. I live in Thailand now and the 5 wt is perfect for Chao Phraya Giant Catfish in the 5-12 kg range in the Chao Phraya river and canals. Headed out next month to try for Mekong Giant Catfish in the 50 kg+ range with the 8 wts. Had some fun with the 5 wt chasing Mahseer and Giant Snakehead as well. Going to try the salt water down south after monsoon. I would rather spend my dollars traveling and fishing in new places as opposed to spending dollars for labels. I've got some Orvis, some Winston and Sage rods rattling around in storage in the US. I brought the LSI's with me when I moved here.
 
#14 ·
I have not fished an LSi, but unlike most off-brand rods from Asia, with Cabela's you may get decent warranty service. In my experience, rods from China may cast wonderfully but are more easily broken and while China can ship rods to the U.S. for pennies, you can't and the wait would be maddening. Cabela's claims they upped the durability of the LSi's, I suspect by increasing scrim. Likely about the best low-priced rods out there.
 
#15 ·
I own two of them. A 5 wt. and a 13' 8 wt. Great rods to cut your teeth on. I have no complaints about their function. My experience with the 5 wt. matches that of xeniv23 and it is still one of my favorites to use. It seems to handle everything from a 360 gr. Skagit to a Rio Scandi Body with he appropriate tips and a Ballistic Vector when I feel like using the equivalent of a mid belly line for that rod length. I have since acquired so many other rods that the LSI's don't get the use they did when I first obtained them but I am always impressed when I do use them again. Current use is primarily as loaners and back up rods. If you can get them I would not hesitate.
 
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