I saw an interesting thread a couple of weeks ago regarding classic rods.
I thought this was an interesting topic so I am asking here what you consider to be not only "classic" but "iconic" 2 handed rods.
I think that we would probably put the Sage Brownie into that category, but what else in your opinion qualifies?
I'm really interested in what people's thought are.
G loomis 3 piece glx classic spey rods 13 and 15 foot, set new standards in fast action shooting head rods still up there with the best shooting head rods ever made
Not vintage in any sense, but now out of production - the much beloved dec hogan echo Spey rods ( or decos for short). They are kind of “classic” in that they have a much more old-timey action than is at all popular today. Also in that many people still actively seek them out any worry about their’s breaking now that they don’t make them. So iconic for sure.
I think the Meiser MKS rods are clearly iconic as well since they stand apart and are a certain kind of gold standard. For a particular rod ( one that has its own nickname) the EVE or Highlander classic 14’ 7/8/9 is very iconic and famous. Both of those are still in production, though with new materials.
I’d put the Sage SLT single hand rod in there. I have a two handed conversion rod made out of one so maybe that qualifies but I mostly just use the SH. It’s all taste of course but many people will say this is the best rod sage ever made. But one mans ambrosia is another’s poison. I suspect many of the people that say that do so in direct opposition to sages offerings the past decade. But that one is also one that I and I know a lot of people would happily be buried with.
The TCX rods have the “distinction” of being in a large group of people’s most loved rod list, while also being on another equally large (if not larger) group of people’s most disliked spey rods list. Very difficult to ever duplicate that combo, so maybe that qualifies it as “iconic” all by itself, but I suppose it’s a special example of the poison vs. ambrosia split.
Well, in my short time Spey fishing I owned a Scott ARC 1287. All I can say is that if this model ever comes up for sale in any classifieds id sell a kidney for it!
Sounds like there is a story there my friend, as you make it sound like the girl that got away. “Owned”, past tense? Do you need to confess? Did you sell your “one rod to rule them all” before you realized what you had? :tsk_tsk: :Eyecrazy:
I do know for a fact that many people are looking for a kidney, so....
Thanks Duggan, you kick started my brain and reminded me about my Meiser 13' 6/7/8 Highlander .... it is totally "iconic" in my opinion :smokin::smokin:
I have only been at this for 10 or so years so not in a position to say what is iconic, but those who I fish with who have been at it for decades all seem to have the same trifecta of burkies
7134
8142
9145
Much the same way, I am surprised nobody has mentioned the Guideline LeCie 3 piece rods. I would do un-holy things to own a 13'7" 9/10. I cast one back in 2009 and have lusted for it ever since.
Another iconic rod not listed is one that I believe Goran Andersson designed, a 12'3" rod rated for 32-34 grams. It has been copied by Winston, Beulah, and I believe B&W. I owned the Winston variant and it is a rod that is absurdly good. Folks love the the Death Star, this rod is Rogue 5, the rebel that killed the Death Star.
I'm biased for sage because I have a few that I purchased on this site. I have the brownie , the GIII ,the GIV , the tcx and the zaxis . My favorite the zaxis 7130-4 , which wasn't mentioned but I like it a lot. If it's not Classic it should be.
Someone mentioned warranty I have no warranties on any of these rods ,so sad. I'm not worried about it though I'll suffer the loss if need be.
If my dollar would be near that US dollar I'd have more. Reels too!
Of the four rods in the CND Solstice series, I own two and have fished with a third. It could be that the 15' 2" 7/8 is a dog, but I'd bet against it, sight unseen. They are smooth, deceptively powerful medium flex rods with rapid rebound, and very well dressed. Definitely classic, probably iconic. Ain't no fleas on the new CND series, either.
I will give you two other rod series from this side of the pond.
Sharpes of Aberdeen "The Scottie" a bamboo rod with thru action, durable and a joy to cast/fish with. My favorite "Scottie" is the spliced 12' #8 DH.
Bruce and Walker, I will pick the Hexagraph series of fly rods both single and double handed. I really like the "Bruce" rods that have a deeper more thru action.. Hexagraph story
Gordon Bennet jonken,you must have a very special mindset to be a fan of Hexograph rods.Not in any way shape or form amongst B+W's best efforts!.Most UK Anglers are of the impression they're at their best holding the washing up!.
I had two, both Falkus items, the 15ft 4 ins. 11/12 Sunk Line Special and the 15ft Light Line No.7..The former was a dog of a rod, the latter was a pure gem!.
Yorkie.
As always I find my own path. The B&W Hexagraph Salmon/Seatrout 10'6" #7-9 was a beauty (golden brown) and a gem, I regret selling that one..
For me it's a clear classic if Hexagraph rods today almost 40 years after first presented on the marked is still produced by B&W.
Thanks for all the responses.
I was hoping that folks found this thread interesting.
Many of the rods listed were expected I believe, with some interesting additions.
Well, a "classic" series has to be the Beulah Classic 12'7 7/8 and 11'6 6/7.
I have had both and enjoyed both. I still have the 6/7. If I could fish just one rod (of the rods I have experience with, of course), winter and summer, this would be it. It never disappoints me.
Sage 3 piece 6126; paired with the original steelhead scandi
T&T 1307 and 1510; paired with CND GPS lines
Winston BIIx 7133; paired with the original Delta Spey with tips
Any of the Clan rods; some of the best Spey rods ever made. Paired with CND GPS or Gaelforce lines.
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